The backside of the Sierra Nevada mountains, along scenic byway U.S. 395, offers all the above and is California's best kept secret.

The region offers skiing, hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, kayaking, rock hounding, plus ghost towns, hot springs and just plain relaxing around a campfire - be it in the woods or at a nice lodge.

The best way to get there is to go up Highway 50 or 88 and head south on U.S. 395.

During the summer months from Memorial Day weekend to November, this area is accessible via Route 120 through Yosemite's Tioga Pass, Route 108 over Sonora Pass or Route 88/89 over Monitor Pass.

If you're coming from South Tahoe or Reno, going south on U.S. 395 you cross into Alpine County at the California/Nevada border and travel through the Walker Valley. This is a popular fishing area known for its wild trout. Just north is Topaz Lake which is good for fishing, water skiing and camping.

The Walker River canyon offers plenty of camp sites and the relaxing sounds of river waters nearby.

Further south we exit the canyon and hit the junction of Highway 108 toward Sonora pass. This area is spectacular with its waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. During busy weekends, one can find numerous hidden campsites tucked away in the national forest.

Beyond that junction, we come into the Mono County seat of Bridgeport that celebrates an annual Fourth of July parade. Nearby are Twin Lakes, nestled against the Hoover Wilderness bordering Yosemite National Park.

Continuing south toward Lee Vining and Mono Lake is Bodie, a ghost town worth the detour. You should plan for at least three hours to visit Bodie. Photographers worldwide have come here to take advantage of the unique qualities of this ghost town.

One of the most scenic overlooks on U.S. 395 is the view above Mono Lake. This giant volcanic caldera is another photographers dream. Salt towers adorn this saline lake and it is a popular kayaking destination.

At Lee Vining, the intersection of Highway 120 takes you toward Tioga pass to the east entrance of Yosemite National Park. The road is a steep steady grade, but the view is phenomenal.

Highway 120 continues east toward Benton, through national forest that is rarely visited during the summer months. Along this route are numerous remote campsites for those that need to escape the throngs of campers on the other side of the Sierras.

Continuing south on U.S. 395, there is June Lake loop and the town of Mammoth. Here are multiple trailheads that head into to the Ansel Adams wilderness for backpackers and horse packers.

Mammoth has an airport where daily commercial flights come in from San Jose, Reno and Los Angeles.

When the snow finally melts in Mammoth, mountain bikers take advantage of the ski lifts for endless downhill runs at this year round resort.

Crowley Lake and Convict Lake offer excellent fishing and there are numerous hot springs around Mammoth.

Continuing the drive south on U.S. 395 toward Bishop, we drop from 7,000 feet to 4,000 feet as we enter the Owens Valley. One can marvel at the 6,000-foot-tall granite monoliths on your descent into Bishop - truly an amazing sight.

The adventure continues south after Bishop through the Owens Valley. To the east and south is Death Valley National Park and to the west are multiple trailheads heading into Kings Canyon National Park along the back wall of the Sierras.

Take the time to explore this magnificent region. You will be amazed and become addicted to what this area has to offer for the weekend adventurer.

Chuck Weber Chuck Weber is with Christopher Travel, 16375 Monterey Hwy #N, Morgan Hill. Contact him at 776-7818 or e-mail cw@christophertravel.com.