Alpine County is the least populated county in California, sitting south of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada. It is essentially one large mountain playground — fabulous hiking, fishing, and skiing in winter, with some of the most beautiful high-altitude scenery in the state.
Grover Hot Springs State Park near the county seat of Markleeville has natural hot mineral pools that are especially satisfying after a long day on the trail. In autumn, the aspen forests along Monitor Pass and in Hope Valley turn brilliant gold — one of the best fall foliage displays in California, and far less crowded than the better-known spots.