Hope Valley is on the eastern side of Carson Pass in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Its lack of development is one of its greatest features. Visitors scanning the meadows see almost nothing but unspoiled beauty, from its meandering West Carson River to its mountain peaks. Its high elevation makes for good, clear, skies. There are a number of campgrounds and resorts in the area. An EarthSky community member wrote: “Hope Valley is a very dark mountainous forest in the Sierra Nevada and, at more than 7,000 feet (2.1 km) above sea level, provides a wonderful view of the night sky. Just pick any open meadow in Hope Valley….you will be amazed. But, bring a warm jacket…even in the summer time it gets a little chilly.”
Deborah Byrd
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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.