Alturas, CA

united states

Alturas is California's remote northeastern outpost, a ranching town of 2,700 at 4,370 feet elevation. Reach it via US 395 from Reno (130 miles north) or Susanville (85 miles south), or take SR 299 west from Redding when winter snow permits. The town anchors a vast cattle and farming region. Look for the vintage neon "Brass Rail" sign on Main Street, a preserved piece of 1950s motel history.