California Guide
Mountains and Deserts

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Where to Go - Mountains

Sierra Nevada Mountains***
These high alpine mountains run for half the length of the state and rise dramatically from the fertile greenery of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys in the west, dropping to the inhospitable barren stretches of the Great Basin and Mojave deserts in the east and south.
Yosemite National Park*** [pic above left] one of the most popular parks in the country; massive trees, big waterfalls [tho' not if it's a dry summer], monstrous monolithic rocks and huge crowds can be found in Yosemite Valley, but head up to the hundreds of miles of trails around beautiful, alpine Tuolumne Meadows and similar areas to escape from the masses. Yosemite Pictures and more information.
Sequoia and King's Canyon National Parks** right next to each other so treat as one experience.
See the world's largest tree, the General Sherman in the Giant Forest, and the General Grant in its namesake Grove, climb Moro Rock for the views and enter the massive Crystal Cave.
Lake Tahoe* cut through by the California and Nevada border is this massive lake amongst the mountains.
Lake Tahoe - Nevada State Park and DL Bliss State Park for hiking, and beaches but avoid the charmless southern shores.

Cascade Range**
This rather fiery volcanic mountain range extends all the way from northern California through Oregon, Washington and into British Columbia, Canada.

Mt Shasta* for hiking and mountain biking plus skiing in the winter, Mcloud on its slopes is a pleasant base.
Lassen Volcanic National Park* miles of lava flows and craters, could save a trip to Iceland.
Lava Beds National Monument* geothermal hot spots, smelly vents and caves, plus Lassen Peak, the biggest plugged volcano in the world.

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Where to Go - Deserts

Mojave Desert**
The smallest desert in North America is also the most extreme, handle with care, it will melt you if given the chance; visit in spring?

Joshua Tree National Park*** [pic above right] - a striking park of strange wind-twisted Joshua trees [yuccas], cacti galore, big piles of granite rocks and some discreet wildlife. Hike or mountain bike, plus it's got great, cheap camping and some of the best rock climbing in the state. Joshua Tree Pictures and more information

Death Valley National Park** a massive park with plenty of striking, diverse scenery and record-breaking heat. But treat it with respect...or the paramedics may be treating you for dehydration. Death Valley Pictures and more information

Sonoran Desert*
The overall hottest desert which reaches into Arizona and also Mexico, where it takes its name from the state of Sonora. Cacti in abundance, visit during spring for cooler weather and flowers in some parts.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park* east of San Diego just above the Mexican border, some good hiking routes and 4WD tracks, self-sufficiency required, the real thing.
Palm Springs not much in the way of sights but an exclusive place to relax, with pools and air con to keep the desert heat at bay.
Truly excellent for golf but otherwise just stop by to hike in the San Jacinto Wilderness State Park and visit the Desert Museum.

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