| 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.
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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