Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada Tourist Attractions

The Sierra Nevada (Spanish: [sjera ne βaða], snowy mountain range) is a mountain range in the U.S. states of California and Nevada, between the California Central Valley and the Basin and Range Province. The Sierra runs 400 miles (640 km) north-to-south, and is approximately 70 miles (110 km) across east-to-west. Notable Sierra features include Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America; Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet (4,421 m), the highest point in the contiguous United States; and Yosemite Valley sculpted by glaciers out of 100-million-year-old granite. The Sierra is home to three parks, 20 wilderness areas, and two national monuments. These areas include Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

The character of the range is shaped by its geology and ecology. More than 100 million years ago, granite formed deep underground. The range started to uplift 4 million years ago, and erosion by glaciers exposed the granite and formed the light-colored mountains and cliffs that make up the range. The uplift caused a wide range of elevations and climates in the Sierra, which are reflected by the presence of five life zones.

The Sierra Nevada was home to several Native American tribes. The range was first sighted by Pedro Fages in 1772, and then explored between 1844 and 1912.

Hundreds of High Sierras peaks make this one of the most popular destinations in the U.S. Most people patronize the National Parks, and the crowds vanish in the vast backcountry wilderness. Lake Tahoe combines outdoor activities with casinos and lively entertainment. Dozens of restored mining camps in the region provide a taste of the exciting 1849 Gold Rush period. A trip to California's Sutter Creek is a great old Gold Rush town located in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains, right in the middle of the region's wine country; Nevada City (also located in California) will introduce you to the "Silver Rush" of the Cornstock Lode.

Yosemite and Lake Tahoe
Vacation Spots
This is prime vacation land for Bay Area residents and one of the most popular in the whole US. In the summer, it's Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia. In the winter, with those parks mostly snowed in, people head to Lake Tahoe
, only a few hours from San Francisco, for world-class skiing.

Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada range of the United States. At a surface elevation of 6,225 ft (1,897 m), it is located along the border between California and Nevada, west of Carson City, Nevada. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America.[3] Its depth is 1,645 feet (501 m) making it the USA's second-deepest (the deepest is Crater Lake in Oregon, being 300 ft (91 m) deeper, at 1,945 feet (594 m) deep).

Tahoe, however, is popular year-round. With its large resorts, small cabins, and campgrounds, it's a popular vacation spot for vacationers of all ages. You'll find all sorts of /Province attractions here—golf courses, wineries, museums, beaches, hiking and biking trails, spas, and loads of casinos when you head east just over the Nevada border to Reno.

Yosemite, California Getaways
Yosemite National Park is probably the largest draw for visitors to this region of California. Tourists from all over the world flock to Yosemite year after year to enjoy its silver, glittering waterfalls, giant Sequoia groves, wildflower dotted fields, and massive granite cliffs. It is a pristine getaway that offers stunning views and the option to truly connect with the natural world around you. For a true Yosemite experience, camp out for a few days under the bright, star-studded sky and wake up to the warm morning sun and sounds of exotic birds chirping—a true, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

One of the best things about Yosemite, is that it's not a park that exists on its own—there is no way that even the most enthusiastic hiker could conquer all that Yosemite National Park and its surrounding parks and forests have to offer. Heading south from Yosemite National Park you'll hit Mammoth Lakes, followed by the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, followed by Kings Canyon National Park, and then finally Sierra Nevada's Whitney Crest. Heading just a few miles east is the Sequoia National Park. This area could keep you busy for a lifetime; each time you look up you'll find yet another wondrous bit of nature or wildlife that will keep you in a perpetual state of awe and always wanting to come back for more.

And yes, thanks to the Loony Tunes character Yosemite Sam we all know how to spell the name of this famous park. Otherwise, we would be entering Yosemity or Yosmite into our GPS.

Reno Tourist Attractions
Gambling is legal when you cross into Nevada, and if you're looking for a tamer gambling atmosphere than Las Vegas, then Reno, Genoa, Virginia City or Nevada capital Carson City will be perfect for you. Because it is close to Lake Tahoe, some people think it is Reno, California - but not to worry. The casinos are witness to Reno being firmly in Nevada.

While popular for gambling (particularly in Reno), this small strip of western Nevada does offer an abundance of other /Province attractions as well. Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this area offers an endless array of outdoor activities—hiking, biking, skiing, rock climbing, and white water rafting, especially if you head west just a bit into the Tahoe National Forest.

Family-friendly activities in this area include a trip to the Wild Island Family Adventure Park, a visit to the Meadowland Mall, indoor rock climbing at Reno's Rock Sport Climbing Center, a walk around the Stewart Indian Museum, or a tour of the old Gold Rush-turned-ghost-town Virginia City.

Sierra Nevada Road Trip Getaway Planner
Give yourself at least a week, with stops in Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, the Gold Country, and Sequoia/Kings Canyon. If you still have extra time on your hands, explore the backcountry. Pop over the Nevada border to the city of Reno and spend some time spa-ing and gaming at a small-scale Vegas strip. If you have time, make your way up to Chico, California—here you'll find the second largest city park in the whole country with options for golf, walking, biking, hiking, and historic site touring at your fingertips.

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