High Sierra – Beachcomber Pete Travel Adventures

Sequoia National Park, California

Sequoia National Park, California is possibly the most beautiful and underrated National Park in the country. It’s best known for giant Sequoia trees, hence its name. However, there are many other impressive features that make Sequoia National Park a must visit for anyone traveling to the Sierra Mountains of California.

Perhaps the most popular site in the park is the Tunnel Log. In 1937, a large Sequoia tree fell on one of the roads in the park. Instead of removing the tree, park officials opted to cut out a hole and make it a tunnel. The most amazing part about this fact is that they did it the day after the tree fell.

While the Tunnel Log is the most popular tree in the park, it’s not the largest. Actually, the largest tree in the park is also the largest tree in the world. It’s called General Sherman Tree. You can access the tree by parking in a nearby lot and walking only .4 miles. The trail is a loop, which makes this a very easy hike. The official name of the trail is Sherman Tree Trail.

If you enjoy marveling at majestic waterfalls, then you absolutely must visit Tokopah Falls. Usually, when you visit a waterfall in a National Park, it requires a strenuous hike. In this case, the trail is relatively long at 1.7 miles each way, but it’s an extremely easy trail, making it walkable for most people. The trail runs parallel to the Kaweah River, which makes the trek both scenic and soothing. Once you reach the falls, you will see that it stands at 1,200 feet tall. The best time to see Tokopah Falls is in May and June.

Crescent Meadow is a simple location that is nothing more than a meadow to the average viewer. To those who appreciate complete serenity, it’s paradise.

Another great spot in the park is Moro Rock, which is a granite dome that stands at 6,725 feet. Getting to the top requires ascending 400 steps. Once at the peak, you can see the Great Western Divide. It’s also possible that you will be looking down on white puffy clouds and white-capped mountains.

Yet another neat attraction at Sequoia National Park is Crystal Cave. While there are 240 caves in the park, this is the only one open to the public. It’s 3.4 miles long, and it’s always 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Lilburn Cave isn’t open to the public, but it is the longest cave in the world at 20 miles.

Other interesting features at Sequoia National Park include Mt. Whitney and the Giant Forest Museum. The former is the highest peak in the continental United States at 14,505 feet.

Filed Under: California, featured, High Sierra, North America, Sequoia National Park, United States

Yosemite National Park, California

One of America's most beloved national treasures is Yosemite National Park, California. Located in western High Sierra of California near the state's border with Nevada, Yosemite National park covers 1,200 square miles of area and includes everything from deep, gorgeous valleys to tall, majestic peaks. There is plenty to see and do at Yosemite National Park, regardless of whether you are traveling alone, with a special someone or with your entire family.

This California national park is visited by nearly 4 million people every year who come to see its giant sequoia groves, granite cliffs, waterfalls, deep streams and the abundant wildlife that still call the area home. There are many things to do at Yosemite National Park, and what you choose depends a lot on when you visit. The summer months are the busiest at the park since all areas of Yosemite are reachable by vehicle. Wildflowers also bloom in abundance during the summer months, and are a huge attraction. Much of the park is inaccessible due to snow until May, but there is still plenty do do throughout the fall and winter.

Upper Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park, California

The rivers and waterfalls that helped make Yosemite famous may be seen all year long, and hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are always open, weather permitting. You may also partake in fishing, bird watching, backpacking, rock climbing, camping and more. Winter activities and sports are also popular once the weather turns cold, and include downhill skiing and snowboarding. Lessons are usually available from qualified instructors.

If more hands-on activities are your style, visit the park on a guided tour alongside a park ranger. There are also numerous educational opportunities for classes, so teachers should feel free to set up visits for their students at any time during the year.

Yosemite is located south of Lake Tahoe and just northwest of Fresno. Highway 120 from Nevada runs straight into the park, as does Highway 41 out of Fresno. The use of GPS units to reach the park is not recommended as there is no specific address, and therefore units do not work well for directions.

Call ahead for the latest information on weather concerns, especially during the fall and winter months. An entry fee of $20 per vehicle is payable in advance of park entry, and allows you to enter and exit the park at will for one week. Separate fees are charged for those on foot, bicycle or horseback, as well as for commercial tours.

Filed Under: California, featured, Fresno, High Sierra, South Lake Tahoe, United States, Yosemite National Park

Mammoth Lakes California

Mammoth Lakes California is loved for its calm weather, beautiful mountain scenery, and excellent location. Set upon 25.3 square miles of Mono County, the area is completely surrounded by spectacular mountains. This makes Mammoth Lakes ideal for sportsmen interested in skiing or high altitude training. It is only nine miles from the famous Mount Morrison. With a population today of 8,234 people, Mammoth Lakes is the oldest incorporated community in the United States.

Mammoth Lakes’ history began in 1877 when four prospectors settled here to explore Mineral Hill. Only one year later the Mammoth Mining Company had been developed and started work there. This was the beginning of the gold rush that brought fortune hunters west in droves. By 1878 there were 1500 people in Mammoth Lake. By the 1900’s this High Sierra area had become a popular spot for tourists and lodging, much as it still is today. The Mammoth Ski Museum is a great place to view old photos and artifacts from early Mammoth Lakes as well as discover the skiing history found there.

It is the many remarkable natural features in this area that brings people in to Mammoth Lakes. There are several hot springs, lakes, and even Obsidian Dome to intrigue visitors and residents alike. Skiers are especially drawn to this part of California due to the excellent mountainous slopes available. Many nearby attractions are easily found by traveling on State Route 203. This will take you directly to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Route 203 also goes to Minaret Summit, Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Another excellent spot for hiking and taking in the incredible scenic views would be nearby Owens Valley.

The weather around Mammoth Lakes is considered a Mediterranean climate. It is a surprisingly mild region, considering it is such a well know ski area. Unlike the elevations of the surrounding mountains, Mammoth Lakes enjoys less snowfall. November through March is the cold season with temperatures averaging in the high 40’s. There is a six percent chance of precipitation during these months, mostly in the form of light snow. Snowfall is most likely in March. June through September is the warm season. Temperatures are in the mid 70’s. There is little precipitation then, mainly light rain. Winds are gentle. Slight breezes are most common.

Filed Under: California, featured, High Sierra, Mammoth Lakes, North America, United States

South Lake Tahoe, California

Many people instantly picture fun and recreational activities when they think about South Lake Tahoe, California. The area is a fantastic place for water and snow skiing as well as hiking, mountain biking, camping and more. When you want to enjoy one of the most beautiful locations in the United States, check out South Lake Tahoe, California.

With a population of over 21,000 people, the High Sierra town of South Lake Tahoe is a big tourist destination with many businesses that are geared toward serving vacationers and recreational tourists. The town was incorporated in 1965 and includes several hotels and restaurants as well as ski resorts and other recreation areas. As a destination stop for those who are vacationing at Lake Tahoe, the city of South Lake Tahoe is a convenient place to pick up supplies and rent equipment for a day on the lake or to be prepared for camping in the mountains.

The climate around the town of South Lake Tahoe can be classified as a Continental Mediterranean Climate. The California region is mountainous with temperatures in the summer time averaging in the high 70's while the winter temperatures fall in the mid to low teens with lots of snow and rainfall. The weather for 8 months out of the year is incredible with a very comfortable environment for outside recreation while the winter months become incredibly cold.

South Lake Tahoe became widely known as a great winter sports destination when the 1960 Winter Olympics were held in Squaw Valley, just a few miles from town. The notoriety that came about from the Olympics along with the great ski facilities began to attract more and more sports enthusiasts to the area, creating a widely known tourist destination for skiers and others.

The town of South Lake Tahoe, California also offers some great historic tours and activities for you to enjoy, including the Tallac Historic Site where you can explore the historic summer homes of the some of wealthier families during the early 20th century and see displays and exhibits of how they lived during their summers at the lake. The Tallac historic site also includes a museum as well as detailed facts about the area. Other attractions in the area include the Taylor Creek Visitor's Center, the Camp Richardson Corral and a number of Day Spas in the area for you to enjoy during your visit to the area.

Filed Under: California, featured, High Sierra, North America, South Lake Tahoe, United States

High Sierra, California

The landscape of the High Sierra, California inspires awe in most people that visit the area. After all, this region prompted John Muir to begin his life’s work in conservation and preservation of natural and wild places. This California Region presented the photographer Ansel Adams with the scenic views and natural wonders he captured on film. Modern visitors can enjoy the same experiences when they visit the High Sierras today.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is not an ordinary lake. First, the lake is large with more than 70 miles of beaches surrounding its cold deep waters. Travelers looking for solitude find it among the campgrounds accessible only by boats. However, the area does not just draw campers and boaters. Scuba divers enjoy the clarity of the water making the dives more enjoyable. Top attractions include Emerald Bay and Thunderbird Lodge.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Looking for really big trees? The sequoia redwood grows the biggest and lives the longest of any tree. Sequoia National Park, originally called Giant Forest, is home to some of these monster trees including the General Sherman tree. This giant sequoia stands about 275 feet tall and is estimated to have been about 700 years old at the time of Christ.

Yosemite

Photographers continue to follow Ansel Adams’ lead and pointing their cameras at the wonders of Yosemite. The area is known for mountain peaks, rock domes and waterfalls. It also offers great camping, hiking and wildlife viewing. Any trip to the High Sierras should include a few days at Yosemite. The park also includes tour operators and lodging of varying levels of comfort.

Arts and Culture

Visitors can include a trip back in time at the museums located at Lake Tahoe. Checkout displays of Native American arts and history or explore the life of a gold prospector of 1849. The Lake Tahoe area also caters to the art lover with a number of galleries focusing on local artists. Summer events include theater festivals, concerts and other events. Enjoy a night on the town after a day spending time with nature.

Truckee

Named for a local Native American leader, Truckee is one of the larger communities in the high mountains of the High Sierra. The Truckee area is home to one of the great tragic events of the American West. The Donner Party became snowed in the passes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The surviving members of the party resorted to cannibalism to survive. Donner Memorial State Park is named in honor of the group.

Filed Under: California, featured, High Sierra, North America, United States

Sequoia National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, California

Mammoth Lakes California

South Lake Tahoe, California

High Sierra, California

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