Lake Tahoe is a beautiful mountain lake in eastern California, often associated with the nearby ski area. There are numerous towns along the shores, the most prominent tourist center being South Lake Tahoe.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks cover incredibly scenic areas with mountains, forests, lakes, and gorges. The parks have many mountains over 10,000 ft (3,000 m), including Mount Whitney at 14,495 ft (4,418 m).
One of the most famous parks in the USA, Yosemite National Park, features a dramatic landscape of mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. Photographer Ansel Adams created some of his most well known images in the park.
Big Pine (pop. 1,500) covers 28,000 acres in Inyo National Forest and preserves gnarled trees, some 4,000-years-old. Four self-guiding trails are available. The main point of interest is the Schulman Grove, unfortunately the visitor center was destroyed by fire in 2008 but is expected to be rebuilt.
Tips: The forest has no gas, phones or water and it can get cold.
Big Pine (pop. 1,500) covers 28,000 acres in Inyo National Forest and preserves gnarled trees, some 4,000-years-old. Four self-guiding trails are available.
The Kern Valley Museum in Kernville has artifacts from the history of the valley including displays of the Tubatulabal Indians, gold mining, agriculture and lumber. There are also displays from local artists.
The Lodgepole Visitor Center has displays on the sequoias, geological history and plant life.
Address: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks - Lodgepole Visitor Center, 47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271-9651, United States
Phone: 1 (559) 565-3341, Fax: 1 (559) 565-3730
Hours:
June 1 to September 7: 8am-6pm
September 8 to October 31: 9am-4:30pm
Tips: Please phone for opening hours at other times of the year.
For camping reservations in the summer, phone 1-800-365-2267.
Taft (pop. 5,902), located 28mi/45km southwest of Bakersfield, attracts outdoors enthusiasts because of its mild climate, antique shops and bed & breakfasts.
Address: Taft Chamber of Commerce, 400 Kern Street, Taft, CA 93268-2835, United States
Phone: 1 (661) 765-2165, Fax: 1 (661) 765-6639
The West Kern Oil Museum in Taft is home to one of the last remaining original wooden derricks. The derrick stands over its original well, with all the cable tools intact. The museum preserves, exhibits and interprets artifacts, books, and equipment that highlight the story of oil in California, particularly in West Kern County.
Address: West Kern Oil Museum, 1168 Wood Street, Taft, CA 93268-4336, United States
Phone: 1 (661) 765-6664, Fax: 1 (661) 765-9175
Hours:
10am-4pm; Sun:1pm-4pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
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Lake Tahoe
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Yosemite National Park
Lake Tahoe
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Yosemite Valley
Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, Lee Vining
Half Dome
Yosemite Falls
