Crescent Meadow was named the 'Gem of the Sierra' by John Muir. Trails wind along this perfect meadow of Sequoia National Park which provides necessary habitat to keep the gentle giants alive. This pristine alpine sight will leave you breathless.
#192 El Capitan
El Capitan is one of the most iconic rock formations at Yosemite National Park. This granite monolith rises 3,000 feet straight up from the valley floor. One look will leave you breathless.
#181 Panoramic Point
At 7,520 feet high in Kings Canyon National Park, Panoramic Point is a great place to enjoy a vista in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From the parking area, a quarter mile hike takes you to the breathtaking views. The drive here from Grant Grove winds through beautiful woods and meadows and is equally breathtaking.
#170 Keeler Ghost Town
Keeler is a ghost town outside of Death Valley National Park in the Eastern Sierra Nevada known as the 'End of the Line'. The Carson and Colorado Railway extended their railroad all the way here during the Gold Rush in 1883. When nearby mining towns went bust, plans to extend the railway further to Mojave fell through and Keeler became the last stop of the line. The once-thriving adjacent Owens Lake was purchased by the city of Los Angeles who stole the entire water supply leaving Keeler high and dry.
#167 Tharp's Log
Tharp's Log is a hollowed giant sequoia tree in Sequoia National Park. Led here by the Yokuts Native Americans, Hale Tharp was the first modern pioneer to discover the Giant Forest. He lived in this log 'cabin' in the summertime from 1861 to 1890, the year the park was established. Adjacent Log Meadow was the perfect spot for Tharp to raise his cattle. This National Register of Historic Places Landmark is a great mild hike for any visit to the park.
#163 Fossil Falls
Fossil Falls Scenic Area along the beautiful Highway 395 contains volcanic lava flows up to half a million years old. Basalt lava was sculpted by rushing water creating the smooth formations seen today. Native American artifacts have been found here dating from 12,000 to 3,000 years ago when the area was a wonderful place to live for its plants, animals and once abundant water supply.
#152 Yosemite Falls
At 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park. Water passes through three gorgeous tiers before making its final plunge to the ground. It is one of the most iconic sights of the National Park Service and the 6th tallest in the world.
#142 Lost Grove
Lost Grove in Sequoia National Park contains over 400 magnificent giant sequoia trees. Along generals highway, the grove can easily be accessed and explored by all. The grove sits on the edge of the park and provides seclusion from the popular Giant Forest. Get lost and enjoy solitude in this peaceful grove.
#132 Manzanar National Historic Site
Manzanar National Historic Site protects and preserves one of America's darkest moments in history. Japanese Americans were sent away to live in 'War Relocation Centers' aka concentration camps during World War II. This Owens Valley camp had very primitive conditions and was extremely hot and dusty in the summer while cold in the winter. It is not a place many choose to live by their free will. These American Citizens worked to keep the camp running with pitiful salaries about $8-19 a month or $115-275 in 2016 dollars.
Even though treated unfairly, these Japanese Americans were extremely strong and bonded together. They made the camp more beautiful by creating gardens with stunning landscapes while growing closer as families. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan gave a formal apology for the treatment of these law abiding citizens and created a reparations act. Although it is hard to remember, it is important to never forget about our past so we do not make the same terrible mistakes today.
#131 Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is a beautiful cave in Sequoia National Park and one of 240 known caves in the park. Amazing polished marble chambers and formations decorate the walls and ceilings. At a constant 48 degrees, Pleistocene era fossils and minerals are protected among stalactites and stalagmites. Crystal Cave is a must see and a great way to discover the subterranean of Sequoia.
