#118 Chumash Painted Cave
Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park outside of Santa Barbara protects a sandstone cave adorned with Native American rock art. These Pictographs are thought to depict the universe as seen through the eyes of the Native Chumash. The Chumash lived on the Central Coast from Ventura County to San Luis Obispo County as well as the Channel Islands for thousands and thousands of years. Painted Cave provides an important glimpse into the past of Native Americans.
#111 Angeles Crest National Scenic Byway
Known as 'the most scenic and picturesque mountain road in the state', Angeles Crest National Scenic Byway is a beautiful scenic drive high up in the San Gabriel Mountains. Also known as Highway 2, the road began construction in 1929 and took 27 years to finish in 1956. It winds through Angeles National Forest & San Gabriel Mountains National Monument to a land of pristine alpine wilderness. During rain storms, the mountain peaks become engulfed in foggy clouds and makes the road appear to soar above to the Angels of Heaven.
#109 Trail of 100 Giants
The Trail of 100 Giants is a beautiful Giant Sequoia trail high in the Sierra Nevada. Part of Giant Sequoia National Monument, a 1.3 mile trail meanders through sequoias at the long meadow grove. These gentle giants are estimated to be about 1500 years old and can be a great, less crowded alternative to Sequoia National Park.
#107 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
High in the Laguna Mountains above San Diego lies Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Forests of oak woodland and pine surround meadows and creeks which make for a beautiful hike. At a mile in the sky, warm summers, fall colors, snow-decorated winters and spring wildflowers make this a four season destination. It will be hard to believe you are still in San Diego at this perfect recreational escape.
#96 Matilija Wilderness
Matilija Wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest is a beautiful serene wilderness in Ventura County. Trails wind through mountain streams, woodlands and springtime wildflowers. At more than 29,000 acres Matilija Wilderness is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy the present.
#85 Generals Highway
The Generals Highway is the scenic drive that connects Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. It is named after the two largest trees in the world, General Sherman & General Grant Sequoias. The road winds through giant sequoia groves and meadows in the Sierra Nevada and provides sweepings mountain vistas. Generals Highway was dedicated on June 23, 1935 and welcomed 669 cars with 2,488 people. Drive careful on this winding, narrow and steep scenic drive.
#78 Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is a four season destination high up in the San Bernardino Mountains. With a population around 5,000 and an elevation of 6,752 feet, Big Bear is the perfect escape where fresh alpine air and recreation await. High up, yet surrounded by deep valleys below, Big Bear is also referred to as an 'Island in the Sky'.
Serrano Native Americans inhabited these mountains for thousands of years and called it 'Yuhaviat' which means 'Pine Place'. They lived alongside wild Grizzly Bears which covered California. The Gold Rush eventually caught up to the region and mining occurred here from 1860 to 1875. In the 1950's, Ski Resorts became the main draw leading Big Bear into the resort destination it is today.
#66 Glendora Mountain and Ridge Road
Glendora Mountain and Ridge Roads take you into Angeles National Forest into what is now the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. This winding road gives sweeping views of mountain peaks and valleys below and is a sure escape to the bustling city below.
#62 Wawona Hotel
The Wawona Hotel is a Victorian Wonderland in Yosemite National Park. Built in 1876, the Hotel has been hosting guests for more than a century. It is one of the oldest mountain resorts in the Sierra Nevada. The most famous site near the hotel is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, one of the treasures of Yosemite. President Theodore Roosevelt stayed here while touring Yosemite with John Muir which would lead to the federal protection of Yosemite.
#45 Tunnel Log
Tunnel Log is a fun attraction in Sequoia National Park along Crescent Meadow Road in the Giant Forest. After falling from natural causes in 1937, this Giant Sequoia was 21 feet wide by 275 feet tall and was estimated to be more than 2,000 years old. Today vehicles can drive through this gentle giant.