#223 Glacier Point
Glacier Point is probably the most beautiful spot in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 7,214 feet. Located more than 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, the vista provides jaw dropping views of the iconic sites including Yosemite, Vernal and Nevada Falls and the prominent Half Dome. Glacier Point Road takes you to the overlook and is a beautiful drive.
#216 Palomar Mountain State Park
Palomar Mountain State Park is a beautiful conifer forest park high in the mountains of San Diego County. Pine trees soar among grassy meadows and provide sweeping overlooks of the valleys below. With peaks above 6,000 feet, it is a great place to escape the valley heat in summer and enjoy a chilly and sometimes snowy winter. Luiseño Native Americans lived and hunted here seasonally while gathering acorns. Many of the facilities were built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
#212 Placerita Canyon State Park
Placerita Canyon State Park preserves an important transition zone between the San Gabriel Mountains and Mojave Desert ecosystems. Coast live oaks line winding trails through chaparral covered hills. One oak in particular, 'Oak of the Golden Dream', claims fame as the first location of gold discovery in 1842. The canyon has also been a favorite location for Hollywood films with its streams, trees and canyons.
#205 Crescent Meadow
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.
#202 Julian
Julian is an historic mining town high in the Cuyamaca Mountains of San Diego. A.E. 'Fred' Coleman was a former slave prior to the Civil War and discovered gold here while passing through in 1869. News of the discovery traveled fast and 100's of prospectors arrived creating a tent city known as the Coleman Mining District. James Madison had other plans for the area when he brought apple trees which thrived in the alpine climate. Julian famously became the apple capital of the world and a slice of Julian Apple Pie can still be enjoyed today.
#195 Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway rises 6,000 feet from the desert floor to the alpine forest through five diverse life zones. It is the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. From the top to the bottom, the temperature can differ by up to 40 degrees making it the perfect escape during hot summers. On a clear day, the views stretch as far as 200 miles including Mount Charleston outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. Because of its engineering feat, it earned the nickname 'eight wonder of the world' when it opened in 1963.
#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.
#190 Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest high in the alpine of the White Mountains contains the Earth's oldest living species. Bristlecone pines grow from 9,800 to 11,000 feet above sea level and are believed to be up to 5,000 years old. The oldest tree is estimated at 5,065 years old and unmarked to protect from vandals who set fire to the visitor center and adjacent trees in 2008. Beautiful trails wind through this majestic grove and provide peaceful solitude.
#182 Fort Tejon State Historic Park
Fort Tejon State Historic Park was a United States Army military post established in 1854 to control and protect Native Americans in the area as well as control livestock. The Gold Rush brought about great conflict between miners and Natives. Land disputes began and Native Americans were forced to live on reservations. Efforts for the Civil War was needed out East so the army left after only 10 years. Restored exterior and interior buildings recreate the way of life here 150 years ago. Valley Oak Trees up to 400 years old are also part of the park property.
#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.
