High Sierra

The hard part, when thinking about California’s High Sierra, is deciding what to do during your visit.

The options include Yosemite, King’s Canyon and Sequoia National Parks at where John Muir was inspired by breathtaking scenery, now famous mountains, and the majestic sequoias, the oldest trees on earth. Farther north on the Nevada border is Lake Tahoe, surrounded by world-famous ski resorts with legendary snow in winter and arts, music, and festivals in summer. The options for outdoor activity are endless.

About the Region

Adjacent to the Gold Country region is the High Sierra. The Sierra Nevada Mountains form the eastern border and backbone of California. Several peaks in this mighty 644 kilometre long mountain range top 4,267 metres, including Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States.

The High Sierra offers year-round recreation, including exceptional winter sports. Amongst California’s superb ski resort facilities are Heavenly and Mammoth Mountain, two of the largest complexes in the United States. Noted for hiking, camping and backpacking, the High Sierra is blessed with hundreds of alpine lakes. The largest is emerald-hued Lake Tahoe - the crown jewel of the Sierra. Accommodations to fit every lifestyle are available around Lake Tahoe, from luxury golf and ski resorts to high-rise hotels/gambling casinos, inns, cabins and campgrounds.

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The Central Sierra is home to Yosemite National Park, which according to fames preservationist, John Muir, is "the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter". Natural wonders such as El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls continue to astound even the most seasoned of travellers.

Farther south in the Sierra are the adjacent Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, home of the world’s largest living things – the Giant Sequoia trees. Accommodations in and around these national parks include luxury hotels, lodges, inns, cabins, campgrounds and RV parks.

Activities

	If you’re looking for arts and culture in the High Sierra, the area around Lake Tahoe has museums displaying artifacts from California’s Native American cultures and the Gold Rush. You’ll also find galleries dedicated to local arts and crafts. Mountaintop and beachfront amphitheaters host the performing arts including live music, dinner theater, and a Shakespeare festival. Annual events include arts festivals and local artist studio tours.
	Is it true that golf balls travel ten percent further in the fresh mountain air of the High Sierra? There’s only one way to find out. Grab your composite driver, your forged irons, a few dozen balatas, a couple of friends, and come and play in the High Sierra. Combine a plethora of new, high-end, daily fee courses with the staggering beauty of the High Sierra and you’ll understand why it’s California’s fastest growing golf destination.
	With Yosemite, King’s Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, Lake Tahoe and Mono Lake, California’s High Sierra is full of outdoor adventures just waiting for you. Summer brings hiking, camping, rock climbing, road and mountain biking, plus all manner of recreation in and around Lake Tahoe. In winter, it’s world-class snowboarding, and downhill and cross-country skiing.
	The High Sierra has a fantastic spread of culinary options waiting for you. Annual food and wine festivals at Mammoth and Squaw Valley make an event of it, but throughout the year, local wines pair nicely with the Asian fusion, upscale California, and 'Sierra Latino' cuisine, the newest arrival on the Tahoe food scene. Low-key options abound too, including fish tacos and hearty breakfasts.
	With its legendary snow, breathtaking scenery and famous resorts, the area around Lake Tahoe is one of the premier ski and snowboard destinations in the world. Nordic ski and snowshoeing fans will find miles and miles of groomed trails at North American’s largest cross country resort. Visit Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National parks in the winter to beat the crowds and enjoy skiing, camping, ice climbing and sledding in some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

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