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State and National Parks
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Displaying activities 1 - 9 of 9 found.
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Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Located in the central Sierra Nevada, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is home to two groves of giant sequoia. Discovered in 1852 by a hunter, A.T. Dowd, the area has been a popular tourist attraction since that time, possibly the longest continuously facility in California. Visitors from around the world come to stand in awe of these giants and to relax and enjoy the park. There are approximately one hundred fifty giant sequoias in the North Grove, which features a gentle 1.5 mile long self-guiding trail. The far larger South Grove is a pristine and primeval example of an ancient and once widespread forest community that has now disappeared almost completely from the face of the earth. Along with the self-guiding rails in both sequoia groves, interesting trails wander through other parts of the park. Camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, and swimming are available to visitors. Make your next outing to Calaveras Big Trees State Park!
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Scenic State Highway 140
Scenic Highway 140 out of Mariposa follows the Merced River to the Arch Rock entrance of Yosemite National Park. Magnificent scenery and incredible recreation, including white water rafting and great fishing abound as you wind your way up canyon. Lodging is available along the way and at El Portal, where two newly renovated and redecorated hotels, the Cedar Lodge and Yosemite View Lodge, provide hundreds of rooms right at the park's doorstep.
One of three entrances to the park found in Mariposa County, Arch Rock is the quickest and most direct route into Yosemite Valley. Once inside the Valley, you'll experience the magnificence of one of nature's most awesome creations. World-famous Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridal Veil Falls which have inspired artists, poets, photographers and philosophers, will delight and inspire visitors to the queen of America's parklands.
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Bodie State Historic Park
Bodie State Historic Park is one of the best preserved ghost towns anywhere. The many buildings are kept in a state of "arrested decay." Gold was discovered here in 1859, and by the 1870s it boasted three breweries and dozens of saloons and dance halls. There was more gambling, drinking, and shooting than any other mining camp. Those lawless days come alive as you wander through its deserted buildings. Bodie is considered to be the best, and most well-preserved, historic ghost town in the country.
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Grover Hot Springs
Grover Hot Springs
One of the Alpine Sierra region's most popular attractions is the Grover Hot Springs State Park. Situated west of Markleeville, the Hot Springs have attracted people for years for what many believe to be their soothing and curative powers.
Hot springs are common along the eastern escarpment of the Sierra Nevada, formed by the recent uplift of the range and the volcanic activity associated with the earth's movement. As ground water seeps into the earth, it is heated by hot magma, returning to the surface as steam laden with dissolved minerals. At the surface, it bubbles from the ground at about 150 degrees F.
Bathing facilities include a hot pool, maintained at 102-104 degrees F., a cool lap pool, changing rooms and showers. Nearby, the State Park maintains a beautiful 76 space campground, a portion of which is open all year.
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Land of Giants
Ranging from 1500' to 14,494' in elevation, these adjoining parks protect immense mountains, deep canyons, huge trees, and stunningly diverse habitats. The Generals Highway climbs over 5000 feet from chaparral and oak-studded foothills to the awe-inspiring sequoia groves. From there, trails lead to the high-alpine wilderness which makes up most of these parks. Beneath the surface lie many beautiful caverns.
Although they were created by separate acts of Congress, Sequoia and Kings Canyon share miles of boundary and are managed as one park. Sequoia was the second national park designated in this country.
For information on travel to and within Sequoia & Kings Canyon, please visit www.nps.gov
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Tioga Pass Scenic Byway
You'll never forget the alpine scenery along the Scenic 120 Byway from Lee Vining to Yosemite National Park. In only twelve miles, Hwy. 120 climbs to Tioga Pass at almost 10,000 feet, then winds past lakes, meadows, and forests to Yosemite Valley. Trout-filled lakes and streams abound. Spend a few days exploring the Mono Basin before traveling into the park. Hwy. 120 is usually open from Memorial Day weekend through October.
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Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park embraces a spectacular tract of mountain-and-valley scenery in the Sierra Nevada, which was set aside as a national park in 1890. The park harbors a grand collection of waterfalls, meadows, and forests that include groves of giant sequoias, the world's largest living things.
Highlights of the park include Yosemite Valley, and its high cliffs and waterfalls; Wawona's history center and historic hotel; the Mariposa Grove, which contains hundreds of ancient giant sequoias; Glacier Point's (summer-fall) spectacular view of Yosemite Valley and the high country; Tuolumne Meadows (summer-fall), a large subalpine meadow surrounded by mountain peaks; and Hetch Hetchy, a reservoir in a valley considered a twin of Yosemite Valley.
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Geologic Wonders along a River of Life
High on the estern slope of the Sierra Crest, nature reveals two of its wonders - the unique Devils Postpile and the 101-foot Rainbow Falls.
The geologic formation known as "the Postpile" is one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. Its hexagonal columns formed under ideal conditions and were exposed during the last glaciation.
Another important resource in the Monument is the San Joaquin River. Along the river corridor, the Monument flourishes with life. Meadows burst forth with flowers that nourish deer, birds, and butterflies. This portion of the San Joaquin is a designated Wild Trout River where you can catch four different species of trout. Along the river there are a combination of old-growth red-fir forest and new growth rejuvenated by wildland fire.
In addition to its geologic wonders the monument is a portal to the High Sierra backcountry. Some 75% of the monument is part of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. It is traversed by the historic John Muir and Pacific Crest trails; you can follow a trail from here to Mexico or Canada!
At 800 acres, Devils Postpile National Monument may be considered small by some, yet its natural and recreational values abound.
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Stanislaus National Forest, Calaveras Ranger District
Stanislaus National Forest, Calaveras Ranger District
Enjoy America’s Great Outdoors! State Highway 4 in Calaveras County is your gateway to a year round wonderland of outdoor recreation opportunities in the spectacular High Sierra. With more than 250,000 acres of National Forest land in the Calaveras Ranger District, the Stanislaus National Forest provides a bounty of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Come and enjoy hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, off-road vehicle driving, camping, picnicking, rock climbing, low speed motor boating, whitewater rafting, kayaking, stream and lake fishing, downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing and more!
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Displaying activities 1 - 9 of 9 found.
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