The Sierra Nevada of eastern California is one of the country's most astounding treasures. These mountains are wild: wild geology, with glaciers and volcanoes, wild animal life like the state bear and the golden eagle, and even wild plant life in the immense sequoia forests. Encompassing three national parks, six national forests, and thousands of square miles of other protected areas, the Sierra Nevada is one of the largest islands of scenic wilderness remaining in the United States.

The Sierra Nevada, a Spanish phrase meaning "snowy range," is home to some of California's best-known ski resorts. From Mammoth Mountain just south of Yosemite, to the ski resorts of Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada is the skiing destination of California. But the peaks call out to more than just snowbunnies. Hikers and climbers converge on Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the Lower 48, year-round. Other great peaks call to outdoor enthusiasts, like the Palisades or Devils Crags, which contain some of the range's most stunning scenery and challenging climbs.

From here, you can find general information about the Sierras as a whole. For more specific information, visit our separate coverage of Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and Sequoia/King's Canyon National Park.

The Sierra Nevada roughly follow the east border of California, forming the eastern boundary of the central California valley. For more information, please choose an area of interest from the left.