The Sierra Nevada is the largest single mountain range in the United States. It rises from the floor of the Central Valley of California to heights 7,000 to 14,000 feet (2,134 to 4,267 meters) above sea level.

Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the United States outside Alaska, is located in the Sierra Nevada. The mountains drop to the desert in the Owens Valley in the east. The mountain snows are the source of much-needed water for the area. Seventeen rivers originate on the
slopes of the Sierra Nevada.

John Muir called the Sierra Nevada "the Range of Light" because of the way the granite and snow sparkled in the sunlight. The mountains are world-famous for their beautiful scenery.

Yosemite, a national park, and Lake Tahoe are popular vacation spots. The foothills, the site of the gold rush that began in 1848, are covered with streams where visitors can still pan for gold just for the fun of it. A few remaining ghost towns are reminders of California's early days.

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Los Angeles travel guide

Los Angeles
The City
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San Diego
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Anza-Borrego Desert
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