Sierra Nevada -

In the eastern part of California lies the Sierra Nevada, which runs north–south for 400 miles.

The highest peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet, lies within the Sierra Nevada.

The topography of the Sierra is shaped by uplift and glacial action.

The Sierra has 200–250 sunny days each year, warm summers, fierce winters, and varied terrain, a rare combination of rugged variety and pleasant weather.

The famous Yosemite Valley lies in the Central Sierra. Several of the highlights to the famed Yosemite National Park within the Sierra Nevada range are Half Dome and the Yosemite waterfalls.

The large, deep freshwater Lake Tahoe lies to the North of Yosemite.

 The Sierra is also home to the Giant Sequoia, the most massive trees on Earth.

The most famous hiking and horse-packing trail in the Sierra is the John Muir Trail, which goes from the top of Mt. Whitney to Yosemite valley, and which is part of the Pacific Crest Trail that goes from Mexico to Canada.

The three major national parks in this province are Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park.