Mountains

Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in east-central California. Yosemite is internationally recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves and biological diversity. The 750,000-acre, 1,200 square-mile park contains thousands of lakes and ponds, 1,600 miles of streams, 800 miles of hiking trails, and 350 miles of roads.

Physically fit travelers will enjoy hiking the park’s many trails and footpaths. Check with rangers for trail conditions; snow and hazards from falling rock close many trails in winter. No permits are required park-wide for day hikes. The valley also offers some of the most challenging and spectacular rock climbing in North America, with vertical faces more than  3,000 feet tall. There are still commercial horseback-riding concessions in the Yosemite Valley, Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows areas.

For cross-country skiers the park offers over 350 miles of trails, with 90 miles of marked trails and 25 miles of groomed trails originating at Badger Pass. Downhill skiing options include 10 runs at Badger Pass. The majority of these runs are for beginners and moderate skiers, so thrill seekers may wish to ski elsewhere.

Lake Tahoe is a beautiful, crystal-clear blue lake nestled among mountain peaks and straddling the border between California and Nevada. During the summer, boating, camping and hiking are popular activities. Winter sports are popular during the colder months, and there are many resorts in the Tahoe region for skiers and snowboarders. Other winter activities are snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Gambling is a popular activity year-round in nearby Reno. During the summer months boat rentals are available in most towns on the lake. Other activities that draw people to the area: golf, hiking, mountain biking and four-wheeling.

Banff is the larger of the two towns in Banff National Park, nestled in the mountains. The park is easily accessible for International travelers via Calgary or Edmonton International Airports, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Canadian Rockies offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and Banff National Park is home to three outstanding ski resorts, all within easy drive of the Banff. Driving to the hill is not required, as most hotels offer a ski bus to take you from the hotel to the mountain of your choice and back again. In summer, check out the Cave and Basin Mational Historic Site, Lake Minnewanka, Banff Upper Hot Springs, or the Columbia Icefield Glacier. The Banff Gondola provides visitors with spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies and the town of Banff. Guests will find a restaurant, gift shop, boardwalk, and observation deck at the summit of Sulphur Mountain.