The Sierra Nevada includes a huge area with a tremendous variety of terrain, from low wooded slopes on the west, to gentle forested mountains in the north and south, to sheer mountain peaks rising from an elevation of 3,600 feet to Mt. Whitney's 14,491 foot summit, tallest peak in the lower 48 states, on the east. It has high lakes and mountain passes over 13,000 feet in elevation.
It is a vast ecosystem that makes it's own weather; provides fresh water for much of California; offers a wide range of recreation from bouldering and rock climbing to peak climbing; easy day hikes to extensive overnight backpacks; the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails; skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding; fishing and hunting; bird watching and photography; a place of challenges and celebrations of life.
It is John Muir's "Range of Light" with a fascinating history. It is well mapped with modern topographic maps and well described in countless guide books of all sizes. Explore the websites found here on the Management Agencies and Links pages. For the Eastern Sierra check the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association website. An excellent sources for Sierra Nevada maps and guide books is Wilderness Press www.wildernesspress.com
It is also a place for human renewal and exploration. It is a beautiful place that you can explore safely by utilizing the material presented here. For the novice there are training courses and guide services. For the experienced there are mysterious places to find and challenges to meet.
Tread lightly -- leave nothing but footprints -- enjoy --