Yosemite Valley: Yosemite Valley is the masterpiece of Yosemite National Park. Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, as well as miles of spectacular hiking trails can all be found here.

Mono Lake Tufa Preserve: Free-standing calcite towers, knobs, and spires dot the alien landscape of Mono Lake. Several interpretive trails provide history and access to these unique formations.

Bodie State Historic Park: A state of “arrested decay” has preserved this 1877 gold mining ghost town. Tours of the abandoned mine provide background on the settlement’s sordid history.

Devil’s Postpile National Monument: One visit to these strange natural rock formations and you’ll understand how they got their name. A mix of volcanic heat and pressure created these near-perfect straight-sided hexagonal posts that have to be seen to be believed.

Crystal Cave: Well-lit tunnels venture into the grand chambers of this marble cavern, filled with dramatic calcite formations and polished marble.

Mount Whitney: With a little bit of advance planning, you can climb or even day-hike California’s tallest mountain.