America America | Seite 88

Sacremento

San Francisco

Pacific Ocean

Lake Tahoe

Yosemite National Park

Bass Lake Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia National Park

CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles

Mammoth Lakes

El Capitan , Yosemite National Park

Death Valley National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

Spectacular scenery and activities aplenty

Sequoia National Park spreads across 400,000 acres in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Central California . Peer skywards in the park ’ s aptly named Giant Forest which has over 8,000 colossal sequoia trees , including the General Sherman Tree , which is around 275 feet tall . Enjoy also epic viewpoints , superb hiking , such as the Moro Rock Trail , and caves .

Death Valley may be the hottest and driest place in North America but its extreme landscapes are quite remarkable . Brace yourself for miles and miles of huge sand dunes , technicolour rocks and canyons , rare wildlife and jaw-dropping peaks rising majestically above the valley below .

UNESCO World Heritage listed Yosemite National Park is a true headturner with its thundering waterfalls , deep valleys , towering trees and incredible granite peaks . Top sights include its trademark peak , El Capitan , plus Half Dome , Yosemite Falls and Mariposa Grove .

Lying half an hour ’ s drive from Yosemite is Bass Lake , a popular spot for watersports and summer swimming in its sheltered coves . Dozens of trails lead into the Sierra National Forest so there ’ s also plenty to explore by foot .

Straddling the California-Nevada border , Lake Tahoe is a pristine alpine lake that draws visitors year-round . Go boating , fishing , hiking and mountain biking in spring , summer and autumn , then enjoy skiing and breathtaking views in winter .

Laid-back Mammoth Lakes is surrounded by some of the West ’ s highest peaks with year-round outdoor fun on tap . In warmer seasons , ride the scenic gondola to soak up the views , hike the Little Lakes Valley or perhaps play a round of golf . In winter , Mammoth Mountain has 150 ski runs !

Getting there : From San Francisco , it ’ s about 3 hours drive to Yosemite National Park , 3½ hours drive to Bass Lake , 3¼ hours drive to Lake Tahoe and about 5 hours to Mammoth Lakes . From Los Angeles it ’ s 3½ hours drive to Sequoia National Park or 4½ hours drive to Death Valley .

Best time to go : Each featured national park and lake area offers year-round activities , whether you prefer being out in the warmer weather or like winter sports . Death Valley is exceptionally hot in summer with temperatures around 49 º. from £ 125 per person per night from £ 149 per person per night

WUKSACHI LODGE

3H Sequoia National Park

Wuksachi Lodge boasts a prime position near the charming Ash Mountain Entrance of Sequoia National Park . Open year-round the lodge offers convenient ski-in and ski-out access along with plenty of recreation activities to enjoy anytime of year . The decor of cedar and stone is accented by natural woods , cosy fireplaces and striking views of the Sierra mountain peaks and enchanting forest . The lodge ’ s restaurant has massive picture windows and features mouthwatering Sierra Alpine cuisine , and the inviting atmosphere of the cocktail lounge makes it a lovely place to relax .

THE INN AT DEATH VALLEY

4H Death Valley

Having undergone an extensive , multi-million dollar renaissance , this desert hideaway provides a delightful escape amidst incredible natural surroundings . Where better to relax than the spring-fed pool ( which is always invitingly warm ) or , if you prefer , treat yourself to some well-deserved pampering at the spa . Make time to stroll through the date palm gardens to the bubbling melody of natural springs and watch a glorious sunset from one of the quaint stone patios .

88 CALIFORNIA visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 666