Yosemite Valley [1]: Yosemite Valley is the masterpiece of Yosemite National Park [2]. 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 [3]: 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 [4]: 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 [5]: 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 [6]: Well-lit tunnels venture into the grand chambers of this marble cavern, filled with dramatic calcite formations and polished marble.
Mount Whitney [7]: With a little bit of advance planning, you can climb or even day-hike California’s tallest mountain.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/yosemite-and-the-eastern-sierra/yosemite-national-park/sights/yosemite-valley
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/yosemite-and-the-eastern-sierra/yosemite-national-park
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/yosemite-and-the-eastern-sierra/mono-lake/sights/mono-lake-tufa-preserve
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/yosemite-and-the-eastern-sierra/mono-lake/sights/bodie-state-historic-park
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/yosemite-and-the-eastern-sierra/mammoth-lakes/sights/devil-s-postpile-national-monument
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/yosemite-and-the-eastern-sierra/sequoia-and-kings-canyon-national-parks/sights/crystal-cave
[7] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/yosemite-and-the-eastern-sierra/sequoia-and-kings-canyon-national-parks/sights/mount-whitney