The Sierra Nevada is a stunning mountain range that runs along the east range of the state of California, extending hundreds of miles. Made up of many beautiful mountains including Mount Whitney, which is the highest of all, this is a well-known tourist spot with a whole lot of magnificent highlights. This article takes a closer look at some notable attractions that the mountain range has to offer. In addition to that, it shares a brief guide for those who may wish to visit the place. Let’s begin with the attractions;
The Key Attractions of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
The Sierra Nevada mountain range has lots of attractions to offer. Here are some highlights of the mountain range, worth exploring;
i. Mount Whitney
Located near the Sequoia National Park and measuring 14505 ft high, Mount Whitney is the highest point in the Sierra Nevada. You can climb the mountain to see the magnificent skyline and the spectacular landscape beneath.
ii. Sequoia National Park
Visit the Sequoia National Park to see the giant sequoias including the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree on earth by volume. This particular sequoia tree is thought to be between 2300 to 2700 years old.
Matter of fact, sequoias are the third longest-lived tree species in the world. They have been around for centuries. Did you know that the oldest known Sequoia specimen that is preserved at the Converse Basin Grove of Giant Sequoia National Monument is about 3,266 years old? Don’t forget to go to see it, if you don’t mind.
iii. Catch Some Beautiful Fish
Fish on Lake Tahoe, which is the largest alpine lake in North America. Boasting several fishing spots, this is one of the most important venues for avid freshwater anglers. Catch some cute fish like mosquito fish, sockeye salmon, brown trout, bluegill, golden shiner, and so much more.
iv. Enjoy An Adventurous Helicopter Ride
Enjoy a helicopter ride to see beautiful aerial views of the spectacular mountain range that is if you can afford it. Some firms that provide exciting helicopter tours include Sierra Adventures and SkyTime Helicopter Tours. Feel free to ask around for further options.
v. The Devil’s Postpile National Monument
Visit the Devil’s Postpile National Monument, which is the home to the Devil’s Postpile. This is a peculiar rock formation of columnar basalt that looks quite intriguing. Also, don’t forget to check out the Rainbow Falls(the highest waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River) with waters plunging from 101 feet above.
vi. The Yosemite National Park
Visit the Yosemite National Park. The park is internationally recognized for its stunning glaciers, clear streams, meadows, granite cliffs, and other attractions.
viii. Yosemite Valley
The Yosemite Valley is a spectacular granite valley with high waterfalls. The valley was formed by glaciers one hundred million years ago. It’s another fantastic attraction worth considering if you are exploring the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
When traveling to the Sierra Nevada many visitors never realize the altitude they may be at when visiting or hiking these Sierra treasures. Even as a visitor there are several key elements to keep in mind while you visit especially if you are from a lower elevation location:
1. Food and Water
Carry the appropriate foods for mountain climbing. Choose foods that are mostly high in energy(carbohydrates) and water to avoid fatigue and dehydration.
Energy-rich foods include brown rice, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, quinoa, fatty fish, bananas, nuts, beans, and popcorn. On the other hand, water-rich food examples are tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, apples, and oranges top the list.
If it were up to me, I’d carry a whole grain meal plus vegetable salad for my energy and partial hydration requirements. I’d cook and pack something like brown rice with beans and vegetable salad made with Brussel sprouts or broccoli, and spinach, tomatoes, along with cucumbers.
Source: momswithoutanswers.com
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Also, bring lots of water to complement your water-rich foods in combating dehydration. If it’s a strenuous hike in high heat, you may need to drink 1 liter of water or more per hour. It’s one of the key hydration basics you can use to determine the right amount of water to bring along.
2. Altitude Sickness
Many of the hikes available at the Sierra Nevada mountain range will take you to between 8000 and 10000 feet above sea level. Now, you may feel more fatigued than usual, if you aren’t used to being at such altitudes. On top of that, you may also experience other symptoms related to altitude sickness, which include shortness of breath, headache, and dizziness. That’s not to mention; fatigue, loss of appetite, and a general feeling of being unwell. Before the hike, learn to recognize and deal with these symptoms. Drinking more water as well as turning around and hiking back to a lower altitude are some of the steps you should take immediately the symptoms exhibit.
3. Altitude Sickness Medication
Be sure to have altitude sickness prevention medication like Acetazolamide on hand. Designed to reduce and prevent the symptoms of altitude sickness, this drug does a great job at relieving the above symptoms. It is very effective against fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, and other ailments that can be caused by high altitudes.
Final Thoughts
The Sierra Nevada mountain range in California is an amazing tourist attraction with abundant highlights. This spot provides spectacular outdoor fun opportunities including hiking, fishing, camping, park and museum visits, as well as helicopter rides. Sounds like a place you’d like to visit? If yes, use the guide above to have a fun-filled and enjoyable excursion. With nothing more to add, good luck with your tour.