The Southern Sierra Feature

Strap 'em on: Whether you walk the paved loops in the national parks or head off the beaten path into the backcountry, a hike through groves and meadows or alongside streams and waterfalls will allow you to see, smell, and feel nature up close.

Down you go: Famous for its incredible snowpack—some of the deepest in the North American continent—the Sierra Nevada has something for every winter-sports fan.

Live it up: Mammoth Lakes is eastern California's most exciting resort area.

Pamper yourself: Tucked in the hills south of Oakhurst, the elegant Château du Sureau will make you feel as if you've stepped into a fairy tale.

Go with the flow: Three Rivers, the gateway to Sequoia National Park, is the launching pad for white-water trips down the Kaweah River.