One of the best places to get in touch with nature is California and there are so many things to do in California. The rugged beauty of the mountains, lakes and canyons make California hiking and backpacking trips a real delight for anyone. Whatever the weather, it's good to go prepared. Wearing the correct footwear is important and rainwear is also needed. Sunny conditions demand a hat, sun block and sunglasses. The hiker should also carry a map, compass, food and water bottle.

The Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two parks located in the southern Sierra Nevada, a scenic area of mountains, canyons, caverns and magnificent trees. Visitors on California hiking trips can go on organized nature tours, led by rangers and on Crystal Cave Tours. There are hotels, rustic cabins and several campgrounds. Three campgrounds are open all year and they are Lodgepole, Potwisha and Azelea. The area also has restaurants, a visitor center, market and post office.

Rock Creek Lake in the eastern part of the Sierra Nevada is an area of clear Alpine lakes with plenty opportunities for fishing. There are lots of mountain bike and hiking trails. Hikers of all types of experience like to come here. Comfortable day hikes are suited to the Little Lakes Valley and more challenging backpacking can be done over Mono Pass. The Rock Creek Lakes Resort is for everyone who loves the wilderness and offers ideal accommodation and activities for California hiking, camping and fishing trips. The resort's cabins in the forest are cozy and in a lovely setting. Campers can also find camping grounds in Rock Creek Canyon.

Enjoying all that the outdoors has to offer isn't just for the adults, kids enjoy it too and staying in a summer camp is a way of making new friends and trying new things under supervision. Shaffer's High Sierra Camp is for children aged 9 - 16 years old and is located in the Tahoe National Forest. It's a great introduction to California hiking and backpacking in the fir and pine trees. Other activities are on offer at the nearby Lakes Basin Recreation Area, where the mountainous and lakeside scenery is the backdrop. Kids can have a go at canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, windsurfing and mountain boarding. There are also trails for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking.

There are several National Parks in the state, providing opportunities for people to enjoy California hiking. City dwellers like to get away from traffic and smog and breathe in the fresh air of Yosemite, Redwood, Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks.

[tags]california,california hiking[/tags]


 

Travelling the America has never been better with all the options of road trips, RVs and Motorhomes.  The United States is such a large country with different kinds of terrain and cultural experiences; it's difficult to know where to begin when planning an America tour. Unless you have endless time for a vacation, it's necessary to select an area to focus on. People with time on their side could travel from coast to coast. America can mean so many different things. It can be the skyscrapers of New York, Disneyland, a seafood restaurant in San Francisco, the Grand Canyon or a jazz club in New Orleans.

There are many ways to see the country. Road trips are popular and have been romantized in movies and novels. Motel accommodation is inexpensive and eating at roadside diners is cheap too. Some people say that this is the way to see the real America. Another mode of transport is to take the Greyhound bus, sleeping through the night and sightseeing through the day.  There are lots of companies that offer fly drive packages and a schedule can be fitted to suit your itinerary.

Motorhomes or RVs are another option. Some of these vehicles are like a house on wheels with all the comforts of home matched with the freedom of the open road on an America tour. A typical 34 foot RV will sleep four adults and two children. No lengthy instruction or extra driving license is required when renting one. There is normally a quick talk with the company representative about the vehicle's features and maintenance with perhaps, an instructional video, available in several languages. An operator's manual will also come with the vehicle.

One way rentals can be organized if preferred. Amenities include a shower, fridge, stove and microwave. Many camping grounds accommodate large RVs but it's advisable to check that there is space wherever you are heading. Some vacation packages include motorhome rental with flights. Some people prefer their vacation to be more structured, especially if they have time limitations. Escorted coach tours are a relaxing way to see the sights and to learn about them whilst letting someone else do the driving.

America has more to offer than the well known sightseeing opportunities. For people who want to be active or to try new sports, there are adventure tours. An America tour could include white water rafting, mountain biking or sea kayaking. Plenty of companies specialize in hiking, backpacking or horseback riding trips. America has an abundance of national parks and these give opportunities for terrific scenery and wildlife, from whale watching to camping near grizzly bears. Whatever the type of vacation, an America tour will never be forgotten.

[tags]america,rv,motorhomes,holiday[/tags]