Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada, straddling California and Nevada. Known for its exceptional clarity and deep blue water, it is surrounded by mountains. Emerald Bay and its Vikingsholm mansion are highlights, and the area offers skiing in winter and beaches and hiking in summer.

Mono Lake is an ancient saline lake east of Yosemite, at least 760,000 years old. Its shores are dotted with towering tufa formations, limestone spires formed by underwater springs. The lake is an important habitat for migrating birds, and South Tufa is the best place to see the formations.

Yosemite Valley is a glacier-carved valley in the Sierra Nevada, at the heart of Yosemite National Park. Granite cliffs including El Capitan and Half Dome tower above meadows and the Merced River, and waterfalls such as Yosemite Falls plunge from the rim. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the classic view is from Tunnel View.

Half Dome is a granite dome rising about 1,444 metres above Yosemite Valley, with a sheer northwest face. It is one of the most recognisable sights in Yosemite National Park. The challenging 23 km round-trip hike to the summit ends with a steep ascent using cables, requiring a permit.

Kings Canyon National Park in California's Sierra Nevada features one of the deepest canyons in North America. The General Grant Tree, the second-largest tree on Earth, stands in Grant Grove. Visitors explore granite cliffs, waterfalls such as Roaring River Falls and Zumwalt Meadow.

Sequoia National Park in California's Sierra Nevada protects groves of giant sequoias, the largest trees on Earth by volume. The General Sherman Tree is the world's largest living single-stem tree. Visitors also climb Moro Rock for mountain views and drive through the Tunnel Log.

Death Valley National Park is the hottest, driest and lowest national park in the United States. Badwater Basin lies 86 metres below sea level, and the highest air temperature on Earth was recorded at Furnace Creek. Highlights include Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and the colourful Artist's Palette.

Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California is where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. It is named for its spiky Joshua trees and known for giant granite boulder formations popular with climbers. Its dark skies make it a favourite spot for stargazing.