the Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada is a majestic mountain range in the western United States, stretching about 400 miles from California to Nevada. Known for its towering peaks, including Mount Whitney—the tallest in the contiguous U.S.—it features rugged terrain, alpine lakes, and dense forests. The range influences regional climate and water supply, as snowmelt from its slopes feeds major rivers like the Sacramento and Colorado. It also hosts national parks such as Yosemite, Sequoia, and Lake Tahoe, making it a vital area for recreation, biodiversity, and natural beauty. The Sierra Nevada plays a key role in the geography and ecology of the western U.S.