California's Gold Country: Bringing You Closer to Nature

CALIFORNIA-- There is no better way to spend a vacation then experiencing nature around you first hand, and there is no better place to do that than in California's Gold Country. The ten counties that make up this area of the state are a collection of picturesque places where nature can be experienced at every turn. All areas are a short drive from both the Sacramento and San Francisco International airports where all major rental car companies are within easy reach, all can readily accommodate large groups, and all are accessible by motorcoach.

A good place to start is on a hiking or biking trail through a National Forest, like the Stanislaus National Forest or Tahoe National Forest. These areas offer access to hundreds of miles of forested trails, and rambling rivers and streams. Many counties also offer hiking and biking trails for all athletic levels and ages. Many are mapped and offer interpretive trail markers, or themes (wildflower hikes, for instance). Biking and hiking are some of the best ways to get close to the beautiful flora, fauna, and wildlife that abound in the Gold Country.

A day spent in one of the Gold Country's watchable wildlife areas surrounded by Pine, Dogwood, Aspen, Cedar, Giant Sequoias (Redwoods) or Oak trees, encountering opportunities to spot an eagle, fox, or deer, and picnicking by a rolling river or waterfall is the ultimate natural experience.

The Gold Country also offers many natural parks and blooming flower gardens. Visitors can admire all types of flora including roses, daffodils, iris, and daylilies. Apple, cherry, and pear orchards are abundant and offer fruit for purchase and sampling.

The Gold Country has often been referred to as "Yosemite's Gateway," which is the most famous National Park in California. Yosemite offers nature lovers huge groves of giant sequoias, amazing waterfalls, and incredible scenery in one of nature's most awesome creations.

California's Gold Country will not disappoint those looking to get closer to nature. After discovering this area, nature lovers will only find reasons to return again and again.

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