California: The Golden State

California is a state of great contrasts. Its highest point, Mount Whitney, is nearly 15,000 feet above sea level, and its lowest, Death Valley, is 282 feet below sea level. Its population of almost 40 million is greater than any other state in the country. Nearly 10 million people live in Los Angeles County alone, yet there are enormous stretches of desert and forest that are barely populated.

California's wealth of attractions include:

• The pristine beauty and grandeur of Yosemite Nation...