Tell Us Where to Go!: Some of our 12 finalists
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Bishop, Calif. (near Big Pine)
Recommended by: Anne Marie Novinger
What she said: “The rangers are very knowledgeable and interesting, knowing all about the trees, the science of dendrochronology (tree-ring science) and the area. There is a fine video of 18 minutes, just right for those who cannot hike or those who want an introduction to the area before hiking. The hikes are from a mile to 1 1/4 miles and
are well worth the effort.” (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Best Friends Animal Society
Kanab,
Recommended by: Michele Johnson
What she said: “It’s in a beautiful remote canyon with stunning views. If you want you
can volunteer to work with the animals there or just take the tour.” (Douglas C. Pizac / Associated Press)
Ft. Hunter Liggett
Monterey County
Recommended by: Lloyd Van Horsen
What he said: “You enter the area on a two-lane road that winds through rolling hills, curving past vineyards and passing the communities of Lockwood and Jolon. The mission has an interesting history and has a huge, spectacular quadrangle filled with roses, statues and fountains. The 165,000-acre reservation is near King City.” (Orville Myers / Associated Press)
Lava Beds National Monument
Tulelake, Calif.
Recommended by: Michael Everett
What he said: “Lava Beds National Monument is fascinating. Lava Beds is riddled with lava tubes. When it’s 90 degrees you still need a jacket for walking in the lava tubes. Some of them actually have year-round ice. One of them has a fern garden growing beneath a hole in the tube’s ceiling. The walls inside are lined with pictographs.
The whole thing has a feel of remoteness. “ (Ron Winn / Associated Press)