Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in Western United States, between the Central Valley of California and the Great Basin. It's a popular destination for nature lovers, particularly for the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, notable for its giant sequoia trees—the most massive trees on Earth,—and the Yosemite Valley, recognized for its colossal granite cliffs—sculpted by glaciers throughout millions of years. No matter the season, Sierra Nevada has been my number one getaway during my years in California. My favorite spot? Anywhere in Eastern Sierra—along Highway 395—but particularly Mammoth Lakes and its surroundings. Mammoth Lakes is a small tourism-based town that sits on the edge of the Long Valley Caldera, a geologically active area and one of the world's largest calderas. A series of craters, domes and lava flows—together with hot springs, lakes and virgin landscapes—makes this region seem alien to this world. But let me tell you, this is planet Earth, and its beauty never ceases to surprise.