Most of Southern Nevada is boring, monotonous desert. Anything of interest stands out with a bit more flair than you’d otherwise expect. Las Vegas certainly does, but Vegas has a less-famous neighbor to the northeast that stands out just as much: Valley of Fire State Park. ​

There's nothing quite like entering Yosemite Valley for the first time. Except, maybe, for entering Yosemite Valley a second time--or a third time, or a fourth time, or a fifth time...

Yosemite National Park is a truly special place, and while its valley is the crown jewel, there's plenty more within the park borders worth exploring.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is hardly known as one of California's top destinations, but it should be. In a state known for great weather, popular beaches, and scenic mountains, this collection of volcanoes and hydrothermal areas is often overlooked, even though it's arguably the second-best national park in the state and certainly worth a visit.