Since the Sierra Nevada mountains of California usually get lots of snow, many high country places can only be accessed for half the year - easily by car. The other half, you best have a bitchen snow mobile or cramp ons.
This makes for a wild & beautiful land, plus adventure filled trip. Most 10,000' peaks, waterfalls, rivers, swimming holes, luxurious forests, parks & some super unique camp sites.
In summer months, lots of folks make several weekend or week-long trips to the Sierras! Not only do Californians enjoy this scenic backbone to the west coast, but millions of tourist flock here for these park & forests as well.
Plan accordingly w/ Total Escape!
DanaMite
Total Escape - California, Off the Beaten Path
http://www.totalescape.com

Where I've been
http://www.flickr.com/photos/danamite/sets/