What is the Geography of California?

California often referred to colloquially as The Golden State, is bordered by the other U.S. states of Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, and Arizona to the southeast. The capital is Sacramento, the population is 39.8 million, and the area of California is 163,696 square miles, making it one of the most populous and geographically diverse states in the United States.

Geography of California

California has an area of 163,696 sq mi (423,970 km2), making it the nation’s third largest state. California’s landscape is incredibly varied, with deserts in the south, forests in the northwest and plains, hills, and mountains in between. From summits within the Sierra Nevada range that reach 14,000 ft (4,267 m), to beaches extending over 1,000 mi (1,609 km), California offers a wide range of climate and geography. The longest river in California is the Sacramento River at 450 mi (724 km), followed by the San Joaquin River at 300 mi (483 km).Major cities include Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. California also contains eight of the top ten most populous metropolitan areas, with a population of about 39.8 million making up about one-third of the nation’s population.

Coastline and Beaches

Due to its remarkable Coastline, California has numerous beaches which stretch out over 1,000 miles (1,609 km). South California Beach stretches from Point Mugu in Ventura County to the south end at Imperial Beach. Other beaches include Oceanside Beach in San Diego County, San Clemente Beach in Orange County, Pfeiffer Beach in Monterey County, and much more. California’s coastline includes an array of unique landscapes such as sandy beaches, rocky coves, warm-water bays, sea stacks, and rising sea cliffs. WaterfallsMania estimates that for those interested in ocean-view activities, surfing and water sports there are about 892 beaches in California worth checking out!

Mountains & Hills

The dominant mountain range in California is the majestic Sierra Nevada — extending 400 miles (643 km) from Oregon to the Tehachapi Mountains — offering stunning geological features such as Yosemite Valley and Sequoia National Park. Large cities such as Fresno and Bakersfield lie in California’s Central Valley region between these mountain ranges. Bordering Nevada are the Granite Mountains and Modoc Plateau to the north. The highest mountain peak in California is Mount Whitney at 14,494 ft (4,418 m) tall. The Transverse Ranges—including the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south and San Gabriel Mountains to the east—separate much of the Los Angeles Basin from the Inland Empire and Mojave Desert regions.

Deserts & Valleys

In southern and central California consist mostly of Mojave desert —the driest desert in North America— featuring Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park —the lowest point in North America— as well as several small coastal saltwater lagoons. North of Los Angeles lies Death Valley National Park—the largest national park outside of Alaska—with many famous geological formations including sand dunes, salt ponds and canyons as well as eroded sandstone hillsides. The Colorado River marks much of California’s eastern boundary with Arizona and defines stretches of desert in southeastern California known as the Imperial Valley and Salton Sea. Another famous desert region is located near Palm Springs and is known as “The Coachella Valley”. Palm Springs lies in a basin where tall mountain peaks surround the flat desert landscape–causing quiet wind channels called “canyons” or “washes”, along with flowing wildflowers during winter months.

Forests & Redwood Groves

Northwest California contains some of America’s most iconic national forests including Redwood National Forest—known for its towering redwood trees—amounting to 41% of all redwood forests left on earth. Other national forests include Sequoia National Forest and Klamath National Forest. The deep canyons of the Smith River in Northern California are home to several majestic waterfalls including breathtaking Takilma Falls—an area with multiple water features within a two-mile loop trail for hikers. The Central Coast area is home to iconic redwood groves such as Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Santa Cruz Mountain State Park—the oldest state park in California—allowing visitors to explore a variety of different types of forests from palm to oak groves (each with different climate regimes), cypress trees, and dense redwood grove areas further upslope from the coastline. Visitors are allowed to venture on numerous hiking trails or camp near Big Basin Redwoods State Park headquarters entrance on campgrounds with access to hot showers nearby.

Conclusion

California is one of the most diverse geographical regions in the world offering an incredible range of climates and landscapes for visitors‒from redwood forests in the north to vast deserts in the south. With over 800 beaches along its coastline giving access to stunning views; where you can find beautiful cliffs and sea stacks that create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere on some days that are found nowhere else on earth; mountains reaching up to 14,000 feet high; picturesque valleys; vibrant cities; tranquil natural parks; world-renowned national parks; immense deserts; delightful lakefront areas; and tranquil redwood groves‒there is something for every adventurer or nature enthusiast in California! With its variety of attractions, cultures, and climates, it’s no surprise that California continues to draw people both local and abroad who wish to explore these amazing landscapes and have an unforgettable experience!

Source: Tripsavvy