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»CA.SPORTS & OUTDOORS JOSHUA TREES, right, thrive in the California deserts and can live hundreds of years. They got their name from Mormons crossing the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century, who saw in the trees' distinctive shape the Biblical image of Joshua raising his hands in prayer. In Water California has more than 840 miles (1,352 km) of shoreline facing the Pacific Ocean, a prime launching spot for every manner of water sport, including surfing, sailing, SCUBA and sea kayaking. California has fully embraced the newly popular standup-paddleboarding, with many rental shops popping up at lakes and by the ocean. Catalina Island and the kelp forests of Monterey are popular diving spots, but be sure to wear a wetsuit in the chilly Pacific waters. Surf breaks range from up to 50-foot monster waves in Half Moon Bay to more gentle rollers around Manhattan Beach. Marinas dot the coast from north to south, and experienced sailors can rent power yachts for deep-sea fishing or sailboats to ride the winds. Moving inland, gentle streams and scattered lakes provide fertile sport fishing grounds, while melting 5 0 2 013 travel guide to c al i fo r n ia mountain snow can create raging rapids for kayaking and rafting enthusiasts, but those looking for a gentle river float on an inner tube with a beer cooler can still find their spots. Boating is popular with waterskiers and wakeboarders in the Sacramento Delta and from a huge number of marinas on lakes and reservoirs throughout the state. The Great Outdoors California boasts eight national parks, 278 state parks and a plethora of wilderness areas, nature preserves and other outdoor playgrounds. With landscapes ranging from the sheer cliffs of Yosemite to the searing deserts of Death Valley and the scenic shorelines of the Channel Islands, California offers a lifetime of outdoor opportunities for the visitor. Exploration options range from multi-day backpacking trips for the hardy in remote areas such as Lake Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness to relaxed hour-long walking tours through the gentle winding paths of Muir Woods, easily accessible from nearby San Francisco. A trip to the bubbling volcanic pools at Lassen Volcanic National Park or to the Dr. Seuss-like trees of Joshua Tree can make visitors feel they're on another planet, while sunset in the Yosemite Valley with views of towering waterfalls can make you feel like you're in heaven. California's many mountains mean climbing is a popular activity, be it a hike up 14,505 foot (4,421 m) Mount Whitney (the highest point in the continental U.S.) or technical rock climbing routes from the easy to the extreme in legendary areas such as Yosemite, Joshua Tree and the Pinnacles National Monument. California's state flag features a bear, and you may see some among the wildlife during your outdoor journeys. Black bears, mountain lions, rattlesnakes and coyotes put the "wild" in California wildlife, but careful visitors should have no problem with them. Abundant migratory and native birdlife makes California a prime birding destination, while at sea, whale watching is a perennial tourist favorite. Even without an organized tour, visitors can walk to view sea lions on San Francisco and Santa Cruz piers, and observe sea otters playing in the surf at Monterey. CA » FIND FUN YOUR Summer Sports Biking bikecal.com labikepaths.com Boating dbw.ca.gov Climbing rockclimbing.com/routes/North_ America/United_States/California rockclimbing.org Frisbee Golf pdga.com Horseback Riding horseandtravel.com Surfing surfline.com/travel surfingcalifornia.com NICKOLAY STANEV; OPPOSITE: GALINA BARSKAYA whether it be from tricky single-track downhill trails around Lake Tahoe, flatter cross-country trips or just a rental to cruise the beachfront. Skateboarding is practically the state sport, with skate parks seen everywhere from the sport's birthplace at Venice Beach to the smallest inland town. For a different sort of ride, make like native son John Wayne and saddle up for some horseback riding on trails near cities, around dude ranches or on multi-day wilderness journeys. If that doesn't do it for you, the beaches of Southern California are lined with volleyball nets for pickup games and tournaments, while the sunshine is good for year-round tennis, be it on public courts or at a posh resort.