1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 THE GRID GETTY IMAGES (3), ALAMY (3), RACHID DAHNOUN (2), SHUTTERSTOCK (1) The Sierra's Geologic Marvels See why John Muir called the Sierra "a country of wonderful contrasts" CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTO GALLERY t he Sierra Nevada Mountains stretch for 400 miles and contain a wealth of geologic marvels. From young volcanoes to alpine basins scoured by glaciers, here are nine of the area's most distinctive natural features. 1. Mono Lake An ancient saline lake dotted with gnarled tufa towers. Lee Vining 2. Crystal Cave A 2.5-mile-long marble cavern with a babbling creek, massive rooms, and rare formations. Sequoia & Kings National Parks 3. Palisade Glacier The largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada. Near Big Pine 4. Devils Postpile A heap of 60-foot-high hexagonal columns formed by an ancient lava flow. Mammoth Lakes 5. Half Dome Round and smooth except for its iconic sheer face. Yosemite National Park 6. Yosemite Falls North America's tallest waterfall at 2,425 feet high. Yosemite National Park 7. Mammoth Mountain The ski mountain is a volcano on the edge of the Long Valley Caldera. Mammoth Lakes 8. Balancing Rock A 130-ton granite sphere appears to be balanced on a rocky pedestal. D.L. Bliss State Park, Lake Tahoe 9. Hot Creek Geologic Site Boiling water and steam bubble up from Hot Creek. Mammoth Lakes VISITCALIFORNIA.COM | 107http://www.VISITCALIFORNIA.COM