The Gateway to Yosemite
The Sierra Nevada Mountains offer much in the way of action sports, nature and national parks, and there is no better starting-off point than Fresno, CA. This exciting city is set in the heart of the California Central Valley and just to the west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains’ western slope. This location makes Fresno the gateway to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, all just around an hour drive from downtown. Yosemite is a beautiful place to visit year-round, with both summer and winter activities and attractions. As the home of the famous landmarks El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite is one of the top rock climbing locations in the US.
At the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, guests can hike and backpack through parks that are predominantly back country and wilderness. The massive sequoia trees and granite-walled valleys make Kings Canyon a unique and memorable destination. Elevations range from 1,359 feet at the base of the Sierras to 14,494 feet at the highest peak, so it is available for both experienced and beginning hikers. The China Peak Ski Area is just about an hour away from Fresno where you will find 11 lifts bringing you to 45 runs.
Although Fresno is a convenient place to access its nearby destinations, it is also a great place to visit on its own. Throughout the year, such attractions as Shakespeare in the Park, the Rogue Festival and the Tower District Mardi Gras Parade all take place in Downtown Fresno. At the Fresno Art Museum, guests can check out their collection featuring contemporary and modern art, pre-Columbian Sculpture and Mexican and Mexican-American Art. At Roeding Park just in the middle of downtown is the Fresno Chaffe Zoo with popular exhibits such as the African Adventure and Roo Walkabout. As with any locale in California, there is, of course, a local wine scene. Milla Vineyards, Engleman Vineyards and Cedar View Winery are just a few of the many in the Fresno Area, all offering tasting and tours. With such variety, Fresno is a very dynamic place and a different side of California that everyone will enjoy.
Guests heading to Fresno have two options to serve their private flights to the region – Fresno Yosemite International Airport – FAT - and Fresno Chandler Executive Airport - FCH. Fresno Yosemite International Airport – FAT – is located just 10-minutes from downtown. Yosemite National Park is only 32-miles to the east and China Peak Mountain Resort is about 40 additional miles in the same direction. Fresno’s location at the Sierra Nevada’s foothills means that Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Sierra National Forest are all about an hour away by car. FAT sees regular airline service, so guests can rest assured that there are excellent ground handling facilities and more than enough runway to comfortably accommodate even the largest business jets. Those heading to the region in smaller aircraft such as turboprops and very light jets can use Fresno Chandler Executive Airport – FCH. FCH airport has no airline service and the lack of traffic and crowds add to a more exclusive experience for guests.