Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park boasts ornate marble walls polished naturally by a subterranean stream. Locals know there are impressive caves scattered throughout the Sierra range, but this might be news to spelunkers from out-of-state.

Sierra residents also know where to find world-class wines. Westbrook winery near Yosemite National Park uses sustainable farming practices to produce Claret-style wines by co-fermenting Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenere and other grapes that thrive in this Sierra Foothill vineyard.

Judging by the nominations to the Sierra Nevada Geotourism MapGuide thus far, wine tasting and spelunking are two of the most popular activities in the mountains. Since www.SierraNevadaGeotourism.org went live on August 19th, participants have nominated five caves for inclusion on the online mapguide; six people have recommended Westbrook Winery Farm.

The project seeks to celebrate the Sierra Nevada mountain range--longest, highest and most spectacular in the lower 48--while contributing to the economic health of the region, by promoting sustainable tourism. History buffs and adventurers, backpackers and foodies, birders and sightseers will discover unique destinations based on recommendations from those who know best--residents of the Sierra Nevada.

Submitting a nomination to the website is easy. Click on the “Nominate” button, and complete the online form. We ask for your contact information to ensure that mapguide nominations are legit. The online form walks you through various questions about your favorite Sierra destination, and you are encourage to submit photos with your nomination.

You can also peruse the 100 nominations submitted by over 70 area residents by clicking on the “map” tab. Mouse over the map’s icons to read a thumb-nail description of Mono Lake and the Little Lakes Basin in the Eastern Sierra. Volunteer with the Sierra Foothill Conservancy to keep the Merced River “wild and scenic,” or learn about the geology of the Sierra on an outdoor adventure with the Yosemite Association. When you submit a nomination, an icon will appear on the map. Click on the icon and you can read a full description of the place.

Working artists and working landscapes will be an integral part of the Sierra Nevada Geotourism MapGuide. Spend a “Weekend in the Country,” visiting Yosemite Valley Alpaca Ranch or joining a grape stomp and Chapell Winery. Mariposa County’s Agri-Nature Trail seeks to promote a commitment to stewardship of the Sierra’s agriculture legacy among visitors and residents alike. Sierra Art Trails sponsors an open studio tour of area artists like Judy DeRosa whose paintings, mono-prints, and jewelry incorporate symbolism from various indigenous traditions.

Project volunteers staffed tables at the Mariposa County Fair and the South Tuolumne County Historical Society picnic over Labor Day weekend to promote the Geotourism project. Over the next two months we will attend community forums and public events from the Ebbetts Pass to Oakhurst, as the first step to create a Geotourism MapGuide for the entire Sierra Nevada region. But there’s no reason to wait for a meeting in your town.

What do you love about the Sierra Nevada? Help tell the story of this extraordinary mountain range by going to www.SierraNevadaGeotourism.org.