John Walker / McClatchy Tribune

California is home to a variety of natural vistas and areas of wilderness. And in the Central Valley alone people are just hours away from some of the largest, deepest, oldest landscapes in all of North America.

Some people have said that Fresno is the armpit of hell, while others say there is nothing to do here. But what if people are just unaware of the unique surroundings?

Darrick Yray, a communications major, is taking a recreation class this semester and is learning about the variety of nature that surrounds the valley.

“It’s perfect how in the same day I can go to the snow and the beach, not to mention the fishing, hiking, and water sports I can do,” Yray said.

According to the National Park Service, it only takes two hours and 15 minutes to get to Yosemite Valley.

Home to the largest waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls measures 2,425 feet high and cascades down the granite sides.

“Living in Fresno gives me the opportunity to be at the tallest waterfall in North America or the deepest canyon,” Yray said.

The deepest canyon is Kings Canyon, just over an hours drive on the 180 East. In no time people could lay witness to a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon.

Amber DeAnda, pre-nursing major, grew up in the foothills so she understands the beauty that is all around the Valley.

“I am aware of the amazing surroundings that we have in the central area,” DeAnda said. “Some of the most amazing memories I have of visiting the different national parks are Half Dome in Yosemite and the Boyden Caves in Sequoia National Park. The caves have both stalagmites and stalactites which are mineral formations that look like icicles.”

DeAnda said she was fortunate to learn a lot about the parks and the wilderness in grammar school, but for people that are not originally from the valley the parks may not be common knowledge.

According to the National Park Service, the largest living things in North America are the Sequoia trees located in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Many of the trees measure in at 30 feet in diameter and reach heights up to 200 feet.

Some people may not be aware that the tallest living species in North America are the California Redwood trees that reach heights of 370 feet.

DeAnda said she was impressed by these natural beauties.

“It’s an amazing visit to the Redwoods in Yosemite that has a big hollow space that’s wide enough to fit a car through,” DeAnda said.

The National Park Service also states that the oldest living thing in North America is the Bristlecone Pine tree located in a special preserve in the Inyo National Forest. These organisms live to reach ages of 4,500 years old. One can see living things that have been around for thousands of years and have survived the many different elements of the world.

Marissa Brand just recently moved to the Central Valley and was very surprised to find that the area is more than just a valley.

“Fresno is filled with the ever-fascinating beauty of nature,” Brand said. “From national parks to recreational lakes, I’ve never experienced something other than a sandy beach.”

After living in Southern California, Brand did not know of all the wonderful places that were so close to the valley.

“After visiting Yosemite National Park and enjoying the adventures of rock climbing through its waterfalls and looking up at enormous trees, my view of Fresno has definitely changed and the nature surrounding it amazes me,” Brand said.