The crossword solution for Central California's Big ___ is SUR, a three-letter word. SUR is an abbreviation for the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which is located in Central California and is one of the longest mountain ranges in the United States. The Sierra Nevada mountain range is home to some of the highest peaks in the contiguous United States, including Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states. The Sierra Nevada mountain range is also home to numerous national parks, forests, and wilderness areas, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.