Quick Links
- Channel Islands
- Death Valley
- Joshua Tree
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Pinnacles
- Yosemite
- Redwood
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon
California has got the most national parks in the United States, truly a Golden State when it comes to natural wonders. It has nine nature (one shared with Nevada) that provide iconic views and stunning landscapes.
The state’s national parks are varied: the Channel Islands offer ocean views; the arid but scenic Death Valley; the desert paradise of Joshua Tree; the steaming Lassen; the mountainous Pinnacles; Redwood and it is towering trees; the scenic Kings Canyon; the Yosemite and it is roaring cascades; and also the lush Sequoia.
California has probably the most visited nature in america, Yosemite, also it should be part of a nature lover's bucket list. Wherever tourists choose to visit, the state's nature offer only various rewarding outdoor activities or quietness for those who want that.
Channel Islands
The Channel Islands is composed of eight islands, five of which are members of the national park. Tourists can try a number of pursuits like hiking, fishing, scuba diving, camping, and backpacking on any of the islands. Among the best experiences to try in the park is kayaking in the welcoming sea caves. Listed here are the five islands and just what they provide to tourists.
- San Miguel, which was reopened to tourism in 2022, is slowly attracting campers and hikers. Hikers can view resident notary seals and sea lions, and then on camp while experiencing the Pacific breeze. Divers and kayakers, meanwhile, are recommended look around the area from late morning to early afternoon when great white sharks are not present.
- Santa Rosa is historic since the Arlington Springs Man remains were discovered here. The 13,000-year-old fossils are considered the oldest human remains based in the Americas. As such, tourists can hike close to the island's archaeological sites.
- Santa Cruz, the biggest the hawaiian islands, is really a place for beach lovers. The area has coves and sandy beaches where tourists can sunbathe while checking out Devils Peak.
- Santa Barbara is the smallest of the islands although not someone to be overlooked. Here, tourists can take a look at nesting Scripps's murrelet, a threatened species. There's also an endemic succulent known as the Santa Barbara Island live-forever.
- The volcanic Anacapa Island includes a rich history which travelers can learn via interpretive programs. Apart from that, they are able to also try watersports and hiking.
The Robert J. Lagomarsino Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center in Ventura is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., as the Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center opens at 11 a.m. There is no entrance fee.
Death Valley
Death Valley is the “hottest, driest, and lowest” US national park and despite its name, it’s filled with wildlife. The park is open Twenty four hours and it has an entrance fee of $30 per vehicle. Here are some attractions in this massive park.
- The tourist viewpoint at Aguereberry is the best location for appreciating the Panamint Range.
- The geological formations of Amargosa Chaos are stunningly beautiful.
- Those unaware of how salt is created should browse the Badwater Basin.
- The singing sand phenomenon awaits guests in the Eureka Valley.
- Hikers can navigate Mosaic Canyon's 4-mile trail (roundtrip), where they are able to try crawling between boulders.
Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet, making it a unique place for wilderness adventures. The park is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to five p.m. Likely to entrance fee of $30 for vehicles.
- Backpackers and campers are thanks for visiting stay in the nine campgrounds.
- You will find 13 trails for beginning hikers and 15 others for those who wish to challenge themselves. Probably the most demanding may be the Boy Scout Trail which could take 6 hours to complete.
- For individuals who want some adrenaline rush, the park can also be well suited for bouldering, climbing, slacklining, and highlining.
- Amateur astronomers also flock towards the Joshua Tree for some stargazing.
- From February to April, tourists can busy themselves taking photos of blooming wildflowers.
- Birdwatchers are in for any treat because the place hosts roadrunners, wrens, doves, and quails. Migratory birds also pass through the region.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
In this park, tourists will be welcomed by Lassen Peak, the world’s largest plug dome volcano. Visitors will have the chance to check out fumaroles, openings that emit volcanic gas and steam, apart from mud pots and boiling pools. Guests should not exceed railings and really should follow designated trails for his or her safety. Outdoor recreation include hiking, camping, biking, and lake/creek swimming, among others. The park is open Twenty-four hours a day, with a vehicle entrance fee of $30.
Pinnacles
This mountainous park is famous for its rock formations and it is talus caves. Apart from camping, guests can hike, conquer the climbing routes, birdwatch, and meet some bats within the caves. Its East Side gate is open 24 hours, while the West Side operates from 7:30 a.m. to eight p.m. There’s an automobile entrance fee of $30.
Yosemite
This park is best known for waterfalls, but it is also home to lush valleys and meadows. The park is open 24 hours, with a vehicle entrance fee of $35. Here are must-visit spots in the park.
- visiting from mid to late February might get lucky to determine an orange Horsetail Fall.
- Some mornings, tourists can watch frazil ice or when creeks look slushy. The scenic Hetch Hetchy Valley may be worth visiting, thanks to its views of peaks, canyons, and lakes.
- There are 10 viewpoints, with Glacier Point to be the most widely used because it's an ideal destination to understand the Yosemite Valley. 1
Redwood
This park has almost 39,000 acres of virgin forest, with some redwoods aged 500 to 700. It’s a humbling experience to become near towering redwoods, and only in California is this had. The park is free of charge to visit, and tourists can busy themselves hiking, horse riding, kayaking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Another of Mother Nature’s masterpieces, this twin park is home to the biggest tree in the world. Just looking at the towering trees seems surreal, imagine standing near them – it’s pure bliss. Aside from exploring sequoia groves, tourists can take advantage of a full day hiking, horseback riding, climbing, fishing, and caving. The park is open 24 hours a day, with a vehicle entrance fee of $35.
California is usually the spot to be when going through the wilderness whatever the season.