California National Parks
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Summarizing four of California’s National Parks from deserts to mountains.
Four California National Parks: (Jump To)
Since moving to California ten years ago I’ve been meaning to go to Yosemite National Park. For whatever reason, the park continues to elude me. It is once again in my yearly travel plans. I’m sure it will top my list, but until then, here are four other great California national parks.
Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks
This pair of parks (along with some national forests) count as one national park on my list. I haven’t been able to confirm this with a secondary source, but during my visit, a park ranger claimed that hiking to the backcountry of Kings Canyon would put you at the furthest point from any roads or civilization in the continental United States.
Sequoia National Park is home to the largest trees in the world and Kings Canyon is home to sweeping vistas of unmatched beauty. We spent a weekend exploring both parks via car from Los Angeles. It’s a great weekend trip, but you’d need a week to see most of the park and a lifetime to see it all.
More about Kings Canyon/Sequoia.
Pinnacles National Park
A national park that’s newer than some of the outfits in my closet, Pinnacles was designated a national park in 2013 by a young Barak Obama. The park is most known for its unique rock formations. It is also home to a flock of endangered California Condors. If you're a bird lover, this is probably the best place to try to see the rare buzzard.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley wasn’t really on my radar despite its (relatively) close proximity to Los Angeles. We spent two full days in the park. I loved the visit. Most of the sites are easily accessible via the park roads, sometimes with a short hike.
The landscape here is so varied and unique. In one area you can climb sand dunes, a few miles down the road you can stand at the edge of a volcanic crater, and on the other end of the park, you can walk on a shimmering sheet of white at the salt flats. It’s such a cool place.
Read more about our visit here.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is best paired with a trip to Palm Springs. The park is known for its namesake tree which looks like part cactus and part palm tree. It’s another park that’s easy to explore by following the main road and going on short hikes along the way.
Between the Joshua Trees, the park is scattered with giant orangish-colored rocks that look their best in the setting sunlight. Once night arrives, the clear view of the stars is also worth mentioning.
We saw wild mountain goats and roadrunners on our visit. So cool! It’s also a great place for interested beginners to try rock climbing. I spent a few hours with a local instructor. I’m not sure I enjoyed the sport, but I didn’t die, so It’s a win.
Read our one-day Joshua Tree itinerary.
