Exploring The Best National Parks In California

National Parks In California 

California has the most national parks in the country, and each one is a solid reason to get outside. We’re walking you through every single one, where they are, what to expect, and what makes each one worth the drive. If you're planning something different for your weekends or your next long break, this guide helps you get started.

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What’s So Special About California National Parks?

California is the only state with nine national parks, the most in the entire country. You won’t find a repeat. One day you’re walking through ancient redwoods, the next you’re hiking across desert sand dunes or soaking in views from a volcanic peak.

Here’s what makes California’s national parks stand out:

Diverse Landscapes and Biodiversity

No two parks look or feel the same. You’ll go from alpine peaks in Yosemite to the rocky coastlines of Channel Islands to the salt flats in Death Valley. These parks cover mountains, forests, deserts, and shoreline, all in one state.

This range in terrain brings serious biodiversity. What grows in Sequoia isn’t growing in Joshua Tree. You’ll see different animals, trails, and views depending on where you go.

Wide Range of Activities

There’s no shortage of things to do. You can hike granite cliffs, kayak through sea caves, climb desert rock walls, or camp near volcanic lakes. Every park supports different activities based on its layout and climate. That makes it easy to build a trip around what you actually like doing.

Different Climates

These parks cover a lot of ground, and that means very different weather. Some parks stay cool and foggy year-round. Others hit triple-digit heat. This makes it easier to travel year-round since conditions vary by location.

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Map Of National Parks In California

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1. Channel Islands National Park

You want quiet? This is it. Channel Islands National Park sits off the Southern California coast and gives you five islands that feel untouched. No crowds. No shops. No roads. Just raw coastlines, wide skies, and water full of marine life.

This is one of the least visited parks in the state, not because it lacks appeal, but because it takes real effort to reach. That’s part of the point. The reward? Empty trails, rare species, and some of the best kayaking, snorkeling, and diving in the country.

Channel Islands National Park Location

You’ll find the islands off the coast of Ventura, in the Santa Barbara Channel. The five islands that make up the park are San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara. You can’t drive there. You need to take a ferry or small plane. Island Packers is the only authorized boat service, and most rides leave from Ventura Harbor.

• Anacapa and Santa Cruz are the easiest to reach

• Trips to Santa Rosa and San Miguel are seasonal

• Santa Barbara Island is currently closed to ferry access due to dock damage

Climate

The islands sit in a coastal zone with mild weather year-round. It rarely gets hot. Expect cool breezes, fog, and strong winds, especially in winter and early spring. Summer and early fall are the most stable times to visit. That’s also when water temps peak around 70°F, making it better for snorkeling and diving.

Seasonal Tips:

• Spring: Wildflowers bloom

• Summer: Blue and humpback whale sightings

• Fall: Clear ocean visibility, good for kayaking

• Winter: Gray whale migration, epic sunsets

Reasons To Visit

You’re not coming here for crowds or tourist shops. This is about getting off the grid. Every island has something different to offer, depending on what you’re into. Here are the top things to do:

• Hiking coastal trails and sea cliffs

• Snorkeling in clear waters with unique marine life

• Kayaking sea caves (Santa Cruz’s Painted Cave is massive)

• Camping under open skies without light pollution

• Whale watching during migration seasons

• Wildlife spotting, including the island fox, which only lives here

The marine sanctuary around the islands holds more than 2,000 species of plants and animals. 150 of them aren’t found anywhere else. That’s why it’s called the “Galapagos of North America.”

Things To Know

This isn’t a grab-your-bag-and-go park. You’ll need to prepare and pack for an outdoor trip that takes real effort. Here’s what you need to know:

• No food or water available on the islands

• Bring all supplies (food, water, trash bags)

• No restaurants, stores, or equipment rental

• Some islands don’t have running water (like Anacapa)

• Cell service is weak or gone entirely

• Trash out what you bring in

• Book ferry rides and kayak tours in advance

Pro tip: If you're prone to seasickness, bring Dramamine. Also, pack layers. The weather can flip fast.

2. Death Valley National Park

You want extreme? Start here. Death Valley National Park holds the record for the highest air temperature ever recorded on Earth. It’s dry, massive, and intense in all the right ways. You’ll find salt flats, sand dunes, narrow canyons, and views that don’t repeat. It's not for everyone but if you want something different, this park pushes limits in the best way.

Even though it sounds intense, planning your visit around the seasons makes it doable. You just need the right timing and gear.

Location

Death Valley sits in eastern California, near the Nevada border. It's the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Most people drive in from Las Vegas or the Inland Empire. Entry points like Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Badwater Basin are easy to find with a GPS, but don’t count on service while you're there.

Climate

This is one of the hottest places on the planet. Summer temperatures can hit above 120°F. It’s dry, with little shade, and surfaces heat up fast. Winter is your best option. From November through March, conditions are cooler and better for hiking.

• Summer: Extreme heat, not ideal for long outdoor activity

• Fall: Cooling off, but still warm midday

• Winter: Best weather for day hikes and road trips

• Spring: Wildflowers bloom after rare rainfall

Reasons To Visit

Death Valley has views you won’t find anywhere else. You’re looking at massive salt flats, striped hills, and ghost towns that once thrived during the mining boom. Every stop feels different. Main highlights include:

• Badwater Basin: Lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level

• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Great for sunrise and photography

• Artist’s Palette: Hills with natural colors caused by oxidized metals

• Zabriskie Point: One of the best viewpoints in the park

• Dante’s View: Elevated overlook with wide views of the valley

Things To Know

You can’t go into Death Valley without prep. There’s little to no shade, and supplies are limited. If you’re planning a trip, get everything sorted before you head in. Here’s what to bring:

• At least 1 gallon of water per person per day

• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses

• A full tank of gas

• Snacks and meals (limited food spots available)

• A physical map or downloaded offline version

Pro tip: Cell service is limited or gone in most parts of the park. Pack smart and don’t rely on your phone for directions or weather updates.

3. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park brings together two deserts, massive rock formations, and iconic trees you won’t see anywhere else. It's located in Southern California, not far from Palm Springs, and spans over 790,000 acres of raw terrain. If you're looking for a spot that hits hard with views, climbs, and star-filled skies, this one stays locked in your memory.

Location

You’ll find Joshua Tree east of Los Angeles, with main entrances in Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, and Cottonwood Springs. Once inside, park roads take you to major trails, campgrounds, and viewing points. There's no shuttle system, so you’ll need a car to move around. Key visitor centers include:

• Joshua Tree

• Cottonwood

• Black Rock

Climate

The weather hits hard, especially in summer. Temperatures regularly top 100°F in the warmer months. Nights cool down fast, especially in winter. Plan your visit around these seasons:

• Spring (March to May): Wildflowers, mid-80s highs, cool nights

• Fall (October to November): Clear skies, stable temps

• Winter: Cool days around 60°F, freezing nights, snow in higher areas

• Summer: Brutal midday heat, limited shade

The best months are October through May.

Reasons To Visit

This park sits at the crossroads of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. That means you get a mix of dry lowlands and high desert filled with Joshua trees, rocky ridges, and wild cactus fields. You’re walking into a place where no two views repeat.

Top reasons to visit:

• Joshua trees: Seen across the western half of the park

• Rock climbing: Over 8,000 climbing routes and boulder fields

• Stargazing: Clear desert skies with low light pollution

• Hiking trails: From short loops to overnight treks

• Wildlife spotting: Bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, hawks, and more

Favorites include:

• Hidden Valley Trail

• Cap Rock

• Barker Dam

• Ryan Mountain

• Keys View for panoramic desert views

Things To Know

Joshua Tree isn’t built for casual visits. You’ll need to come prepared, especially if you're planning to camp, hike, or stay out past sundown.

Before you go, remember:

• There are no gas stations inside the park

• Cell service is weak or gone

• Bring water, food, and layers

• Campgrounds fill fast so reserve early

• Pets are restricted to roads and campgrounds only

Pro tip: If you want to hike or drive long distances, stock up before entering. The closest towns are Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, and Yucca Valley. For longer stays, you’ll also find hotels in nearby Palm Springs.

4. Yosemite National Park

Located in Central California, Yosemite National Park pulls in millions every year with views of powering cliffs, powerful waterfalls, massive trees, and some of the most famous rock formations on the planet. Yosemite works year-round with something different to offer every season.

Location

Yosemite sits in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Central California. It's about a 3 to 4-hour drive from cities like Fresno or Sacramento. The park covers more than 750,000 acres, but most visitors stick to the Yosemite Valley, where major trails and views are found.

Climate

Weather in Yosemite depends on the season and elevation. Summers are warm and dry. Winters are cold, with snowfall starting as early as November. Spring and fall are best if you want more manageable crowds and better photo spots. 

The park stays open all year, but some roads and trails close during winter. Plan based on this:

• Spring: Waterfalls are at their peak from melting snow

• Summer: Hot days, high traffic, clear skies

• Fall: Cooler temps, fewer crowds, better access

• Winter: Snow, skiing, ice skating, fewer trail options

Reasons To Visit

You’re not short on options here. Yosemite has a long list of heavy hitters that keep visitors coming back. Must-see stops include:

• Yosemite Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in North America

• Half Dome: Iconic granite dome popular with hikers and climbers

• El Capitan: Massive vertical rock wall known worldwide

• Glacier Point: High-elevation viewpoint open in summer

• Mariposa Grove: Home to ancient giant sequoias

You can hike, camp, backpack, or climb depending on the season and your plans. There are also guided tours, mountaineering courses, and seasonal activities like snowshoeing and ice skating in winter.

Things To Know

Planning ahead is a must. Yosemite gets packed in summer, and parking fills up fast. If you're coming between May and September, reserve your entry pass early.

What to remember:

• Reservations required in peak months

• Shuttle service runs through Yosemite Valley

• Limited cell service in many areas

• Book lodging or campsites far in advance

• Pets are only allowed in select areas

Pro tip: If you’re planning to stay overnight, check out official lodging, cabins, or campgrounds. Otherwise, nearby towns like Oakhurst, Mariposa, and El Portal have hotels and supplies.

5. Redwoods National Park

This park keeps it quiet and massive. Redwoods National Park, along with three California state parks, protects the tallest trees on Earth. You don’t need permits or timed entries here. You just need a plan, good gear, and some time. This is for hikers, road trippers, and anyone who wants to see something that actually makes them stop.

Location

Redwoods National and State Parks stretch across Northern California, near the Oregon border. The park system includes Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Parks. Most visitors access the area via Highway 101, which runs through the heart of the forest.

Climate

The weather here stays cool. Even in July, average temps hover around 60°F. You’ll get fog, rain, and damp trails most of the year. Summer is the driest season, but fog is still common in the mornings. Here’s what to expect:

• Spring: Wet but green, fewer crowds

• Summer: Best weather, busy trails

• Fall: Cooler and quieter

• Winter: Rain-heavy, limited daylight

If you don’t like packing layers, this park won’t be for you. Conditions can shift in minutes.

Reasons To Visit

People come here for the trees, but there’s more than that. This park is made for hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife watching. You’re not rushing here. You’re walking slow, keeping quiet, and watching everything change around you. Top reasons to visit include:

• Tallest trees in the world like Hyperion (exact location hidden for protection)

• Scenic drives like Howland Hill Road and Newton B. Drury Parkway

• Quiet hiking trails through massive groves

• Coastal views from trails like Damnation Creek or Gold Bluffs Beach

• Elk spotting near Prairie Creek

Things To Know

This isn’t a one-entry-point park. Visitor centers are scattered across the region, and cell service is limited. Plan your stops ahead of time and download maps before you get out there. Bring:

• Waterproof shoes and jackets

• Printed or offline maps

• Food and snacks (limited services inside the park)

• Bear-safe containers if you're camping

Pro tip: There’s no entrance fee for the national park, but state parks inside the area may charge parking fees. Campgrounds fill up fast during summer, so make your reservations early if you're staying overnight.

6 & 7. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

These two parks sit side by side and feel massive in every direction. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are in Central California, known for sky-high trees, granite cliffs, and remote mountain lakes. You get big trees, deep canyons, and fewer crowds than Yosemite.

Location

These parks connect in the southern Sierra Nevada. Most people enter through Fresno or Visalia, depending on which part of the park they want to hit first. Sequoia is home to the big names, like General Sherman and Moro Rock. Kings Canyon brings in the alpine hikes and remote valleys.

Climate

This park system covers a wide range of elevations. That means weather can flip fast. Down low, it’s warm in summer. Higher up, there’s snow even in late spring. Here’s what to expect by season:

• Summer: Warm and dry, with cool nights

• Fall: Cooler temps, early snow in higher areas

• Winter: Full snow in many zones, road closures common

• Spring: Variable weather, some trails still closed

Always check conditions before your trip. Some roads require tire chains from November to April.

Reasons To Visit

These parks are known for one thing first: giant sequoias. But there’s more. You’ll also find alpine lakes, granite cliffs, and deep canyons that run for miles. You can go full day-trip or lock in for multi-day hikes. Highlights include:

• General Sherman Tree: Largest tree on Earth by volume

• Moro Rock: Short climb with huge payoff views

• Cedar Grove: Great for hikers looking for quiet trails

• Kings Canyon Scenic Byway: One of the deepest canyons in the country

• Lakes Trail: A solid high-elevation hike to alpine lakes

Things To Know

You’ll be in higher elevations most of the time. That means thin air, limited phone service, and changing weather. Plan ahead and take it slow if you're not used to the altitude. Key tips include:

• Carry plenty of water

• Watch for altitude sickness symptoms

• Bring warm clothes, even in summer

• Tire chains may be required in winter

• Book campsites early in peak months

Pro tip: There are visitor centers at Foothills, Lodgepole, and Grant Grove for maps, tips, and trail updates.

8. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park gives you boiling mud pots, sulfur vents, and craters. It’s one of the few places where all four types of volcanoes can be seen in one park. If you’re ready for raw terrain, this one’s a solid pick.

The park sits in Northern California, and depending on the month, it can be all snow or all trail. Plan it right, and you’ll get views, hikes, and hydrothermal action that goes way beyond the usual.

Location

Lassen sits east of Redding, in a quiet corner of Northern California. You’ll access it from Highway 44 or Highway 36, depending on which side you’re coming in from. The Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway cuts through the middle of the park, but it’s often closed in winter and early spring.

Climate

The weather runs cold for most of the year. Snowfall can hit early and stay into June. Summer brings clear skies and mild daytime temps. Nights cool off fast, even in July. Here’s what to expect:

• Winter: Heavy snow, road closures, limited access

• Spring: Trails open slowly, high elevation areas may still be blocked

• Summer: Best time for hiking, cool mornings and warm afternoons

• Fall: Crisp air, fewer crowds, limited services as the season closes

Reasons To Visit

This park’s got a different feel since you’re here for volcanic terrain. The mix of active geothermal spots and alpine hikes makes this one stand out. Highlights include:

• Bumpass Hell: Boardwalk trail over hydrothermal features

• Lassen Peak Trail: Hike to the summit of an active volcano

• Sulphur Works: Right off the highway, easy walk to steam vents

• Boiling Springs Lake and Terminal Geyser: More geothermal activity without the crowds

• Manzanita Lake: A calm spot for kayaking, fishing, and views

Things To Know

Lassen runs seasonal. Most of the park isn’t accessible until mid to late summer. If you're heading in early or late in the year, be ready to adjust plans. Here’s what to bring:

• Bug spray, especially in July

• Plenty of water

• Layered clothing for changing temps

• Offline maps and info (cell service is weak)

• Snow gear if visiting before June

Pro tip: Always check road status before you head out. Some parts of the park stay closed late into the year. The main visitor center is open year-round, but trail access depends on snow. Campgrounds open later than most parks in California.

9. Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles is one of the newer names on the national park list, but it holds its ground. Located in Central California, this park gives you towering rock formations, lava tubes, and real condor sightings without crowds. If you're over 21 and want a quiet hike, some sun, and trails that make you work, this one’s worth your time.

The park got national status in 2013, but it’s been pulling in hikers, climbers, and bird watchers long before that.

Location

Pinnacles sits southeast of Monterey, split into east and west entrances. There's no road that connects the two sides inside the park. You’ll need to pick an entrance based on what trails or views you're after.

• East side: Best for camping and cave hikes

• West side: Popular with day hikers and rock climbers

Climate

This area heats up fast. Summer days can hit over 100°F, especially in July and August. Spring and fall bring milder weather and are easier for long hikes. Start early and pack more water than you think you’ll need. What to expect by season:

• Spring: Wildflowers, good weather, busier trails

• Summer: Hot, dry, not ideal for mid-day hikes

• Fall: Cooler days, better trail conditions

• Winter: Cold mornings, low crowds

Reasons To Visit

This park isn’t built around one view. It gives you volcanic rock towers, deep caves, and some of the best chances in California to see California condors in flight. Add a mix of hiking trails and climbing routes, and you’ve got solid variety packed into a smaller park. Top reasons to visit include:

• Talus caves like Bear Gulch and Balconies

• Rock climbing for all levels

• California condor watching

• Spring wildflowers

• High peaks trail with wide views of the region

Things To Know

Pinnacles works best with a plan. The split entrance can catch people off guard. And while the park is open daily, some caves close based on bat activity. Key reminders include:

• No road between entrances

• Check cave status before your trip

• Bring water and sun protection

• Bug spray is smart in warmer months

• Condors are easier to spot in early morning or late afternoon

Pro tip: Cell service is limited, so download maps and trail info before arriving. The east entrance has a campground if you're staying overnight.

Final Words

With 9 national parks in California, you’re looking at variety. You’ve got volcanic craters in Lassen, giant sequoias in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, and massive canyons and coastal cliffs in between. If you're out for a long drive, a tough trail, or a quiet view, there’s a spot for it.

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