The 5 most beautiful parks in California
The first images that come to mind when we think of California are often of the ocean, the beach, palm trees and glamour.
If, like us, you're more a fan of nature and the great outdoors, California is sure to deliver!
Here are the 5 most beautiful parks to visit during your trip to California.
#1. Yosemite
Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is known worldwide for the beauty and diversity of its landscapes.
That's why it's at the top of our Top 5 list.
Towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, powerful waterfalls... Yosemite has something for everyone.
It's the third-largest park in the US, and welcomes over 4 million visitors every year.
That's why I recommend spending at least 2 days visiting Yosemite.
Don't miss
The Tioga road is a must. Some of the park's most beautiful spots lie along this scenic route. Don't miss Olmsted Point, Mono Lake, Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows.
Also, take time to discover the famous Yosemite Valley. This is where you'll find the park's star vistas, like Glacier Point , Tunnel View and Mariposa Grove , land of the giants.
Hikers won't want to miss Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls , Mirror Lake and the Mist Trail .
#2. Death Valley
Death Valley National Park is probably the most-loved part of the Mojave Desert.
During the summer months, it has some of the hottest weather in the world.
Add to that the fact that it receives only 50 millimetres of precipitation per year, and it's no wonder it's called Death Valley!
Despite its extreme aridity, Death Valley is home to great biodiversity.
Get ready to go from mountains and canyons to sand dunes and salt flats!
Don't miss
For your first look at the park, head to the top of Dante's View , soaring more than 1,500 metres above the valley floor. You'll have a breathtaking view, with the magnificent Panamint Mountains in the distance.
The park's other star attraction is Zabriskie Point , with dunes that are definitely one of the best photo spots in Death Valley.
Finally, Badwater Basin is a must-see with its vast salt flats. At 85.5 metres below sea level, it's the lowest point in the world. Personally, this is my favourite place in the park.
#3. Joshua Tree
This is one of my favourite parks in all of the United States.
Joshua Tree National Park is located at the crossroads of two deserts with vastly different ecosystems: the arid low-altitude Colorado Desert, and the high-altitude Mojave Desert.
The Mojave Desert is home to the famous Joshua tree, a species of tree found only in the American southwest that is also the emblem of the park.
A 100-kilometre scenic drive crosses the park from the northwest to the south.
Many points of interest can be found along this road, and can often be reached by short hiking trails.
Don't miss
The park's highest lookout, Keys View , offers a spectacular view of Mount San Jacinto and Mount Gorgonio, two of the highest peaks in California, along with the Coachella Valley and the shining surface of the Salton Sea. Those who know their local geography may also be able to spot the San Andreas Fault.
The Cholla Cactus Garden trail leads through a dense stand of the unusual cholla cacti. The short 400-metre loop takes just twenty minutes to complete.
The Hidden Valley trail winds through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the park, even though it's only a 1.6 km round trip. The Arch Rock trail leads to a natural bridge and other unusual rock formations.
The Salton Sea is a legendary saline endorheic lake and the largest lake in California. Together with the once-famous resort town of Bombay Beach, it offers a completely different landscape. This former oasis now looks like a ghost town.
#4. Sequoia
Sequoia National Park, which is named after the giant trees that are found there, stands out from the rest because of its sheer size.
You'll feel very tiny before the vastness of nature.
Lucky for us, it was saved from the loggers who wanted to use all this wood for building.
It's hard to imagine a California road trip without a visit to this legendary forest.
Don't miss
The General Sherman Tree is probably the image that comes to mind when you think of Sequoia. It's the park's star attraction and the largest living organism on the planet, at 84 metres tall and 31 metres in circumference. It is believed to be more than 2,200 years old!
The Congress Trail begins near General Sherman and leads into the heart of the forest of giants. It's an easy 3.2-kilometre loop.
Fancy a spectacular panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada and its 4,000-metre peaks? Climb the 400 steps of Moro Rock and get ready to enjoy a real feast for the eyes. It's well worth the effort!
If you're traveling by car or motor home under 22 feet, pay a visit to Tunnel Log , a fallen sequoia through which a tunnel has been cut to allow cars to pass. You'll certainly get some interesting photos!
And finally, Sequoia National Park's worst-kept secret, Crystal Cave is fun to explore, especially with the family. 45-minute guided tours are available.
#5. Channel Islands
Here's a lesser-known national park where you can completely disconnect from the outside world.
The Channel Islands are a chain of mountains just off the coast of California, near Ventura.
The park encompasses 5 islands - Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Rosa, Santa Barbara and San Miguel - each with its own distinct geography and characteristics.
There are no hotels, restaurants, or stores.
Known as the "Galapagos of North America", Channel Islands National Park is home to nearly 150 endemic species of plants and animals that can only be found on its five idyllic islands.
Don't miss
Anacapa Island is gorgeous with its sea caves, eroded volcanic rocks and natural bridges. The island has no telephone service and no running water... disconnection guaranteed!
Santa Cruz Island is home to an impressive number of plant and animal species. It also has beaches and sea caves.
With its sandy beaches and sheer cliffs, Santa Rosa Island will delight you if you're looking for a typical California beach without the hordes of tourists. And it's a great spot for surfing!
Locate the 5 most beautiful parks in California
And there you go!
You're ready to explore California's diverse landscapes.
Which park are you most excited to visit? Let us know in the comments below!
An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!
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