Article Overview: California National Parks
California’s national parks are among the most visited, most scenic, and most easily accessible in all the world. From the heights of the Sequoia to the depths of Death Valley, from the grandeur of mighty Yosemite to the intimacy of Redwood, California’s national parks have something for everyone.
Given the countless hours I’ve spent in these parks, I finally took it upon myself to rank them from best to worst (how subjective!) so that you can choose which one(s) are best suited for you. Without further ado, I give you the best national parks in California.
There’s a downloadable / printable California National Parks Map at the bottom of the post.
California National Parks
Table of Contents: Best California National Parks
Table of Contents: Best California National Parks
Top 5 Best California National Parks
1. Yosemite National Park, California
Location: Eastern California
Helpful Resources: Map / Guidebook / Facts / Where to Stay / Things to Do / Best Hikes / Fall
Score: 43
- Accessibility – 9.5/10
- Recreation – 10/10
- Crowds – 3.5/10
- Amenities – 10/10
- Scenery – 10/10
About Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful place with spectacular wonders that defy belief. But alas, it’s the 21st century and John Muir’s “grandest of all temples of nature” is bursting at the seams with tourists in search of their latest social media trophy. But at the end of the day it’s still Yosemite National Park. Once there you’ll realize just why the park is one of the most popular in the US.
Despite the summer crowds, the valley and the park is truly one of the natural wonders of the world. The immense beauty found here is overwhelming and has a tendency to make one feel small in the most humbling way. We recommend visiting in the off-season for the best experience.
Yosemite Highlights
Yosemite Valley is one of the most breathtaking and iconic natural destinations in the world. John Muir had this to say about it “It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter.”
Glacier Point is another incredibly scenic viewpoint of Yosemite Valley and one of the most heavily photographed spots in the park.
Mariposa Grove is the largest grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park with several hundred ancient trees on display.
2. Redwood National Park, California
Location: Northern California
Helpful Resources: Things to Do / Hikes / Guide / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Photos / Facts / Near San Francisco
Score: 43
- Accessibility – 7/10
- Recreation – 8/10
- Crowds – 7/10
- Amenities – 10/10
- Scenery – 9/10
About Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park’s misty forests, wild coastline, pristine streams, and valleys teeming with wildlife are one of the best kept “secrets” in the national park system. 40 scenic miles of wild and rugged coastline where whales swim and elk roam are enough to take your breath away.
Waterfalls and clear blue streams rush against a backdrop of vivid green ferns. The tallest trees in the world soar to unimaginable heights all around you and command your awed gaze. Yes, here in Redwood National Park you’ll be forgiven if you start to think you’re another planet, like say Endor.
RELATED: An Epic Guide Redwood National Park (Photos + Video)
Watch the Award-Winning Redwood Video
Redwood Highlights
Stout Grove is one of the most magnificent and highly photographed groves of old-growth Redwoods in Redwood National Park. Located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods North of Crescent City, the Stout Grove features a relatively small grove of giant, 300ft tall redwoods.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods Named for the famous mountain man, Jedediah Smith State Park is often many visitors first experience in Redwood National Park. This area is located on the stunning Wild & Scenic Smith River on the north side of the park near Crescent City.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove is one of the most spectacular groves of ancient, old-growth Redwoods in the world. This grove is located near the town of Orick at about 1,000ft above sea level and is one of the most popular hikes in the park.
Redwood National Park Guide
Interested in learning more about Redwood National Park? We made a beautiful and easy to use guide with helpful tips, photos, video, & more! Click here for the guide.
3. Sequoia National Park, California
Location: Eastern California
Helpful Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Facts / Where to Stay / General Sherman Tree
Score: 43
- Accessibility – 9/10
- Recreation – 8.5/10
- Crowds – 7.5/10
- Amenities – 8.5/10
- Scenery – 9/10
About Sequoia National Park
The beauty of the ancient Sequoia trees found in Sequoia National Park defy any attempt to describe them as John Muir so aptly wrote, “The Big Tree is Nature’s forest masterpiece, and, so far as I know, the greatest of living things. No description can give any adequate idea of their singular majesty, much less their beauty. ”
Here, amongst groves of the largest trees in the world, one can’t possibly avoid being humbled and awed by the power of of nature. In addition to it’s namesake trees, the park has abundant amenities and outside of peak summer crowding isn’t too bad. We highly recommend adding this national park to your list.
Not to be confused with Giant Sequoia National Monument which we wrote about in our article ranking all 128 US National Monuments in case you’re interested in going down that rabbit hole.
Sequoia Highlights
The General Sherman Tree is the largest tree in the world and for that reason alone is a must-see. The tree is 275 feet tall, around 2,200 years old and weighs more than 2.5 million pounds!
The Congress Trail is our favorite trail in the park filled with stunning groves of ancient Sequoias. For an especially beautiful trip, visit this trail in winter with snowshoes.
The Big Trees Trail is another favorite trail in the park which loops around a large meadow and gives visitors a grand view of the giant sequoias.
Where to Stay at Sequoia National Park
4. Death Valley National Park, California
Location: Southeastern California
Helpful Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Facts / Camping / Where to Stay / Video
Score: 39
- Accessibility – 6/10
- Recreation – 9.5/10
- Crowds – 8/10
- Amenities – 7/10
- Scenery – 8.5/10
About Death Valley National Park
The largest park in the contiguous United States at over 1.6 million acres, Death Valley embodies every aspect of epic. Star Wars landscapes fill the mind with wonder as superlatives are the name of the game here. Death Valley features the lowest point in North America, the hottest ever recorded air temperature on the planet, and the driest place in the United States.
Despite the morbid name Death Valley has an abundance of life and incredible sights. So long as you don’t visit during the summer when temperatures can soar into the 130s you’re bound to have a great time here.
Death Valley Video
Death Valley Highlights
Eureka Dunes Located in the remote Eureka Valley and situated at 3000ft elevation, Eureka Dunes is the most stunning dune field (we think) of the five in Death Valley National Park. These dunes are the tallest in California and perhaps the tallest in North America.
Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America at 282ft below sea level. This salty wonderland features dazzling geometric shapes and record temperatures in the Summer.
Zabriskie Point is one of the most iconic locations in all of Death Valley National Park and perhaps the park’s best place in to watch a sunrise. This popular location features panoramic views of Death Valley and stunning rock formations.
Death Valley National Park Guide
Interested in learning more about Death Valley National Park? We made a beautiful and easy to use guide with helpful tips, photos, video, & more! Click here for the guide.
5. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Location: Southern California
Helpful Resources: Guide / Hikes / Things to Do / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Score: 37
- Accessibility – 8/10
- Recreation – 8/10
- Crowds – 7/10
- Amenities – 7/10
- Scenery – 7/10
About Joshua Tree National Park
Oh Joshua Tree. Has any park been more idolized by musicians and pop-culture? What was once thought of as an interesting other-worldly filming location for old Hollywood television productions like Star Trek, is now every budding artist’s pilgrimage for photo shoots and experimental…well, anyway.
Alas, Joshua Tree has not lost any of its beauty, and despite its crowds still provides plenty of space to explore it’s magical desert landscapes.
Watch the Award-Winning Joshua Tree Video
Joshua Tree Highlights
Wall Street Mill is an abandoned gold mill site built in 1933 the ruins of which are located in Joshua Tree National Park. The mill was built by Bill Keys, whose handy work can be seen in various other sections of the park including Keys Ranch.
Arch Rock is a roughly 30ft natural arch located near the White Tank Campground. The hike to the arch leads visitors through a labyrinth of cool rock formations along the way.
Skull Rock is pretty much exactly what it sounds like – a really cool looking skull-shaped rock that’s actually located right off the main road in Joshua Tree National Park.
Top 10 Best California National Parks
6. Kings Canyon National Park, California
Location: Eastern California
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do | Facts | General Grant Tree
Score: 37
- Accessibility – 5.5/10
- Recreation – 10/10
- Crowds – 6.5/10
- Amenities – 7/10
- Scenery – 8/10
About Kings Canyon National Park
Located directly adjacent to Sequoia National Park and featuring similar scenery (the second largest tree on the planet lives here) and even a similar lodge, this is a park to behold. The only downside here is accessibility, burned areas, crowds, and the sequoia groves here aren’t quite as gorgeous as those you’ll find down the road at Sequoia. Call it national park snobbery, spoiled with a wealth of natural splendor, but here we are.
Kings Canyon Highlights
General Grant Tree Clocking in at the second largest tree on the planet, the General Grant Tree is a sight to behold.
Grant Grove The Grant Grove is home to the General Grant Tree along with many other massive sequoias sure to impress any visitor to Kings Canyon.
7. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Location: Northern California
Resources: Map | Things to Do | Facts
Score: 35.5
- Accessibility – 6/10
- Recreation – 7.5/10
- Crowds – 7/10
- Amenities – 7/10
- Scenery – 8/10
About Lassen Volcanic
We liken Lassen to a Yosemite meets Yellowstone. Situated just below the mighty volcanic Cascade Range and at the northern tip of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this park features some otherworldly scenery. Thermal works here in an area known as Bumpass Hell rival some of those you can find in Yellowstone.
Throw in some stunning alpine lakes, sugar pine forests, and purple mountain majesty and you’ve got a general feeling for the place. The catch here is proximity to a major airport and other popular destinations. It’s a bit out there.
Lassen Volcanic Highlights
Bumpass Hell is an otherworldly landscape reminiscent of some of the thermal areas found in Yellowstone National Park. Boardwalks here wind through sulfurous, boiling, steaming pools.
Manzanita Lake is a one of Northern California’s most beautiful lakes complete with a volcanic mountain view of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags.
Kings Creek Falls is a 30ft waterfall located in Lassen Volcanic National Park that is part of a scenic 2 mile hike.
8. Channel Islands National Park, California
Location: Southern California
Helpful Resources: Where to Stay | Facts | Things to Do
Score: 31
- Accessibility – 4/10
- Recreation – 6.5/10
- Crowds – 9/10
- Amenities – 3.5/10
- Scenery – 8/10
About Channel Islands
Deemed “the American Galapagos”, Channel Islands feature an unbelievable amount of biodiversity. Located just off the coast of Southern California, this eight island chain is another bucket-lister for park-lovers.
Getting to the islands themselves presents a bit of difficulty as visitors have to take a ferry and usually make reservations well in advance. Once arriving to the islands activities including hiking, kayaking, diving, and relaxing. Amenities are a bit limited so make sure to pack water and food for your trip.
Channel Islands Highlights
The Ferry Ride to the Channel Islands from mainland California is one of the coolest parts of the adventure. The ride itself is about 1 hour each way and costs about $65 per person for a round trip ticket.
Inspiration Point Trail is a short trail that features a breathtaking overlook on Anacapa Island.
9. Pinnacles National Park, California
Location: Central California
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do | Facts
Score: 29
- Accessibility – 6.5/10
- Recreation – 6/10
- Crowds – 8/10
- Amenities – 3/10
- Scenery – 5.5/10
About Pinnacles National Park
The most recent addition of the California National Parks is a beauty featuring some lovely dry mountain scenery, cave exploration, condor viewing, and lots of great rock climbing opportunities. With that being said, hiking is the main activity in the park and there’s plenty of it. A great time to check out the park is in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming.
Pinnacles Highlights
Bear Gulch Cave Trail is a beautiful hiking trail and cave tour that winds through narrow canyons and has a creek running through it.
10. Giant Sequoia National Monument
Location: California, USA
Best Resources: Map | Guidebook | Monuments Ranked
Managed By: USFS
Size: 221 acres
Established: December 8, 1906
Overall Score: 41/50
- Scenery: 15/15
- Recreation: 10/10
- Accessibility: 7/10
- Amenities: 4/5
- Crowds: 4/5
- Cultural Significance: 1/5
Now our list of California National Parks transitions to some of the lesser known spots including national monuments! Is there anything more humbling than being in the presence of an ancient Giant Sequoia? These largest trees in the world are now more endangered than ever with the loss of nearly one fifth of their entire population over the last two years thanks to extreme climate-fueled wildfires.
The monument has several groves of giant sequoias that can be accessed via easy loop trails as well as more strenuous trails to farther flung groves. There are two campgrounds in the monument and plenty of camping opportunities in the area. Be aware that many of the roads and trails are impassable or closed during the winter due to snow and ice.
Top 15 Best California National Parks
11. Cascade–Siskiyou National Monument
Location: Oregon & California, USA
Managed By: BLM
Size: 114,000 acres
Established: June 9, 2000
Overall Score: 38/50
- Scenery: 12/15
- Recreation: 10/10
- Accessibility: 5/10
- Amenities: 4/5
- Crowds: 5/5
- Cultural Significance: 2/5
Located on the border of Oregon & California at the southern end of the mighty Cascade mountain range, Cascade-Siskiyou is one of America’s premiere national monuments.
Within this national monument lies an incredible amount of biodiversity as well as important cultural sites to a number of native american tribes.
An insane amount of recreational opportunities are available at Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument including hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, camping, horseback riding, climbing, skiing, boating, and more.
Among these, popular activities include hiking up to Pilot Rock for incredible panoramic views, visiting Hyatt Lake, and touring the Highway 66 scenic drive.
12. Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
Location: California, USA
Best Resources:
Managed By: BLM, USFS
Size: 280,320 acres
Established: October 24, 2000
Overall Score: 38/50
- Scenery: 11/15
- Recreation: 10/10
- Accessibility: 7/10
- Amenities: 4/5
- Crowds: 3/5
- Cultural Significance: 3/5
Home to one of the most scenic drives in America, and some of the most beautiful scenery in southern California (which is saying a lot), Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is a site to behold.
This epic national monument rises rapidly from the desert valley floor to over 10,000 feet in elevation. Visitors can experience this dramatic shift in climate zones via the epic, 67 mile long Palms to Pines Scenic Byway.
The scenery in Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is both breathtaking and varied, featuring stunning sites similar to what you might find in Death Valley National Park.
On top of all that, the monument has an unparalleled amount of recreational opportunities for visitors including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, backpacking, and much more.
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is located just west of Palm Springs and Palm Desert and can be accessed with ease. Add this one to your list of California National Parks for the great juxtaposition of splendid natural scenery!
13. Sand to Snow National Monument, California
Location: California, USA
Best Resources:
Managed By: USFS, BLM
Size: 154,000 acres
Established: February 12, 2016
Overall Score: 38/50
- Scenery: 11/15
- Recreation: 10/10
- Accessibility: 6/10
- Amenities: 4/5
- Crowds: 3/5
- Cultural Significance: 4/5
Dramatically rising from the desert floor to all the way to alpine vistas at 10,000 feet elevation, Sand to Snow is one of the most striking national monuments in the entire system.
The scenery here is both stunning and varied with a massive amount of biodiversity encompassing everything from the dry desert to high alpine zones.
Beyond the sites, recreational opportunities at Sand to Snow National Monument are seemingly endless including camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, skiing, snowboarding, and more.
And if that wasn’t enough, the national monument is home to a massive amount of native american sites including over 1,700 petroglyphs. All this to say, if you live in California and haven’t yet been, it’s time to give this place a serious look.
14. Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument
Location: California, USA
Best Resources: BLM Monument Visitor Guide
Managed By: USFS & BLM
Size: 330,780 acres
Established: July 10, 2015
Overall Score: 36/50
- Scenery: 11/15
- Recreation: 9/10
- Accessibility: 6/10
- Amenities: 2/5
- Crowds: 5/5
- Cultural Significance: 3/5
A relatively new national monument, protected by President Obama in 2015, Berryessa Snow National Monument protects 330,000 acres of magnificent landscapes, wildlife, and some of the rarest plants in North America.
Wildflower season here is a sight to behold with brilliant colors filling the valleys and hillsides. The monument is an outdoor recreation paradise with opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, OHV riding, hunting, fishing, and more throughout the monument.
15. Mojave Trails National Monument
Location: California, USA
Best Resources:
Managed By: BLM
Size: 1,600,000 acres
Established: February 12, 2016
Overall Score: 35/50
- Scenery: 11/15
- Recreation: 6/10
- Accessibility: 6/10
- Amenities: 4/5
- Crowds: 5/5
- Cultural Significance: 3/5
Situated in the desert of southeastern California, Mojave Trails National Monument is the largest national monument in the contiguous US. The monument is also home to the longest undeveloped stretch of historic Route 66.
Visitors here will find beautiful desert scenery steeped in history. The monument is largely undeveloped, but does have a developed campground and various 4WD roads to go along with its hiking trails.
Top 20 Best California National Parks
16. San Gabriel Mountains National Monument
Location: California, USA
Best Resources:
Managed By: BLM
Size: 346,240 acres
Established: October 10, 2014
Overall Score: 35/50
- Scenery: 11/15
- Recreation: 8/10
- Accessibility: 9/10
- Amenities: 3/5
- Crowds: 3/5
- Cultural Significance: 1/5
As one of the newest US national monuments, San Gabriel Mountains adds to California’s list of stunning public lands beauty. San Gabriel Mountains National Monument boasts an incredible amount of biodiversity (some of the most in the US), incredible wildlife, and vital habitat to a number of endangered species.
Recreational opportunities abound here including hiking, cross-country skiing, hunting, nature viewing, picnicking, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, and camping.
17. Muir Woods National Monument
Location: California, USA
Best Resources:
Managed By: NPS
Size: 553 acres
Established: January 9, 1908
Overall Score: 33/50
- Scenery: 13/15
- Recreation: 6/10
- Accessibility: 8/10
- Amenities: 3/5
- Crowds: 1/5
- Cultural Significance: 2/5
Situated just off California’s coastline and named for the legendary conservationist, Muir Woods National Monument is home to some of the most beautiful stands of old-growth redwoods on the planet. Now, I must say, compared to the redwoods you’ll find in Redwood National & State Parks, or the Sequoias you’ll see at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, these specimens leave something to be desired. However, they’re still worth a visit, especially for nearby San-Franciscans.
Getting into the national monument requires advance reservation so be sure to check in prior to visiting. Once you’re there just follow the Main Trail (yes, that’s its name) which takes hikers through the grove. Along the way you’ll see bridges which cross to the other side of the loop allowing hikers to do a .5, 1, or 2 mile loop. Initially I thought this monument would rank much higher on our list but the wealth of incredible national monuments in the US has pushed it to this spot. Crowds and recreational opportunities are the main detracting factors here.
18. Carrizo Plain National Monument
Location: California, USA
Best Resources:
Managed By:
Size: 211,045 acres
Established: January 17, 2001
Overall Score: 30/50
- Scenery: 11/15
- Recreation: 4/10
- Accessibility: 4/10
- Amenities: 1/5
- Crowds: 5/5
- Cultural Significance: 5/5
About This US National Monument
Carrizo Plain National Monument is world famous for its kaleidoscopic and unfathomably massive wildflower blooms that take place each spring. I’ve seen a lot of epic wildflower blooms in my day but nothing comes close to the heavenly sites on display at Carrizo Plain.
Located 3 hours north of Los Angeles, California, this staggeringly beautiful national monument is one everyone should add to their bucket lists for the spring bloom. Typically the peak bloom at Carrizo Plain National Monument takes place sometime around the first week of April but varies from year to year depending on rainfall.
19. Fort Ord National Monument
Location: California, USA
Best Resources:
Managed By: BLM
Size: 14,658 acres
Established: April 20, 2012
Overall Score: 29/50
- Scenery: 8/15
- Recreation: 4/10
- Accessibility: 8/10
- Amenities: 2/5
- Crowds: 5/5
- Cultural Significance: 2/5
Situated in the rolling green hills above the picturesque seaside California town of Monterey, Fort Ord National Monument offers thousands of acres of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Spring displays of wildflowers and the endangered Smith’s Blue Butterfly are must-sees in this relatively new recreation destination.
True to its name, Fort Ord is a former military installation which ceased most of its operations in 1994. The land comprising the fort was mostly parceled out amongst the state of California and the BLM. The BLM portion of which was proclaimed as a national monument under President Obama. The U.S. Army still maintains a small presence in the area.
20. Cabrillo National Monument
Location: California, USA
Best Resources:
Managed By: NPS
Size: 144 acres
Established: October 14, 1913
Overall Score: 28/50
- Scenery: 8/15
- Recreation: 3/10
- Accessibility: 10/10
- Amenities: 3/5
- Crowds: 2/5
- Cultural Significance: 2/5
Located in sunny San Diego, California, Cabrillo National Monument recognizes Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s arrival as the first European to set foot on the west coast of the United States. While the monument itself is a mere 144 acres, tiny by monument standards, it’s a beautiful site to visit and spend an afternoon. At the monument you’ll find stunning San Diego coastline, Old Loma Point Lighthouse, a few short hiking trails, and a statue recognizing Cabrillo’s achievement.
Map of California’s National Parks
See below map with the locations of all nine of California’s National Parks.
Summary of California National Parks (ranked from best to worst)
- Yosemite National Park
- Redwood National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Kings Canyon National Park
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Channel Islands National Park
- Pinnacles National Park
Why Listen to Us About the California Parks?
You should probably know that we didn’t just make this list up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands. We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers. Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
California National Parks Ranking Criteria
Now, you might ask how on earth we ranked California’s national parks from best to worst. We ranked all of the national parks based on a variety of factors including accessibility, recreational opportunities, crowd sizes, park amenities, and of course, scenic beauty. Have a look at the breakdown below:
- Accessibility – Is this national park easy to access? We analyzed vehicle access, transportation options, proximity to major airports, lodging and accommodations, conveniences, and other signs of civilization.
- Recreation – Recreation opportunities found in the park like hiking, biking, boating, climbing, etc.
- Crowds – How crowded is this national park? We considered traffic, crowded overlooks & trails, limited campsite availability, lines, etc.
- Amenities – Developed amenities in the park like visitors centers, campgrounds, bathrooms, lodges, etc.
- Scenery – The scenic beauty of the park. Purely subjective of course, but has to be taken into account.
See Our Full National Park Rankings
We actually ranked ALL 63 National Parks from best to worst using the same point system featured in this article here. Curious to see how California’s parks stack up against the rest of the parks nationwide? Click here!
California National Parks Map
Download this California National Parks Map: JPG
Download this California National Parks Map: JPG
Helpful Related Articles
Redwood National Park: Redwood National Park Ultimate Guide
Things to Do Redwood National Park: 15 EPIC Things to Do in Redwood National Park
Death Valley National Park Guide: Death Valley National Park Ultimate Guide
Things to Do Death Valley: 18 EPIC Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
Joshua Tree Guide: Joshua Tree National Park Ultimate Guide
Best Hikes Joshua Tree: 15 Epic Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
Things to Do Pinnacles National Park: 10 Epic Things to Do in Pinnacles National Park
Redwoods Near San Francisco: 15 BEST Places to See Redwoods Near San Francisco
Los Angeles National Parks: 7 Epic National Parks Near Los Angeles
San Francisco National Parks: 8 BEST National Parks Near San Francisco
San Diego National Parks: 6 AMAZING National Parks Near San Diego
Yosemite Facts: 10 Shocking Yosemite National Park Facts
Sequoia Facts: 10 GIANT Sequoia Tree & National Park Facts
Channel Islands Facts: 10 Amazing Channel Islands National Park Facts
West Coast Parks: 20 BEST West Coast National Parks Ranked by Experts
I’ve been to six of these and the fact that Joshua Tree is the “worst” cracks me up because it was one of my favorite places when I lived in the Bay Area. Just shows the wealth of amazing places we have in CA. One quibble: I feel Yosemite should get docked because such an important section of it is very restricted in access due to San Francisco having a dam and reservoir there.
Great point, Kathy! I absolutely *love* Joshua Tree. Was one of my first parks 🙂
I share your feelings about Yosemite. Not only is such an important section restricted, but completely underwater! You need scuba gear (not that it’s even allowed) to fully see Hetch Hetchy nowadays. They’ve done some great work in Olympic National Park removing dams which is encouraging. Perhaps Yosemite will see something similar in the future. What a sight that would be!
We can dream 🙂
Will
General Sherman is no longer considered the world’s tallest tree. A tree called Hyperion in Redwood National Park is. It was discovered in 2006 and measured 375ft tall
Hi Holly,
Thanks for the comment! General Sherman is actually the world’s *largest* tree by volume, not the tallest. 🙂
Cheers,
Will