California National Parks

California is home to some of the most diverse and iconic national parks in the U.S., spanning deserts, redwood forests, mountain peaks, and coastline. Here's a breakdown of California's major national parks:

California National Parks (Full List) 1. Yosemite National Park

• Location: Sierra Nevada Mountains
• Highlights: Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls
• Known For: Dramatic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoias
• Best Time to Visit: May–October (spring for waterfalls, summer/fall for hiking)
• Tips:
  • Reserve in advance—very popular
  • Glacier Point and Tioga Road offer stunning views but are seasonal

2. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

• Location: Southern Sierra Nevada (adjacent parks)
• Highlights: General Sherman Tree, Giant Forest, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
• Known For: World's largest trees and deep canyons
• Best Time to Visit: June–October
• Tips:
  • High elevation—pack layers
  • Snow can close roads in winter/spring

3. Joshua Tree National Park

• Location: Southern California, Mojave & Colorado deserts
• Highlights: Joshua trees, rock formations, Cholla Cactus Garden
• Known For: Surreal desert landscapes, bouldering, stargazing
• Best Time to Visit: October–April (cooler temps)
• Tips:
  • No cell service or water in many areas—prepare well
  • Great for photography and night sky viewing

4. Death Valley National Park

• Location: Eastern California/Nevada border
• Highlights: Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, sand dunes
• Known For: Lowest and hottest place in North America
• Best Time to Visit: November–March
• Tips:
  • Avoid summer heat (can exceed 120°F)
  • Spring can bring rare wildflower blooms

5. Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Location: Northern California
• Highlights: Lassen Peak, Bumpass Hell, boiling mud pots
• Known For: Volcanic activity, hydrothermal features
• Best Time to Visit: July–October (snow lingers into summer)
• Tips:
  • Less crowded than other parks
  • Great for geology lovers and backcountry hikers

6. Redwood National and State Parks

• Location: Northern California coast
• Highlights: Tallest trees on Earth, Fern Canyon, scenic drives
• Known For: Coast redwoods, lush forests, ocean views
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (mild coastal climate)
• Tips:
  • Includes both national and state park units
  • Fog adds a mystical vibe to morning visits

7. Pinnacles National Park

• Location: Central California (east of Salinas)
• Highlights: Spire-like rock formations, talus caves, condor sightings
• Known For: Rock climbing, hiking, rare wildlife
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (hot in summer)
• Tips:
  • No road connects east and west entrances
  • Great for spotting California condors

Planning Tips

• Reservations: Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree may require advance reservations, especially for camping or entry.
• Park Pass: Get the America the Beautiful Pass for access to all U.S. national parks.
• RV Friendly Parks: Yosemite, Sequoia, and Death Valley offer RV camping; check length restrictions and availability.