Celebrities, sandy beaches, snowy slopes, California has it all. Nine hundred miles along the west coast of North America is one of the most beautiful, eccentric places in the entire world. Are you a wildlife lover and find your adrenaline pumping faster at the site of what mother nature has to offer? Get ready because we’re going to introduce you to the top national parks in California!
1. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite falls, granite cathedrals, pristine rock climbing, and mesmerizing views are just view factors that make up Yosemite national park. Located in the Sierra, Nevada Mountains of California this valley is 7 miles long and is not just the top national park in California but in the country! Home to 4 million tourists every year you’ll see your laptop screensavers turn into a reality. The activities and sites to see are endless so we are going to get you started with the top two MUST see and let your curiosity guide you the rest of the way!
Yosemite falls: Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America and the sixth-highest in the world. If this is your first time visiting the park than this waterfall should be at the top of your list. Dropping 2,425 feet Yosemite falls flows from November through July and reaches its ultimate peak in May as the snow is melting and the water is flowing.
El Capitan: If you didn’t know already, El Capitan is a massive rock, but not just any rock. In fact, El Capitan is the largest exposed granite monolith in the world. Once identified as being impossible to climb, reaching heights of 3,593 feet, this rock is now a guilty pleasure for millions of climbers that love to challenge themselves and seek higher limits.
Yosemite Falls and El Capitan are just destinations to get started with on your expedition. Grab your best-hiking boots and camera because Yosemite National Park is one of the most picturesque places in the world. You are going to want to capture every moment with not just your eyes, but your lens as well.
2. Channel Islands national park:
Five islands, located just 30 miles off the coast of California make up the one of a kind Channel Islands national park. Here you’ll find San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa and Santa Barbara. Due to their isolation and not being connected to the mainland, you will find a variety of unique animals and plants that are not found anywhere else in the world. Around 790 plant taxa that include species, subspecies, varieties, and forms have been identified. Out of the 790 found, 205 are non-native. Each island has an array of different activities to explore. Whether it is camping, scuba diving, hiking, fishing or water sports, you’ll find yourself in awe with all the beauty these islands have to offer!
Many assume that getting to the islands is difficult, thats not the case. You can either fly in or hop on a boat that will take you to and from the islands. There is no transportation once there, so you can only access them by foot, kayak, or boat. It is important to plan accordingly to make your trip a success!
3. Joshua Tree National Park:
Located 125 miles east of Los Angeles lies the Joshua Tree National Park. Named after the trees scattered throughout, you’ll find yourself at a loss of words due to the striking boulders covered in crystals. If you wait for the California sun to hit at the right time you will be able to watch them glisten. Talk about beauty in its purest form. A hot spot for rock climbers, many travel across the globe and come together to climb these boulders on their hands and feet. However, you don’t have to be professional to still have an incredible experience. With no humidity and light pollution, Joshua Tree will bless your eyes with one of the most vibrant Milky Ways you didn’t know existed. Different times of the year provide different results. Whether it is an Orionids media shower in October, Leonids in November or the Geminids in December. Summers spent here are scorching hot so it is suggested to plan accordingly and come prepared. Weather in the late fall, early spring or winter is usually wonderful.
4. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park:
Most national parks could take days to tackle everything you want to see. What if there was a way you could be in two parks at once? Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two separate, distinctively stunning national parks that also share a common border. If you want to drive your car through these parks that’s perfectly fine. However, due to the natural rocky, rugged conditions, you will be very limited to the depths of your journey. The best thing to do is grab your hiking boots and start walking.
California is home to the tallest trees in the entire world, the infamous Redwoods. However, did you know that Sequoias are actually bigger? Redwoods may be taller but according to volume, the Sequoias are larger and these parks are filled with them. Sequoia national park is also home to the remarkable Mount Whitney. Elevated 14,505 feet, you’ll find yourself at the highest point of the John Muir Trail and mountain in California.
The feeling you get when exploring the top national parks in California is almost indescribable. Filling your lungs with unpolluted air, relaxing while listening to the soothing sounds of the lakes, or watching the waterfalls or oceans glisten right before your eyes. Perfection.
The top national parks in California might be the next trip you want to check off your bucket list. There is an abundant amount of activities to do and places to see that will leave you more than satisfied.
If you are looking to take your journey further and visit the top national parks in the country then check out our blog for more info!
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