California is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful National Parks in the contiguous United States of America. Grateful to have visited them all, I ranked from my favorite to least favorite.
Joshua Tree National Park
My brother and I always say, a bloody elbow and a scraped up knee means we have had a good trip to Joshua Tree. Located 140 miles east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National park is the meeting point of two very distinct ecosystems: the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. Although I prefer towering, damp forests over vast, dry deserts any day, this park is my favorite because of the incredible bouldering opportunities. I am by no means an expert rock climber, but I love spending warm summer sunsets in the desert with my brother, hoisting ourselves up onto the sharp, granite rocks to gain a better view of the beautiful warm hues melting into the horizon. I definitely recommend this park for anyone from desert enthusiasts to forest lovers.
Redwood National Park
Home to some of the tallest trees in the world, nearly half of the remaining old growth redwoods reside in this park. Located in northern Humboldt, this park contains all sorts of environments from prairies to old-growth redwood forests to beaches. I love this park because of its lush, green forests. Nothing is more calming than a 6 am hike down a mossy, damp path, with brightly colored ferns covering the floor, all bundled up in coats and scarves as the frigid morning air bites the tip of your nose. Looking up at the tree canopies towering above you really makes you think about how small you are in this huge world, and I love spending time reflecting on life while being immersed in nature.
Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon National Park
Connected by Generals highway, these two individual parks are run by the National Park Service under one unit. Purchasing an entrance pass at either park will grant you access to both so they are often visited together, but these parks have very distinct features. While Kings Canyon is known for its variety of natural features from deep canyons to rough granite peaks, Sequoia is famous for its classic giant sequoia groves. While I love the gorgeous trees of Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon truly has it all: dense forests, rocky mountains, and calm lakes. I love looking up at the tips of the snow capped mountains, peaking over the colossal trees, and skipping stones in the serene lakes surrounded by rocky boulders. These two parks are a fantastic way to get a full experience for the price of one.
Yosemite National Park
Having visited this park over 21 times, I can firmly say I have seen it all. From the roaring base of the lower Yosemite Falls to the expansive, flowery fields of Yosemite Valley, this park has been a fan favorite for decades. Located in the central Sierra Nevada, this park is known for its cascading waterfalls and massive granite domes, but I believe the duality of this park is what makes it so popular. Although I love a rigorous hike up Mount Dana, my favorite afternoons are spent in Yosemite Valley. One of my favorite hikes ever is through McGurk meadow. Feet submerged in the cold water flooding the trail, I love gazing at the clouds that rest on the peaks of the Sierra Nevadas that surround the wild flower filled meadow. Over the years, Yosemite has moved down in my ranks due to the overcrowding of the already understaffed and underfunded park. My family finds it easier to camp in a National Forest surrounding the park, and spend day trips in the park while hiking in the area outside it too. As the park has become increasingly urbanized it continues to fall in my rankings, but it is still a huge part of my childhood, and I will never forget the fond memories I grew there.
Death Valley National Park
Classic for desert lovers, this park is the hottest and driest national park in America. Located in southeastern California and spilling into southwestern Nevada, Death Valley –named or its scorching temperatures– features golden wind-carved caves and unique salt flats. Although deserts are not typically my cup of tea, I have enjoyed my numerous trips to this unforgiving park. One of my favorite hikes was through Golden Canyon. Gripping the sliver of shade by the walls of the towering canyon, I pushed through 106 degree weather to admire the stunning natural art created by the multicolored rock layers in the canyon walls. Although the blistering temperatures make this park difficult to visit in the summer, the winter season offers a more peaceful time to visit. Although this park isn’t in my top ranking, I recommend it to anyone who prefers deserts over forests.
Pinnacles National Park
This unique park is truly a hidden gem within the park system. Located right in central California, this park is known for its distinctive towering rock spires and deep caves. This park isn’t one of my personal favorites because I am not a fan of the dramatic rock formations, similar to the reason I do not love Bryce Canyon National Park. However, I know each park has its own unique beauty, and other people out there would enjoy it. The fact that this park is less popular adds to the charm (something Yosemite is unfortunately losing) and allows it to offer more solitude and tranquility without constant commotion from rushing tourists. Overall this park has great potential to be the ideal park for someone, just not me.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Trypophobia is real! After visiting this geologic treasure chest twice, my family was forced to cancel our camping reservations the third time, because of the hole-filled lava rocks covering the park. However, I will not discredit the beauty of this park due to my inability to stomach some holes. Located in Northern California, this park is known for its intriguing geothermal features. Filled with active and dormant volcanoes, steaming vents, and bubbling mud pots, Lassen is truly a natural wonder. Despite its smaller size, compared to the other parks, Lassen offers a wide range of ecosystems, from alpine lakes to dense forests. Similar to Pinnacles, this park is relatively uncrowded, allowing one to feel more in touch with nature. For anyone interested in the geological aspect of nature, this park is right for you.
