California National Parks are definitely worth a visit. Although California is often known for the Hollywood strip, Venice Beach, San Francisco and the original Disneyland, The Golden State is also known for being home to some of the country’s best national parks. With iconic landscapes, epic wildlife and challenging trails to explore the beauty of nature, these national parks are all worth a visit. Whether you experience just one park per trip or make it a multi-park trip, you’re sure to have an incredible vacation.
Yosemite National Park
Perhaps one of the most famous parks in the country. Yosemite is a true gem, with glacial landscapes, towering waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re a climber looking for your next challenge or just want to walk in nature, Yosemite’s breathtaking beauty will leave you with memories to last a lifetime! Spend a few days camping in the park with long summer days. Make the most of the hiking trails and picnic spots.
Death Valley National Park
With scorching desert temperatures and rugged landscapes, it’s no surprise that the park is called Death Valley, but don’t let this bleak name stop you! When you venture into this unknown territory, you are often graced with a unique beauty. Double rainbows, polychromatic wildflowers, salt valleys, and sand dunes are just some of the amazing sights you’ll experience on a trip to Death Valley National Park, not to mention the epic stars you can see every night thanks to non-existent light pollution of this remote region.
Joshua Tree National Park
Although most people think of a certain U2 album when they hear the words Joshua Tree, others will think of an American national park in southeastern California. It is famous for these peculiar trees. With two expansive deserts that meet in the middle (Mojave and Colorado), this park has a very distinct landscape. It ensures diversity of flora and fauna and a number of exciting hiking trails. Apart from the eponymous Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia), the park is also famous for its boulders and bare hills popular with climbers.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
With Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks located next to each other (with one entrance fee), you can experience two extraordinary parks in one day. Sequoia NP, as the name suggests, is famous for the giant Sequoia trees. It includes the largest tree in the world (by volume), the General Sherman. A walk through these mammoth trees will really put things into perspective. It will show you the great power and beauty of nature. Kings Canyon allows you to appreciate this beauty in a different form, with the Kings and San Joaquin rivers flowing through the park’s deep granite canyons.
Pinnacles National Park
A recent addition to the national parks, Pinnacles National Park features soaring spiers and steep canyons. Not only is the park known for its dramatic scenery (which makes it perfect for rock climbers), but it’s also home to the rare California condor. It is the largest bird species in North America that was once extinct! As such, Pinnacles is a top location for bird and wildlife fans, as well as Towson’s big-eared bats and falcons that live in the park.
Redwood National Park
Similar to Sequoia NP, Redwood National Park is home to Giant Redwoods, the tallest tree species in the world. Although Sequoia takes the prize for the largest tree, Redwood NP boasts the tallest living tree, Hyperion. It is a whopping 115.7m tall! The vast majority of Redwoods were wiped out in California during the late 19th century. So when you stand among these towering (and otherwise immortal) trees, you’ll be amazed by their presence and potential.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park’s unique geology makes it quite different from other parks in the state. It has towering Lassen Peak, stunning lakes and thundering waterfalls making it fascinating to explore. The active presence of the volcano can still be felt around the park with lots of sulphurous mud pots bubbling away on the surface. Exciting trails like Bumpass Hell, Devil’s Kitchen, and Painted Dunes (as well as Lassen Peak itself) make it possible to see the park from every angle due to the varying landscapes, all taken from a dream!
Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park is a beautiful area consisting of five islands:
- Anacapa
- Santa Barbara
- Santa Cruze
- San Miguel
- Santa Rosa
The park protects the nature and landscapes of the islands, while the marine reserve preserves the waters surrounding the islands. They are home to countless marine animals. Whether you’re visiting the many seals (seals and sea lions) at San Miguel Island, kayaking around the bays at Channel Islands National Park or surfing at Santa Rosa, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip! Apply for your ESTA Denmark Application visit these sights of wonder.
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