The Most Stunning National Parks in California

Surpassing even renowned scenic states like Alaska and Utah, California is home to the highest number of national parks in the nation. The Golden State's ten national parks showcase the incredible variety of landscapes found on the West Coast, from the majestic redwoods of NorCal to the dry deserts of SoCal, the unique flora of Joshua Tree, and the striking geological formations shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glaciers.

From iconic treasures like Yosemite to the secluded marine habitats of Channel Islands National Park, California's national parks offer an impressive array of experiences. Beyond these prime destinations, the National Park Service manages numerous other protected areas, including national monuments, wilderness regions, seashores, and preserves.

If you're eager to explore the great outdoors and experience the wonders of nature, the Golden State has everything you need. Here are the top national parks in California.

1. Yosemite National Park

Best for Unmatched Grandeur

As the crown jewel of the national park system, Yosemite captures the awe of nature's majesty – even for those who haven't visited. The park's most frequented area, Yosemite Valley, features iconic sights such as the towering granite face of El Capitan, the dramatic plunge of Bridalveil Fall, and the lush, often wildflower-dotted valley floor, with the breathtaking Half Dome taking center stage. Other regions of the park are filled with ancient sequoia groves and a wealth of wilderness trails, each equally mesmerizing.

Planning a lengthy adventure? Pack your bags and trace the path from the heart of Yosemite to the summit of Mt Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous USA. This true trek spans 211 miles along the challenging John Muir Trail, which ascends and descends six Sierra passes exceeding 11,000 feet. Join fellow hiking enthusiasts as you cross chilly rivers and streams while exploring Yosemite Valley, the remote backcountry of Kings Canyon and Sequoia, and the oxygen-thin peak of Whitney.

You can also honor the ancient giants of the earth. With some trees estimated to be around 4,000 years old, the gnarled and wind-swept stalwarts of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest have truly withstood the test of time. From Independence, take the scenic high-altitude road into the White Mountains, pausing midway to admire the distant jagged ridges of the Sierra Nevada and the valley below. At the solar-powered Schulman Grove Visitor Center, you can gather your thoughts and catch your breath before marveling at these ancient survivors.

2 & 3. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Best for Backcountry Exploration and Ancient Giants

Connected by a high-altitude road that traverses a national forest and links several wilderness areas, these two parks together present vast expanses of alpine wonder. Groves of massive sequoias, meadows blanketed with wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, striking gorges, and breathtaking views greet you at nearly every turn.

Featuring a chasm deeper than the Grand Canyon, rugged Kings Canyon invites true adventurers with its seemingly endless lush trails, rushing streams, and towering rock formations. The camping, backcountry exploration, and climbing opportunities are exceptional. While nearby Sequoia National Park often takes the spotlight, Kings Canyon boasts its own impressive groves of giant sequoias, with far less foot traffic on its trails. Grant Grove is home to General Grant, the second-largest tree in the world.

The park is home to peaks soaring over 14,000 feet, much of which is designated wilderness. However, the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Hwy 180; accessible only from late April to October) winds through some of California's most stunning landscapes, making these natural wonders available to confident drivers. The park's sole entrance station is located at the Big Stump Entrance, close to Grant Grove Village.

As if that’s not enough, imagine unzipping your tent to find yourself surrounded by trees towering like 20-story buildings and dating back to biblical times: welcome to Sequoia National Park. Enjoy a cup of coffee as you prepare for a day filled with adventures in this extraordinary place, where vast forests and towering peaks over 12,000 feet await.

You can choose to marvel at needle-like stalactites in a 100,000-year-old cave, see the largest living tree on Earth, ascend 350 steps to a granite dome with breathtaking views of the snow-covered Great Western Divide, or even drive through a tunnel carved from a 2000-year-old log. And that’s before you even set foot on a trail—where you'll encounter wild landscapes (and occasional glimpses of black bears), be awed by thundering waterfalls, and embark on epic overnight hikes leading to secluded lakes and charming backcountry camps.

4. Death Valley National Park

Best for natural extremes

The name itself conjures images of a harsh, scorching, and desolate land—an environment that feels as severe as the Old Testament. This national park holds records: it is the hottest, driest, and lowest in the USA. Yet, upon closer inspection, one discovers mesmerizing sand dunes, canyons shaped by water, ancient volcanic craters, palm-fringed oases, and a wealth of unique wildlife. Nature truly puts on a vibrant display in Death Valley.

Furnace Creek serves as the commercial heart of Death Valley, featuring the national park visitor center, a gas station, ATM, post office, and accommodations. There’s also a charming mission-style 'town square' with a general store, restaurant, saloon, and a spot for ice cream and coffee. Additional facilities at Stovepipe Wells Village and Panamint Springs provide gas, food, and lodging as well.

Entry permits for the park are priced at $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days. These can be obtained from self-service pay stations along the park's access roads and at the visitor center.

5. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Best for otherworldly landscapes

This 106,000-acre national park features a dry, smoldering, treeless expanse that starkly contrasts with the lush green coniferous forest surrounding it. In summer, visitors experience this incredible landscape, while winter blankets the area in deep snow, limiting access. However, entering from the southwest entrance feels like stepping into an alien realm. The unique lavascape reveals a captivating view into the Earth's fiery core, with vibrant hot springs, bubbling mud pots, sulfurous vents, fumaroles, lava flows, cinder cones, craters, and crater lakes. Towering at 10,463 feet, Lassen Peak is the largest plug-dome volcano on the planet.

Historically, this area served as a summer camp and gathering place for Indigenous tribes, including the Atsugewi, Yana, Yahi, and Maidu, who hunted deer and collected plants for basket weaving. Some Indigenous people continue to reside nearby and collaborate with the park to share their rich history and contemporary culture with visitors.

The park features 150 miles of hiking trails, including a 17-mile segment of the Pacific Crest Trail. Experienced hikers can challenge themselves on the Lassen Peak Trail, a 5-mile round trip that takes at least four and a half hours; however, the first 1.3-mile stretch to the Grandview viewpoint is family-friendly. The panoramic views from the summit are breathtaking, even on slightly hazy days.

Close to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee visitor center, a gentler 2.3-mile trail winds through meadows and forests to Mill Creek Falls. Further north on Hwy 89, the roadside sulfur works feature bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and fumaroles. At Bumpass Hell, a moderate 1.5-mile trail and boardwalk lead to a vibrant geothermal area filled with colorful pools and clouds of steam.

6. Pinnacles National Park

Best for spotting condors

A stunning display of geological evolution, this park features rugged monoliths, steep canyons, and winding caves shaped by millions of years of erosion. Alongside hiking and rock climbing, the park's main attractions are its two talus caves. Balconies Cave is always accessible, while Bear Gulch Cove typically closes from mid-May to mid-July to protect the resident Townsend's big-eared bats and their young.

The park's iconic spires create a natural division. To reach the west entrance, exit Hwy 101 at Soledad and take Hwy 146 northeast for 14 miles; the east entrance can be accessed via Hwy 25 from Hollister and then Hwy 146. Visitor centers are located on both sides. Although there's no road connecting the two sides, you can hike across in about an hour. While exploring the park, keep an eye out for the endangered California condors soaring overhead.

For the best experience, plan your visit during spring or fall, as summer temperatures can be extremely high.

7. Joshua Tree National Park

Best for mesmerizing desert scenery

Straight out of a Dr. Seuss tale, these quirky Joshua trees greet visitors in this expansive 794,000-acre park, where the Colorado and Mojave Deserts meet. Rock climbers flock to 'JT' for California's premier climbing spots; navigating the colossal boulders provides fun for everyone. Hikers discover hidden, shaded oases nourished by natural springs, while mountain bikers are captivated by the stunning desert vistas along the trails. It's also an excellent destination for camping.

Known as humwichawa by the Cahuilla Nation, these unique trees were traditionally used to craft rope, baskets, and garments. When Mormon settlers arrived, they named it the Joshua tree, likening its upward-reaching branches to the biblical prophet Joshua pointing toward the promised land. In spring, these trees bloom with a striking single cream-colored flower, while the tentacle-like arms of the ocotillo cactus burst forth with vivid crimson blossoms. The enchanting beauty of this rocky, boulder-strewn terrain has inspired numerous artists, including U2, who recorded their 1987 album The Joshua Tree here. Unless you're making a day trip from Palm Springs, it's best to stay in the desert towns connected by 29 Palms Hwy/Hwy 62 along the park's northern edge.

8. Redwood National Park

Best for upward exploration

This park is the southernmost part of a diverse collection of state and federally managed lands known as Redwood National & State Parks. After grabbing a map at the visitor center, you'll discover a wide array of hiking options. Just a few miles north along Hwy 101, turning onto Bald Hills Rd will lead you to Lady Bird Johnson Grove, featuring a 1.5-mile loop trail perfect for families, or you can immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Tall Trees Grove.

To preserve the serenity of Tall Trees Grove, access is limited to a certain number of vehicles each day; free permits are available at the visitor center in Orick. This trip can be a rewarding half-day adventure after the demanding approach (a 6-mile journey along an old logging road behind a locked gate, followed by a moderately strenuous 4.5-mile round-trip hike). Another recommended hike is to Trillium Falls, which can be accessed via a 1-mile there-and-back route or a 2.5-mile loop from Davidson Rd at Elk Meadow.

Keep in mind that during winter, several footbridges over Redwood Creek are removed due to high water levels. If you're planning to hike during this season, it's wise to consult a ranger about the current conditions before heading out.

9. Channel Islands National Park

Best for marine life

The Channel Islands comprise an eight-island chain stretching from Newport Beach to Santa Barbara. This national park includes the four northern islands—San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Anacapa—along with the small southern island of Santa Barbara. The area is rich with tide pools and kelp forests, featuring nearly 150 unique plant species and several endemic animal species. Access is available via boat from Ventura or Oxnard.

Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, swimming, and kayaking around the kelp beds and sandy shores of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa. San Miguel and Santa Barbara are home to colonies of northern elephant seals.

The islands are stunning throughout the year, but the peak visitor season is between June and September. The ideal times to visit are during the spring wildflower bloom (April and May) and in September and October when the fog clears. Winter often brings storms, making it a perfect season for whale-watching.

Other National Park Service Sites in California

10. Lava Beds National Monument

Best for geology enthusiasts

Set atop a shield volcano, Lava Beds National Monument showcases a stunning 47,000-acre landscape filled with geological wonders—lava flows, craters, cinder cones, spatter cones, and incredible lava tubes. Over 800 caves have been discovered here, all maintaining a cozy 55°F (13°C) regardless of outside conditions. You can also find Indigenous pictographs and petroglyphs scattered throughout the park.

11. Point Reyes National Seashore

Best for experiencing crashing waves

With its rugged charm, Point Reyes National Seashore is home to diverse marine mammals and birds, as well as numerous shipwrecks. Drive 20 miles west along Sir Francis Drake Blvd to reach the point's edge-of-the-world lighthouse, where you can spot migrating whales during the winter months.

12. Muir Woods National Monument

Best for enjoying nature close to the city

Experiencing the towering giants of the world's tallest trees is a unique adventure found only in Northern California and a small part of southern Oregon. The ancient redwoods at Muir Woods, located just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, are the nearest redwood grove to San Francisco, while more majestic forests await further north in Mendocino and Humboldt Counties.

Initially targeted by loggers, the area known as Redwood Creek seemed perfect for a dam. However, those plans were thwarted when congressman and naturalist William Kent purchased part of Redwood Creek and donated 295 acres to the federal government in 1907. The following year, President Theodore Roosevelt designated it as a national monument.

13. Devils Postpile National Monument

Best for column-climbing

The standout feature in Reds Meadow is the stunning volcanic formation known as Devils Postpile National Monument. These impressive 60-foot tall columns of nearly vertical, six-sided basalt were created when rivers of molten lava cooled and cracked in a mesmerizing pattern. The best way to appreciate this honeycomb structure is by climbing to the top, accessible via a short trail just a half-mile from the Devils Postpile Ranger Station.

From the monument, a scenic 2.5-mile hike through fire-scarred woods leads to the breathtaking Rainbow Falls, where the San Joaquin River cascades over a 101-foot basalt cliff. Midday offers the best chance to witness a rainbow in the mist. The falls can also be accessed by an easy 1.5-mile stroll from the Reds Meadow area, which features a café, a store, a campground, and a pack station. Seasonal shuttle services are available to the Reds Meadow area.

14. Mojave National Preserve

Best for utter solitude

For those seeking true isolation, the vast wilderness of the Mojave National Preserve offers a remarkable escape across its 1.6 million acres filled with dunes, Joshua trees, volcanic cinder cones, and habitats for bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, jackrabbits, and coyotes. The allure of solitude and tranquility is a major attraction here. You can spend a whole day or just a few hours exploring this free preserve, marveling at sights like the resonant 'humming' dunes, an extinct volcano, expansive Joshua tree forests, and intricately sculpted rock formations. Stop by the main visitor center housed in an old railroad depot in Kelso for maps and information.

In summer, temperatures can soar above 100°F (37°C), while in winter they can drop to around 50°F (10°C), with occasional snowstorms. Strong winds are common in spring and fall, so brace yourself. Note that there is no gas available within the preserve.

15. Ansel Adams Wilderness Area

Best for alpine scenery

The stunning Ansel Adams Wilderness Area borders Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Inyo National Forest. It showcases some of the most striking alpine vistas in the Sierra Nevada, featuring picturesque lakes, towering peaks, deep gorges, and a few small glaciers.

16. Inyo National Forest

Best for vast forests and high peaks

Spanning nearly two million acres, Inyo features dense forests, towering peaks, and numerous lakes, along with nine designated wilderness areas. This expansive region covers a significant portion of California's Eastern Sierra and White Mountains, offering an extensive network of trails and campgrounds, with ranger stations located in Lone Pine, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and Mono Basin. The Hoover Wilderness Area, a part of Inyo National Forest, boasts 128,000 acres of backcountry splendor, including Virginia Lakes, Lundy Lake, and the high peaks bordering Yosemite.