28 Stunning California National Parks

Article Summary: California National Parks Map, National Parks in California, How Many National Parks in California, California National Parks List

There is at least one national park in all 50 United States, but only one has the most. With a total of 28 national parks, including national monuments, historic sites, seashores, and more, California is home to more national parks than any other state.

All of the California national parks are unique, from the lowest deserts to the high Sierras.

Below, you’ll find a complete list of the national parks in California, how to reach them, what to do there, where to stay, and more.

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Map of National Parks in California

List of California National Parks

1. Channel Islands
2. Death Valley
3. Joshua Tree
4. Kings Canyon
5. Lassen Volcanic
6. Pinnacles
7. Redwood
8. Sequoia
9. Yosemite

List of All California National Park Sites (every site managed by the National Park Service)

1. Cabrillo National Monument
2. Castle Mountains National Monument
3. César Chávez National Monument
4. Channel Islands National Park
5. Death Valley National Park
6. Devils Postpile National Monument
7. Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site
8. Fort Point National Historic Site
9. Golden Gate National Recreation Area
10. John Muir National Historic Site
11. Joshua Tree National Park
12. Kings Canyon National Park
13. Lassen Volcanic National Park
14. Lava Beds National Monument
15. Manzanar National Historic Site
16. Mojave National Preserve
17. Muir Woods National Monument
18. Pinnacles National Park
19. Point Reyes National Seashore
20. Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
21. Redwood National and State Parks
22. Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
23. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
24. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
25. Sequoia National Park
26. Tule Lake National Monument
27. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
28. Yosemite National Park

Itinerary For a Road Trip to the California National Parks

Fly in/out: San Francisco

Days 1-3: Spend your first few days in the San Francisco area. Here, you can explore Fort Point, Golden Gate, San Francisco Maritime, Muir Woods, Point Reyes, Rosie the Riveter World War II Homefront, John Muir, Port Chicago Naval Magazine, and Eugene O’Neill.

Day 4: Follow the Pacific Coast Highway north to Redwood National Park (an 8-hour drive).

Day 5: Spend a full day exploring Redwood National Park. It has many units, including some you don’t want to miss along the coast.

Day 6: Head east to visit Lava Beds and Tule Lake (a 5-hour drive). The quickest route brings you through Oregon, creating a possible detour to Crater Lake National Park if you have time and can add an additional day to your trip.

Day 7: Head south toward Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (3-hour drive). Take a hike here, perhaps to a waterfall, then head over to Lassen Volcanic (1-hour drive).

Day 8: Spend a day in Lassen Volcanic hiking and enjoying the scenery.

Days 9-11: Head south toward Yosemite National Park (6-hour drive). You’ll want to spend at least two days here taking in the sights.

Day 12: You have a long drive to Devils Postpile National Monument on the docket, but there’s some lovely Sierra scenery for you to enjoy (a 6.5-hour drive).

Day 13: Spend the day at Devils Postpile.

Days 14-16: You’ll take another scenic drive to Death Valley National Park with a stop at Manzanar National Historic Site (a 3.5-hour drive). Stay in Death Valley for a few days to see everything the park has to offer.

Day 17: Head south to Mojave National Preserve and the adjacent Castle Mountains on your way to Joshua Tree (a 4-hour drive).

Days 18-19: Take some time to explore Joshua Tree National Park.

Day 20: Head west to San Diego and spend time at Cabrillo National Monument (a 3-hour drive). If you have extra time, spend a few days exploring San Diego.

Day 21: Head north toward Los Angeles and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (3-hour drive). If you have extra time, spend a few days exploring Los Angeles.

Day 22: Head over to Ventura for a trip out to Channel Islands National Park (1-hour drive from Santa Monica).

Day 23: Heading north, stop at César Chávez National Monument (2.5-hour drive). Then, continue on your way to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks (a 3-hour drive from César Chávez).

Days 24-26: Spend at least three days exploring and hiking in Kings Canyon and Sequoia.

Days 27-28: Head to Pinnacles to visit the last of California’s national parks (a 4-hour drive). Spend at least one day enjoying Pinnacles.

Day 29: Drive back up to San Francisco (a 2-hour drive) and depart after your month of exploring all of the national parks in California.

Cabrillo National Monument

Here, on the shores of what we now call San Diego, the first European set foot on the United States’ West Coast in 1542.

Juan Rodriguez Castillo, the first to step off the boat and the expedition leader, went on to “discover” many other things in California on his quest for glory.

Today, the park tells his story and provides more information about 16th-century expansion in addition to protecting natural and cultural resources.

How to Get There: Cabrillo National Monument is located on the shores of San Diego off of scenic Catalina Blvd. The physical address is 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106. For more detailed directions, click here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Biking, birding, hiking, lighthouse, ranger programs, tidepooling, whale-watching

Park Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle or $10 per person, valid for 7 days

Where to Stay: Best Western Plus, Holiday Inn, Hotel Z, Hi San Diego Downtown Hostel, Moxy

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (619) 523-4285

Castle Mountains National Monument

Castle Mountains National Monument is nestled between Mojave National Preserve and the Nevada state line. Recently added to the national parks in California, Castle Mountains protects a unique portion of the Mojave Desert.

Here, you’ll find forests of Joshua trees, natural and rare grasslands, and fascinating human history.

Access is fairly limited as the Monument is only accessible by dirt roads. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. In this remote area, don’t rely on your GPS.

How to Get There: Castle Mountains National Monument is accessible by unnamed dirt roads from Mojave National Preserve. More information is available here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Hiking, scenic drives

Park Entrance Fee: None

Where to Stay: Avi Resort, Ramada, Hampton Inn, Ramada

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (760) 252-6100

César Chávez National Monument

César Chávez is widely recognized as one of the most important leaders in Latino history.

During the 20th century, he fought for the rights of farmworkers and supporters through the establishment of the first permanent agricultural union in the United States.

Through international publicity, his cause resulted in higher wages and improved working conditions for U.S. farmworkers.

How to Get There: The physical address is 29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, Keene, CA 93531. Detailed directions can be found here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Memorial garden, museum, visitor center

Park Entrance Fee: None

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn, Best Western Plus, Fairfield Inn, SureStay

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (661) 823-6134

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park protects five islands off the western coast of California. Each protects a wealth of natural and cultural resources.

You can find endemic animals on many of the islands, including the island foxes. One of the most attractive elements of the park is its isolation in a piece of America that is busy and over-developed.

With a trip to the Channel Islands, you can see what Southern California looked like before it became an urban metropolis.

How to Get There: The main visitor center in Ventura is open daily. Directions are located here. To get to the islands, tours are offered exclusively by Island Packers.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Backpacking, birding, boating, camping, diving, fishing, hiking, paddling, ranger programs, snorkeling, surfing, tidepooling, wildlife viewing

Park Entrance Fee: None

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn, Four Points, Comfort Inn, Amanzi, Best Western Plus, Waypoint

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (805) 658-5730

Death Valley National Park

One of the most popular national parks in California, Death Valley National Park is the largest, lowest, hottest, and driest national park in the contiguous United States.

Despite its name, it is also full of life. Here, you’ll find incredible views from mountain peaks or desert basins. You can hike through slot canyons and discover old gold mines.

If you’re lucky, you may visit during a super bloom when wildflowers flood the valley.

How to Get There: The main road in Death Valley is California Highway 190. More directions are available here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Backpacking, biking, birding, camping, hiking, guided tours, ranger programs, scenic drives

Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle or $15 per person, valid for 7 days

Where to Stay: The Ranch, The Inn, Amargosa Opera House, Shoshone Inn, Delight’s Hot Springs Resort

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (760) 786-3200

Devils Postpile National Monument

If you’ve been to Devils Tower National Monument or the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, you’re probably familiar with columnar basalt formations. If you’re a fan, you’ll definitely want to visit Devil’s Postpile National Monument.

Here, a formation known as the Devils Postpile stands at 60 feet high and is recognized as one of the best examples of columnar basalts in the world.

How to Get There: Once you arrive, park at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and take the mandatory shuttle to the park. Detailed instructions can be found here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Cycling, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, ranger programs, skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife-watching

Park Entrance Fee: None, however, there is a fee to ride the mandatory shuttle.

Where to Stay: Best Western, Cinnamon Bear, Sierra, Innsbruck, Alpenhof

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (760) 934-2289

Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site

Eugene O’Neill is America’s only Nobel Prize-winning playwright. He wrote some of his most famous works, such as Long Day’s Journey Into Night and The Iceman Cometh, here in this home.

He chose to live here during the height of his career for solitude and isolation. His final plays were also written here.

How to Get There: There is a mandatory park shuttle to access the private roads to the park. Reservations are required. More details are available here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Courtyards, ranger-guided tours

Park Entrance Fee: None; the park shuttle is also free.

Where to Stay: Best Western, Extended Stay America, Hyatt House, Diablo Mountain Inn

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (925) 838-0249 x6320

Fort Point National Historic Site

Undoubtedly, when you think of San Francisco you picture red bridges, hills, and trolleys. The city is much more than that, and its history is incredible.

Thankfully, much of it is protected as part of the national park system. Here, you can learn more about that history at Fort Point National Historic Site, where San Francisco Bay was defended during World War II.

The red brick fort also provides gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.

How to Get There: You can find Fort Point at the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. More details are available here.

Map: download here

Things to Do:  Ranger-guided tours

Park Entrance Fee: None

Where to Stay: Inn at Golden Gate, Greenwich Inn, Howard Johnson, Comfort Inn, Cavallo Point, Argonaut Hotel, Holiday Inn

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (415) 561-4959

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Near the most famous bridge on the West Coast of the United States is a recreation area teeming with outdoor recreation opportunities.

While enjoying the great outdoors, you can also learn about California’s indigenous cultures and their histories here. The park also includes Alcatraz Island, the famous prison off the coast of San Francisco.

If you have a dog (or dogs),  this is also known as one of the most dog-friendly national parks. Finally, it’s also the most visited national park unit in the country and of all the national parks in California.

How to Get There: There are many different areas of the park, spread over 60 miles of coastline near San Francisco. Detailed directions can be found here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Camping, festivals, hiking, ranger programs, wildlife viewing

Park Entrance Fee: None, however, you do need to purchase tickets if you wish to visit Alcatraz Island.

Where to Stay: Inn at Golden Gate, Greenwich Inn, Howard Johnson, Comfort Inn, Cavallo Point, Argonaut Hotel, Holiday Inn

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (415) 561-4700

John Muir National Historic Site

Many consider John Muir to be one of the founding fathers of the National Park Service. He fought long and hard for protections for places that have become some of the most prominent national parks in California, most notably Yosemite National Park.

This National Historic Site preserves his home and many of his belongings in a place that shaped him and his nature-loving spirit. He wrote many of his best works here while raising his family.

How to Get There: The visitor center is located at 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553. More directions are here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Guided tours, hiking, museum, ranger programs

Park Entrance Fee: None

Where to Stay: Muir Lodge Motel, Quality Inn, Super 8, Best Western

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (925) 228-8860

Joshua Tree National Park

Of all the national parks in California, Joshua Tree may be my favorite. Joshua Tree is best known for its ancient, scraggly trees and world-class bouldering and rock climbing.

Additionally, the park offers incredible hikes across desert landscapes, insanely beautiful night skies, and rich history.

Unless you grew up in this area, chances are you’ve never seen anything like this place. Discover the unique ecosystem and environment by hiking, taking short strolls, or enjoying a few scenic drives.

How to Get There: Joshua Tree is conveniently located between California hubs like Los Angeles and San Diego and Nevada’s Las Vegas. For detailed directions to the park, click here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Backcountry roads, backpacking, biking, birding, climbing, hiking, horseback riding, ranger programs, stargazing, wildlife viewing

Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle or $15 per individual, valid for 7 days

Where to Stay: Travelodge Inn, Sure Stay Plus by Best Western, Sunnyvale, Sacred Sands

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (760) 367-5500

Kings Canyon National Park

Adjacent to Sequoia National Park, sometimes visitors don’t know which California national park they’re in or that they’re two separate things. Once you make the drive out to Kings Canyon, you’ll see the difference and understand why each was protected.

Its namesake canyon is home to some of the most stunning views in the Sierra Nevada. Furthermore, if you like hiking or backpacking, this is one of the national parks in California you absolutely have to visit.

How to Get There: The road to Kings Canyon National Park is closed in the winter, so plan accordingly. More information can be found here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Backpacking, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, ranger programs, rock climbing, Sequoia trees, and more

Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle or $20 per individual, valid for 7 days

Where to Stay: Montecito Lodge

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (559) 565-3341

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic is home to geologic wonders that rival the famed Yellowstone National Park.

Here, you’ll find volcanoes, steaming fumaroles, and hot springs. In addition, spring brings fields of wildflowers while summer allows for excellent hiking opportunities to gorgeous alpine lakes.

In winter, the park is excellent for skiing and snowshoeing with some of the best snowpacks in northern California.

How to Get There: Lassen Volcanic is in northern California, about three hours north of Sacramento. Directions can be found here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Backpacking, biking, boating, hiking, ranger programs, scenic drives, stargazing, winter activities

Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle or $15 per individual, valid for 7 days

Where to Stay: The Village, Highlands Ranch, Rose Quartz Inn

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (530) 595-4480

Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument preserves a crazy landscape, unlike many others. You’ll find volcanoes and their diverse features scattered across the surrounding lands.

One of the most famous features of the park is its lava tubes, caves created by lava that flowed and cooled. Within Lava Beds National Monument alone, there are over 800 caves!

It’s also a high desert wilderness teeming with history.

How to Get There: Lava Beds is extremely remote. Directions are located here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Caving, hiking, ranger programs

Park Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle or $15 per person, valid for 7 days

Where to Stay: Golden Eagle Motel, Baymont, Comfort Inn, Best Western

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (530) 667-8113

Manzanar National Historic Site

One of the greatest things about the National Park Service is that it preserves our history, the good and the bad. The things we’re most proud of as well as the thing we would probably rather forget.

This includes a few of the national parks in California, especially Manzanar. In 1942, the United States government sent more than 110,000 individuals to remote camps like this one. Every person interred at Manzanar was Japanese or Japanese-American.

How to Get There: The visitor center is located at 5001 US-395, Independence, CA 93526. More directions are listed here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Biking, guided tours, museum, visitor center

Park Entrance Fee: None

Where to Stay: Panamint Springs Motel, Olancha Motel

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (760) 878-2194 x3310

Mojave National Preserve

The Mojave Desert is one of the hottest and driest places in North America. In addition to its incredible desert landscape, home to the largest grove of Joshua trees, the park also boasts cinder cone volcanoes and sand dunes.

Furthermore, it’s one of the best wilderness areas in all of California. Thankfully, it’s close enough to some of the largest cities in the American Southwest, like Los Angeles and Las Vegas, that it’s easy to plan a road trip.

How to Get There: The visitor center is located at 90942 Kelso Cima Rd, Kelso, CA 92309. For directions, click here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Backpacking, camping, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, ranger programs, scenic drives, wildflowers

Park Entrance Fee: None

Where to Stay: California Inn, Rodeway Inn, Stardust Inn, Rio del Sol

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (760) 252-6100

Muir Woods National Monument

One of America’s very first national monuments, Muir Woods protects a grove of coastal redwoods outside San Francisco. It’s one of the best places to see these enormous trees, and therefore one of the busiest national parks in California and in the San Francisco Bay area.

There are few places left near the bustling city where you can see these rare trees. Additionally, the park is a great refuge for more plants and animals, including salmon and trout.

How to Get There: Reservations and a park shuttle ride are required to visit the park. More information can be found here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Hiking

Park Entrance Fee: $15 per person; this is in addition to any parking and shuttle fees.

Where to Stay: Mill Valley Inn, Muir Woods Lodge, Holiday Inn, Travelodge

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (415) 561-2850

Pinnacles National Park

One of the newest National Parks, Pinnacles was a national monument for 100 years before its designation was elevated in 2013.

Here, you’ll find rare talus caves among towering rock spires and ancient volcanoes. Thanks to those volcanoes and their eruptions, the landscape at Pinnacles National Park is unlike any other, shaped and formed by lava.

Don’t forget to look up; you might see a California condor soaring overhead.

How to Get There: Pinnacles is very remote and you should not rely on GPS. More information is available here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Birding, caving, climbing, hiking, and more

Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle or $15 per individual, valid for 7 days

Where to Stay: Valley Harvest Inn, Hollister Inn, Posada de San Juan, Fairfield Inn

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (831) 389-4486

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes is one of the best places to visit in all the national parks in California to discover the Pacific Ocean’s marine life.

Here, you could see massive Elephant seals mating or nursing their pups on the beaches. Furthermore, look out into the water to try and spot whales migrating north or south.

Not interested in wildlife, or visiting during the wrong time of year? Relax on the beach, visit the lighthouse, hike to Alamere Falls, or take a boat out on the water.

How to Get There: Point Reyes is north of San Francisco and west of the Pacific Coast Highway along the California coastline. Detailed directions can be found here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Backpacking, beaches, boating, cycling, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, ranger programs, wildlife viewing, and more

Park Entrance Fee: None, however, some activities may incur a cost.

Where to Stay: HI Point Reyes, Olema House, Point Reyes Vineyard Inn

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (415) 464-5100

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

The worst home front disaster during World War II occurred just outside of San Francisco on July 17, 1944. Tragedy struck when two naval ships being loaded with ammunition exploded. That night, 320 men were killed instantly.

Across the bay in San Francisco, thousands were awoken by the explosion, some with broken windows due to the force, as the sky lit up in flames. Today, a memorial stands to remember the lives lost.

How to Get There: Visitors are required to park at John Muir National Historic Site and take a shuttle to visit the memorial. Reservations are required. More information is available here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Guided tours

Park Entrance Fee: None

Where to Stay: Muir Lodge Motel, Quality Inn, Super 8, Best Western, Crowne Plaza, Hilton

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (925) 228-8860 x6520

Redwood National Park

Clearly, Redwood National Park is home to some of the world’s tallest trees. But did you know it also protects prairies, coastline, and wild rivers?

This incredible California national park encompasses so much more than originally meets the eye. Of course, you should see its towering Redwood trees, but your visit is incomplete if it doesn’t also include a trip to the coast.

How to Get There: Redwood National and State Park is in northwestern California. Detailed instructions are here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Cycling, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, tidepooling, wildlife viewing

Park Entrance Fee: None

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn, Emerald Forest Cabins, View Crest Lodge, Oceanfront Lodge, Holiday Inn Express

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (707) 464-6101

Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park

This national park memorializes the work and sacrifice of American citizens during World War II. Many different stories are told and paint a unique picture. It’s one that includes turmoil, loss, and triumph all in one.

This site was also known as the workplace of the National Park Service’s oldest park ranger, Betty Reid Soskin, before she retired.

How to Get There: Located in the San Francisco area, directions to the visitor center in Richmond are here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Museum, visitor center

Park Entrance Fee: None

Where to Stay: SureStay, Hotel Mac, Holiday Inn

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (510) 232-5050

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

San Francisco Maritime is located in the heart of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood. You can’t miss this massive fleet of historic ships in the harbor.

During your visit, you’ll be able to completely immerse yourself in the past by taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of maritime history. Climb aboard one of the ships with a park ranger to see for yourself!

How to Get There: The park is located near Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. For more information, click here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Historic ships, museum

Park Entrance Fee: $15 per person, valid for 7 days

Where to Stay: Inn at Golden Gate, Greenwich Inn, Howard Johnson, Comfort Inn, Cavallo Point, Argonaut Hotel, Holiday Inn

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (415) 561-7000

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

The Santa Monica Mountains offer a much-needed escape from either booming city with amazing outdoor recreation opportunities.

The hiking trails here are never-ending with beautiful scenery to discover. There is also astounding history, including old filming locations for movies and television series.

How to Get There: Directions to the Recreation Area and its associated local parks are located here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Camping, climbing, cycling, hiking, horseback riding

Park Entrance Fee: None, however, some activities require a fee.

Where to Stay: Calamigos Guest Ranch, Malibu Country Inn, Westlake Village Inn

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (805) 370-2301

Sequoia National Park

Home to the world’s largest living organisms, Sequoia National Park is erupting with national treasures.

You have the famous General Sherman tree, the largest in the world, amongst a wilderness that can never be tamed. The alpine lakes and snowy peaks found here are some of the most beautiful in the country.

This is easily one of my favorite national parks in California.

How to Get There: Directions to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks can be found here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Backpacking, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, ranger programs, rock climbing, Sequoia trees

Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle or $20 per individual, valid for 7 days

Where to Stay: Montecito Lodge

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (559) 565-3341

Tule Lake National Monument

Similar to Manzanar National Historic Site, Tule Lake tells the story of a different internment camp. Japanese Americans were incarcerated here during World War II in what was called Camp Tule.

Originally, it was a camp created for the Civilian Conservation Corps. After its time as a camp for Japanese Americans, it became a place to house prisoners of war.

How to Get There: Tule Lake is located in a remote corner of California near Lava Beds National Monument. Click here for directions.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Guided tours

Park Entrance Fee: None

Where to Stay: Golden Eagle Motel, Baymont, Comfort Inn, Best Western

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (530) 260-0537 or (530) 667-8113

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown preserves incredible recreational opportunities in northern California.

The lakes here have crystal clear waters surrounded by mountain peaks stretching toward the sky. You’ll also find over 70 miles of hiking trails, multiple waterfalls, and opportunities to learn more about the Gold Rush.

The Carr Fire devastated this area in 2018. Many areas of the park are still recovering; plan accordingly.

How to Get There: Directions to the area can be found here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Fishing, hiking, ranger programs, water-based activities

Park Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle or $15 per person, valid for 7 days

Where to Stay: The Village, Highlands Ranch, Rose Quartz Inn

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (530) 242-3400

Yosemite National Park

One of the most famous and popular national parks in California and the country, Yosemite is one of the crown jewels of the U.S. National Park Service.

Millions of visitors flock here every year to take in the vistas and hike to remote wilderness areas. If you can avoid the crowds, Yosemite could be one of the most magical natural resources you’ll ever visit.

Areas like Tuolumne Meadows and Hetch Hetchy provide temporary relief from the over-crowded Yosemite Valley.

How to Get There: There are many ways to get to Yosemite, detailed here.

Map: download here

Things to Do: Backpacking, biking, birding, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, ranger programs, rock climbing, scenic drives, water activities, winter activities

Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle or $20 per individual, valid for 7 days

Where to Stay: Tenaya, Half Dome, Best Western Plus

Official Website: click here

Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (209) 372-0200

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