12 Breathtaking National Parks in California Beyond Yosemite
California is the natural wonder chest of the United States, boasting some of the most diverse landscapes the country has to offer. Although Yosemite often gets all the attention, there are tons more awe-inspiring national parks dotting the Golden State and just waiting to be explored. From arid deserts to lush forests, these parks have all there is to see for adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
If national parks are on your list of places to visit, whether to get away from everyday life, reconnect with nature, or just take great Instagram shots, California’s numerous national parks have something for you. So let’s take a look at these lesser-known gems, each one a testament to the state’s spectacular ecological diversity.
Sequoia National Park
Home to some of the biggest trees you’ve ever seen, Sequoia National Park is like stepping into a land of giants. This area shelters one of the largest trees on Earth — the General Sherman, a staggering 275 feet tall, and about 127 feet in diameter monster. Hiking through the Giant Forest gives the sensation of walking through a natural serene cathedral that smells thickly of forest pine and vegetation.
Kings Canyon National Park
Though often overshadowed by neighboring parks, Kings Canyon is a hidden masterpiece. This park is the ultimate hiker’s dream boasting glacial valleys, roaring waterfalls, and some of the deepest canyons in North America. The Zumwalt Meadow loop provides easy access to stunning meadows and granite cliff views and is great for families or anyone who likes a good picnic with a view.
Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park (also known as the ‘Galapagos of North America’) is a natural haven that lies just off the Southern California coast. These five islands are accessible only by boat or plane and are a paradise for unique flora and fauna. There’s also the adorable island fox that’s found nowhere else on Earth. A favorite among visitors is sea cave Kayaking and the views here are unbelievable!
Joshua Tree National Park
This desert park is known for its spiky Joshua trees, large boulders, and for being a paradise for climbers and artists alike. Joshua Tree is a stark beauty, inspiring everyone from experts to amateur painters in search of the magic of desert light. Pro tip: Spring is the perfect time to visit and see the desert floor carpeted with wildflowers.
Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles is the newest national park in California, but it’s not lacking in charm, with this offering made up of ancient volcanic activity. This is a must-see with the dramatic rock formations, narrow talus caves, and sweeping vistas. It is one of the best places in the country to see the endangered California condor, keep your binoculars handy.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
This overlooked park is a fascinating peek into Earth’s geologic processes. This National Park is a geothermic wonderland where boiling mud pots, steaming fumes, and one of the world’s largest plug dome volcanoes make an appearance: Lassen Peak. On a more relaxed visit, drop into Manzanita Lake, where Lassen Peak peeks downward, already reflecting perfectly over calm waters.
Death Valley National Park
Despite the intimidating name, Death Valley National Park is a place of extraordinary beauty and extremes. Besides being home to amazing salt flats, sand dunes, and colorful badlands, it’s the driest and hottest national park in the country. Experience an almost otherworldly view at the Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Just pack plenty of water!
Redwood National and State Parks
At Redwood National and State Park, visitors can have the humbling experience of standing beneath a 300 foot tall redwood tree. These ancient giants call a stretch of California’s northern coast home, and this park brings them together into a sanctuary. If you really want the Jurassic Park experience, go to Fern Canyon, a lush gorge, where the iconic “Jurassic Park” movie was filmed. And yes, the dinosaurs here are optional.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes is a coastal haven, where cliffs, rolling hills, and windswept beaches meet a stone’s throw from San Francisco. Point Reyes Lighthouse has panoramic ocean views and, during migration season, you may even see a gray whale. Local oysters and cheese are the perfect picnic food.
Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile is a geologic marvel located near Mammoth Lakes. It features spectacular basalt columns rising from the ground like a scene straight out of a fantasy novel. Nearby, the appropriately named Rainbow Falls also lives up to its name, as sunlight reflects off the cascading water to become a prism of color.
Mojave National Preserve
Searching for solitude? The Mojave’s deserted landscape is blessed with rare surprises like the Kelso Dunes, and the unsettling Cinder Cone Lava Beds. In spring, the desert erupts with life and the stars shine with an impossible light at night. It’s a place where you can hear your own thoughts, and sometimes … even the howl of a coyote.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The Santa Monica Mountains stretch across Malibu and beyond including hiking trails, historic sites, and coastal beauty. It’s one of the biggest urban national parks and a great place for city dwellers to escape to. Don’t miss the chance to hike up to Sandstone Peak for jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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