California’s nine national parks encompass desert landscapes, alpine and volcanic regions, and coastal areas. This range is reflected in mature giant sequoias, seasonal wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and places where mining, railroad, and cultural history are explored.
Giant Sequoias and Coastal Life
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to more than 500 mature giant sequoias. The volume of wood in the General Sherman Tree’s trunk makes it the largest tree in the world. The trail to this tree is 0.5 miles, or 0.8 kilometers, long.
On the coast, the time of year is a useful guide: gray whales pass Point Reyes from December to May and can often be viewed from the areas around the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock. Sightings are not guaranteed. Up to 10,000 elephant seals return each year to the Natural Preserve at Año Nuevo State Park to mate, give birth, and molt. The animals stay among scenic dunes and beaches; viewing opportunities are seasonal.
Trails and Activities
Pinnacles National Park has more than 30 miles of scenic trails; individual trails may be temporarily closed. At Empire Mine State Historic Park, the Hardrock Trail is an easy, well-marked, two-mile loop. Trail conditions can vary. Joshua Tree National Park offers backpacking opportunities in designated wilderness areas; permits and conditions may apply.
For those interested in exploring on the water, guided sea kayaking tours and snorkel gear rentals are available at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Check current operator offerings before you travel.
History in Landscapes and Museums
Empire Mine State Historic Park is located at the site of one of California’s oldest, deepest, and most productive gold mines. At Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, you can pan for gold in the American River; conditions for this activity can vary. In this way, places connected to the history of gold mining sit alongside an activity where visitors can try panning for gold in the river themselves.
The California State Railroad Museum features restored locomotives and railroad cars, as well as exhibits about the contributions of Chinese railroad workers and the experiences of passengers in the early 20th century. Point Reyes National Seashore preserves stories and encounters of people from several cultures over thousands of years. California’s state historic parks also offer educational programs that include the stories and cultures of more than 150 distinct California Native American tribes.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
Yosemite Valley is accessible by car year-round; check current conditions before driving. The Channel Islands National Park is served by ferry from Ventura and Oxnard. Check schedules and operators before you travel.
A paved scenic drive runs for 10 miles as a one-way route through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, passing beneath tall, old-growth coastal redwoods. Check current road conditions before driving. California has more than 20 Welcome Centers, where travelers can talk with local residents about their travel plans. Services may vary by center.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Riverside, San Luis Obispo, Modoc, Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, San Diego, Imperial, Orange, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern, Tulare, Monterey, San Benito, Madera, Santa Clara, Merced, Inyo, San Mateo, Mariposa, Alameda, Mono, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, San Francisco, Marin, Contra Costa, Solano, Napa, Sacramento, Sonoma, Yolo, El Dorado, Placer, Mendocino, Lake, Sutter, Nevada, Butte, Tehama, Lassen, Shasta, Humboldt, Siskiyou, Fresno, Tuolumne, Plumas, Del Norte, Colusa County, Kings County, Trinity County, Glenn County, Calaveras County, Amador County, Alpine County, Sierra County, Yuba County.
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