California has nine national parks — the most of any U.S. state! California’s mountains, hills, desert, and coastline have beckoned travelers for centuries. Nicknamed the Golden State, it is the third largest in the U.S. in landmass, first in population, and, as noted above, it has nine national parks. As home to both the highest and lowest points in the lower 48, it is not surprising that California’s national parks lay across starkly varied, and spectacularly stunning terrain. In addition to its nine national parks, California is also home to five national historic trails, four national historic sites, and eight other national memorials, preserves, seashores, recreation areas, and historic parks. 

We have traveled by RV to all nine of California’s national parks and are happy to share our tips and takeaways from each.

Channel Islands National Park

Though only an hour off the coast of densely populated Southern California, few places feel more remote than the Channel Islands. The islands are only accessible by private boat or by booking a ride through Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire for the national park. The least visited of California’s national parks, these uniquely isolated, completely protected islands (and the surrounding mile of ocean surrounding them) offer a chance to see flora and fauna that don’t exist anywhere else on earth. From the one-of-a-kind Island Fox to the unforgettable Giant Kelp Rainforest, the Channel Islands offer an incredible experience to kayakers, hikers, campers, and divers.

Tracks & Trails Travel Tip – You can tent camp (no RVs allowed) in primitive sites on the Channel Islands, but you will need both a boat reservation and a campsite reservation before departing. We recommend Santa Rosa Island’s campground as it is one of the only that has potable water onsite. But, if you are a diver/snorkler, then Santa Cruise North Prisoner’s Harbor is the spot to go. Just remember to pack in plenty of water and your water shoes to get around the rocks. 

Death Valley National Park

In name alone, you could probably guess a few things about Death Valley. As the National Park Service will tell you (and make sure you are prepared for), this is the hottest, driest, and lowest of all national parks, making it a land of extremes. It is also starkly beautiful. What you might not have guessed, is that Death Valley contains the largest national wilderness in the contiguous United States as well. Though not exactly the type of lush “wilderness” you may be imagining, it is home to over 3.1 million acres of protected landscapes.

Tracks & Trails Travel Tip — Some areas that have historically been difficult to get to are now accessible by paved road. Don’t miss a chance to experience Bad Water Basin (the lowest point in North America) with its seemingly endless salt flats and unique salt polygons. And if you’re planning to be in the area in springtime, check in with the park service to see when the wildflowers are expected to be at peak or if it is a lucky superbloom year.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is an outdoor adventurers playground where the Colorado and Mojave deserts collide, dotted with the park’s namesake Joshua trees and other iconic desert plants and animals. Climbers, hikers, backpackpackers, cyclists, and those seeking natural and spiritual experiences from the park’s “otherworldly charm” converge in Joshua Tree’s historied landscapes. You don’t have to go in search of extreme trails; there are many short, scenic hikes right from the heart of the park that give you a good taste for the terrain and the hardy desert animals that call it home.

Tracks & Trails Travel Tip — Cell reception is spotty and there is no water in the interior of the park; you will need to come prepared with your own supplies and maps if you plan to explore beyond the roads.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

The last eruption in Lassen Volcanic National Park occurred in 1914, one year before it was designated a national park by Theodore Roosevelt. The area is still volcanically active, as made evident by its steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and boiling springs. No one can say when the next eruption will be, but that doesn’t stop 500,000+ travelers from visiting the park each year to explore the unique landscapes and the four different types of volcanoes situated within the park.

Tracks & Trails Travel Tip — It can be fun to peruse the USGS California Volcano Observatory page to see seismic activity throughout the state. And don’t worry — it’s normal to see multiple earthquakes per day on the California map!

Pinnacles National Park

Just 1.5 hours from the Bay Area is California’s newest national park. Pinnacles is another area of unique formations resulting from volcanic activity, though this park does not currently have volcanic activity. The eruptions in this area happened nearly 23 million years ago, leaving behind rocky spires and plunging canyons for visitors to explore, and lush vegetation has long since returned. Climbers converge here to scale the craggy terrain and 30+ miles of trails beckon hikers of all abilities.

Tracks & Trails Travel Tip — If you are a birder, this is one of the only places in the U.S. you have a decent shot at spotting the rare California Condor, the largest bird in North America. Stop in to chat with the park rangers about this impressive avian’s recent reintroduction and recovery in the area.  

Redwood National & State Parks

The “Kings of the Forest” as dubbed by John Muir, the Redwoods are the tallest trees in the world. Redwood National and State Parks have created havens surrounding many of the Redwood groves providing pristine trails for visitors to experience these peaceful giants. While known as a destination for scenic drivers and hikers, spectacular alternatives include kayaking the Smith River and horseback riding through the forest or along the coast. 

Tracks & Trails Travel Tip — If you are interested in a “moderately strenuous” day hike to one of the tallest old-growth groves, we recommend the Tall Trees Trail. Be aware that a reservation system is in use to avoid overcrowding at the trailhead parking lot. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

While Redwood has the tallest trees in the world, Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Parks are home to the largest. Though technically separate parks, Sequoia and King’s Canyon are administered jointly by the National Park Service. Sequoia is California’s oldest national park, and is the second oldest in the nation. Some of the most famous trails and trees dwell within Sequoia and King’s Canyon, and visitors can see the impacts of previous centuries as they meander through — from the logging industry to historic wildfires to floods, the scars are still felt today as the forest heals around them. King’s Canyon is also, notably, the second deepest canyon in the United States

Tracks & Trails Travel Tip — You cannot visit these parks without stopping to pay respect to the General Sherman Tree. It is more than 2,000 years old and one of the largest living trees in the world. The trail to the General is a pleasant, paved ½ mile with accessibility considerations. Visitors today can thank the dedicated firefighters who, in 2021, wrapped and soaked the General Sherman and surrounding grove to protect it from the approaching KNP Complex Fire.

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Yosemite National Parks

The most visited national park in California, Yosemite has stood resolute as a national park and symbol of the American Spirit since 1864. Yosemite Valley’s iconic waterfalls, granite faces, and flowing trout streams beckon to more than 3 million annual visitors. When it comes to outdoor activities, there isn’t much you can’t do here, as long as you’ve obtained the correct permits. Hikers, climbers, cyclists, anglers, jeepers, birders, and artists are among those who seek out the beauty and challenges of Yosemite’s inspiring terrain.

Tracks & Trails Travel Tip — We recommend exploring the Mist Trail up to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall with a return route on the John Muir Trail. You can access the trailhead via park shuttle, it is at Happy Isles Shuttle Stop #16.

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