Roadtrip?
Summer will be over before you know it and with the warmer weather, there’s no better time for a roadtrip especially if your starting point is in California. Explore the world’s most magnificent scenery on a national park road trip in the Western US. From active volcanoes and mysterious sea caves to towering redwoods and dazzling waterfalls, these natural wonders are breathtaking.
Planning Your Itinerary
Three-Day Trip: Visit Yosemite National Park. Start with Yosemite Valley, home to El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. On day two, hike in Mariposa Grove to see giant sequoias, and finish at Glacier Point.
Two-Week Tour: Begin at Lassen Volcanic National Park, then explore Yosemite’s cliffs and waterfalls. Head south to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for canyons, mountains, and lakes. Continue on CA-99 south, then CA-58 east to Joshua Tree, and finally, CA-62 east to Death Valley National Park.
Accommodations range from hotels and motels to campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, Airbnbs, and rentals. Booking halfway between two parks can be convenient. Check the National Park Service website for current road conditions before your trip, as weather can cause slick roads and closures.
Get Going!
Drive south on CA-99, then east on CA-58 to explore Joshua Tree’s desert landscapes. Continue on CA-62 east to Death Valley National Park. Accommodations are plentiful in and around the parks, including hotels, motels, campgrounds, B&Bs, Airbnbs, and rentals. Booking halfway between parks can be convenient. Always check the National Park Service website for current road conditions, as weather can cause slick roads and closures.
California National Park Road Trip
Embark on a road trip through California’s national parks for extraordinary beauty and drama. Choose your destinations and prepare to be enchanted at every stop.
Northern California Parks
Redwood National and State Parks
Home to the tallest trees on Earth, Redwood National Park also features vast prairies, challenging rapids, rugged coastline, and the prehistoric Fern Canyon. Spring and fall are the best times to visit for mild weather and vibrant wildflowers or colorful maple trees.
Popular Hikes:
- Fern Canyon Loop Trail — Easy | 1.1-mile loop
- Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail — Moderate | 3.6-mile loop
Other Nearby National Parks:
Lassen Volcanic National Park is about 250 miles southeast of Redwood. Traveling 300 miles in the opposite direction takes you to Crater Lake National Park.
Before embarking on your national park road trip, ensure your car is inspected, as you’ll be traveling through remote areas. If renting a car, make sure it’s suitable for the journey. Download proof of insurance and include it in your car’s emergency kit.
Safe Driving!
