The Best Scenic California National Parks

Exciting Outdoor Activities in California National Parks

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California offers so much in the way of outdoor adventure. It's well endowed with a number of stunning National Parks! Its spectacular natural terrain includes everything from towering mountain vistas to hot dry deserts, as well as volcanoes and beautiful Pacific coastal islands.

This all adds up to many choices for the adventure traveler, since there is a wide range of activities to do and enjoy. A lot of the parks are great places where the whole family can participate in fun-filled walks, river rafting and cycling.

Look below at our top picks of California National Parks:

• Joshua Tree National Park - Year round visits can be made to Park, providing you the opportunity to see this dry but stunning area in all seasons.

  Most days are clear throughout the year, allowing you to enjoy nature trails on foot, or excellent mountain biking on the parks many dirt roads. Rock climbing is also very popular here as well.

  
• Yosemite Adventure Vacation - Yosemite National Park really has it all! Hiking and horseback riding are extremely popular here. In the summer, rafting and kayaking are permitted along the Merced River.

  And there are lots of choices for cycling with over 18 kilometers of paved bike trails!

  
• Death Valley National Park - As one of the largest parks in California, many activities are possible - especially in late fall to early spring.

  Hiking and camping as well as 'ranger guided tours' are some excellent ways to explore this vast dry desert. For cyclists, there are many designated bike paths within the park ranging from easy to more difficult.

  
• Mojave National Preserve - Much of the area can be seen by driving through the preserve. Gravel and dirt roads are accessible to most vehicles and offer superb wildlife viewing.

  Roadside camping is permitted in a number of areas including Black Canyon Road, Granite Pass and Caruthers Canyon.

  
• Redwood - If you're looking for excellent camping and hiking - this is the place to do it! Stunning vistas along with amazing scenery can be enjoyed no matter where you decide to go.

  Northern, middle and southern sections of the park all offer easy to moderate hikes. And the Coastal trails don't disappoint either - there are also many campgrounds throughout the park that are open all year round!

Other notable parks include Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and Lassen National Park. Both Parks are a stunning testament to the diversity California has to offer.

Drive or hike through large mountains, deep canyons or volcanic-type settings on miles and miles of scenic highway!

Best Time To Visit California National Parks

National Parks in Southern California during winter are great for hiking and cycling. If you like, you can also plan multi-day backpacking trips throughout most of the desert parks.

If your travels bring you to California in the spring time, Yosemite National Park is absolutely fantastic as much of the melting snow in higher elevations creates dramatic seasonal waterfalls.

The summer months, of course, are when activities and temperatures are at their highest. July - September sees a high number of visitors to most every park. Camping Facilities and RV parks can book up months in advance, so it's always best to make your travel plans sooner than later.

California National Parks - What To Do

No matter what Park you choose to visit, you will always be amazed by the awesome scenery. We think the best way to get the most out of nature parks is by getting up close and personal - why not try:

• Hiking - There are so many trails in California ranging from gentle slopes to more strenuous climbs that no matter what your ability is, there's always a hike that you can explore.

• River Rafting - The big rivers up in Northern California provide some excellent rafting especially in the spring during the snowmelt. There are lots of choices and levels to choose from when visiting Yosemite!

• Biking - Some of the best rides in California are located in its National Parks. From beginner to expert, you can explore some of the most breathtaking scenery around by cycling through mountain trails and lush coastal loops.

Fees and Permits

Also, there may be a charge or fee for certain activities within the park. An excellent site for learning more about California's National Parks including operating hours and entrance fees, is www.nps.gov

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