By More Than Just Parks

15 Epic Places to See in California this SUmmer

National Parks

Carrizo Plain National Monument

15

Carrizo Plain National Monument is world famous for its kaleidoscopic and unfathomably massive wildflower blooms that take place each spring.

Mojave Trails National Monument

14

Situated in the desert of southeastern California, Mojave Trails National Monument is the largest national monument in the contiguous US.

Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

13

Situated in the desert of southeastern California, Mojave Trails National Monument is the largest national monument in the contiguous US.

Sand to Snow National Monument

12

Dramatically rising from the desert floor to all the way to alpine vistas at 10,000 feet elevation, Sand to Snow is one of the most striking national monuments in California.

Devils Postpile National Monument

11

One of California’s most unique national monuments, Devils Postpile features the “world's finest examples of columnar basalt” according to the NPS.

Castle Mountains National Monument

10

This beautiful monument protects a swath of the Castle Mountains in southeastern California near the Nevada border.

Pinnacles National Park

9

The most recent addition of the California National Parks is a beauty featuring dry mountain scenery, caves, condors, & great rock climbing.

Channel Islands National Park

8

Deemed “the American Galapagos”, Channel Islands feature an unbelievable amount of biodiversity.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

7

Lassen is a combo of Yosemite & Yellowstone. Situated just below the volcanic Cascade Range & at the northern tip of the Sierra Nevadas, this park features otherworldly scenery.

Kings Canyon National Park

6

Located directly adjacent to Sequoia NP, featuring similar scenery (2nd largest tree on earth) & even a similar lodge, this is a park to behold.

Joshua Tree National Park

5

Alas, Joshua Tree has not lost any of its beauty, & despite its crowds still provides plenty of space to explore it’s magical desert landscapes.

Death Valley National Park

4

The largest park in the contiguous United States at over 1.6 million acres, Death Valley embodies every aspect of epic.

Sequoia National Park

3

Here, amongst groves of the largest trees in the world, one can't possibly avoid being humbled and awed by the power of of nature.

Yosemite National Park

2

Yosemite National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful place with spectacular wonders that defy belief.

Redwood National Park

1

Redwood National Park's misty forests, wild coastline, pristine streams, & valleys teeming with wildlife are one of the best kept secrets in the national park system.

Most Beautiful Places In California  

For a detailed guide on more of California's National Parks check out our page below!