Most states have national parks, but they’re all different, and the states have diverse numbers of parks as well. For example, the states with the most parks are California, Alaska and Utah. California has 9 national parks, Alaska has 8 and Utah has 5. These create major tourist attractions for the United States. So what parks are in California?
The nine national parks in California are Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Redwood, Lassen Volcanic, Point Reyes, Channel Islands, Death Valley, Pinnacles and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park. So what makes them all interesting?
Joshua Tree
In Southeastern California you can find Joshua Tree National Park in San Bernardino County. The region is the native area for thousands of joshua trees. Which are especially rare due to their location. Joshua trees are only found in California, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Making it an incredible site. The park is famous for its trees, rock formations, plant diversity, animals, and human history. Entrance fees can be up to 30$! The entrance fee for Joshua Tree depends on how you get there; private vehicles have an entrance fee of 30$, while the fee per person is only 15$, and the motorcycle fee is 25$.
Yosemite
Yosemite’s in central California in Mariposa County. Known for its stunning waterfalls, granite cliffs, meadows, sequoia groves, rock formations, clear streams, and biological diversity. Yosemite has an entrance fee of 35$ per car. There’s also souvenirs you can get from the National Parks; Yosemite has specialty stores, antique shops, and art galleries. So you can bring something with you as a reminder of this astonishing place.
Redwood
This National Park, in Crescent City, California. Is famous for its redwood trees, the tallest in the world! The redwood trees are rare as well, since they tend to only grow in California, Oregon, and Washington. Some of the trees are more than 350 feet tall, and up to 2000 years old! Additionally, at Redwood national park there is no entrance fee, so you can save some money by visiting Redwood. While still visiting a National Park.
Lassen Volcanic
Lassen Volcanic is in Northern California, near the cities Redding and Susanville. Lassen’s fees hit 25$ for a year-round motorcycle fee. But it’s only 10$ for a private vehicle for December 1st through April 15th. The motorcycle fee for the same 4 months as the private vehicle is also 10$. But per person year-round it’s 15.
Lassen is famous for its Lassen Peak, which is the largest plug dome volcano in the world, and the southernmost volcano in the Cascade Range. Lassen peak was the first volcanic eruption in the United States during the 20th Century. Unfortunately during the winter months the park is snow covered, road access has more limits, and most activities involve snow. So if you don’t want to deal with many snow-related complications or don’t like the cold, the best time to visit is during the summer season with the greatest access and selection of activities.
Point Reyes
If you like the ocean, you’ll love Point Reyes, located off the east coast of California. With more than a thousand different species of plants and animals for people to discover. Point Reyes, like Redwood, also has no fee to enter! So it’s a great national park if you’re on a budget.
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Channel Islands
On California’s east coast, without an entrance fee, you can visit Channel Islands National Park! The Channel Islands are known for their marine sanctuary, 2000 species of plants and animals and stunning sights!
Death Valley
Famous for the highest temperature in the word, (134 degrees) is Death Valley in Inyo County California. Death Valley comes with entrance fees, but for academic or educational groups it’s free. The general fees for visiting Death Valley are 30$ per private vehicle, 25 for motorcycles, and 15 per person. Death Valley is the lowest point in America, features its own tv series, and has its own airport.
Pinnacles
In Hollister, California, you can visit Pinnacles national park. With a week-long entrance fee of 15$ per person 25$ per motorcycle and 30$ per private vehicle, there is also an annual fee of 55$ to enter Pinnacles. Which is famous for its rare talus caves. With over 30 miles of hiking trails!
Sequoia & Kings
Sequoia has huge mountains, deep canyons, vast caverns, and some of the world’s largest trees! Sequoia has an entrance fee of 20$ per person or non-commercial group, 30 for motorcycles and 35 for private vehicles. Sequoia and Kings national parks connect with Generals Highway in Tulare County. They’re treated as one national park because they’re so close together!
