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California National Parks For Families

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Did you know that California has more national parks than any other state? When you stop to think about it, the diverse landscape here is not only unique but quite beautiful. Within a few hours, you can explore beaches, mountains, forests, and maybe even deserts. If your family is looking for ideas on what parks to explore this summer or fall, check out this guide on the top things for families in California’s national parks.

Pinnacles National Park

The newest of all the California national parks is Pinnacles, which was designated a national park in 2013. Pinnacles is the closest national park to Monterey County and a perfect day trip option. Families can get to the western side of the park in about an hour while getting to the eastern side is a bit longer. Note that there is no road connecting the two sections of the park. Pinnacles gets its name from the huge domed spires that were created out of the volcanic activity. This park is one of the least visited in California, which can be great if you don’t enjoy the crowds.

Two of the most popular hikes for families are the Moses Spring Trail and Bear Gulch Cave Trail, which are found in the eastern section of the park. This 2.2-mile loop hike provides easy to navigate caves and some pretty nice views of the volcanic structures. Be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight as exploring any section of the cave is quite dark. On the western side, Balconies Cave loop is a 2.4-mile trail that is another option for families to explore some talus caves. Rock climbing is also very popular on this side of the park, as there are a few routes for beginners and advanced climbers alike.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic parks in the U.S. Located four hours away from Monterey in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite is well known for its’ giant sequoia trees and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. Although it is pretty touristy, Yosemite Valley is where you want to explore first. This is where the world’s largest granite monolith, El Capitan is located, along with the Tunnel View Outlook and many of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls: Vernal Falls, Bridalveil Falls, and Yosemite Falls.

Many of the trails in Yosemite Valley are gentle flat trails that lead directly to top attractions, which are perfect for families. On Southside Drive, you’ll find a couple of short trails leading to Bridalveil Fall and the Sentinel Bridge, which is known for its’ views of Half Dome. Other popular hikes include Tuolumne Meadows and Mariposa Grove, where visitors can walk through the massive sequoia forest. The Merced River, which flows through the valley is a great option for those wanting to go swimming or kayaking. Lake Tenaya is another popular spot for boating as well. A fair warning, this is the most visited national park in California, so be prepared for crowds.

Sequoia National Park andKings Canyon National Park

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are often overlooked by Yosemite which is only 75 miles south. While they are technically two parks, they are administered jointly. These two parks should not be disregarded though, as they are just as beautiful and family friendly. In Sequoia, you will find the biggest tree in the world, the General Sherman Tree, and a view of the highest peak in the contiguous United States, Mt. Whitney. Tokopah Falls is a nice, mostly shady, 4-mile hike with granite and forested views that follows the Kaweah River for about half of it. Moro Rock is another great option for families, as it offers panoramic views of the area. At a quarter of a mile, it is considered more of a climb than a hike, but be sure to hold on tight to little ones as it is a steep ascent 300 feet up.

In King’s Canyon, you can drive or walk through a fallen giant sequoia at Tunnel Log, and hike through the park’s giant sequoias on Congress Trail or Grant’s Grove. Families will love Zumwalt Meadow as it has rocks for kids to scramble on, a suspension bridge, and a picturesque meadow framed by towering canyon walls. The 1.5-mile hike also has access to portions of the Kings River and is a great spot for a picnic.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a little over five hours from Monterey County. This park is quite unique because it’s geography reflects both the volcanic Cascades and the evergreen Sierra Nevadas. It is also one of the least visited parks in the state due to its remote location. Lassen Peak is named after its’ signature volcano, which is the largest plug dome volcano in the world.

Families will enjoy a hike on the Bumpass Hell Trail that will take you through Lassen’s largest hydrothermal area and give some up-close views of the boiling mud pots and superheated turquoise pools. The Sulphur Works area is another prime spot to take a boardwalk hike through some volcanic gas vents known as fumaroles. The other side of Lassen Volcanic National Park contains waterfall hikes and Manzanita Lake, a popular lake for families to enjoy kayaking, swimming, and camping. This area of the park provides visitors with views of Lassen Peak and lush forest hikes that connect to a section of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Channel Islands National Park

The Channel Islands are one of the most remote national parks in the country. They are comprised of 5 islands off the coast of Southern California. The only way to reach them is via a plane or ferry departing from Ventura, Oxnard or Santa Barbara. The most practical approach for families is usually to take a ferry out of Ventura, as that is where the park’s visitor’s center is located. There are limited restroom facilities, no electricity or services on the island, so be sure to pack plenty of water, lunch, and snacks. While camping is available, everything brought onto the island must leave with you.

These islands are known as the Galapagos of North America, as wildlife is plentiful here. Visitors can usually spot whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, and marine birds frequently while exploring the local islands or even on the ferry. Anacapa, the closest of the islands, is the most popular; next to Santa Cruz, the largest of the islands. While the hiking trails provide a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and the island’s sea cliffs and caves, kayaking and snorkeling are among the best activities to do here.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is actually a huge series of connected state parks – Prarie Creek, Jedediah Smith, and Del Norte. Located almost 8 hours away from Monterey and Santa Cruz, this national park contains a large concentration of the famed, gigantic redwood trees.

The most popular hike in the area is Fern Canyon, which was actually a filming location for Jurrasic Park 2. Walking through this densely forested canyon will, in fact, make you feel like you have stepped back in time. Tall Trees Grove is a great family hike, as that is where the tallest of the redwoods reside. To get here though requires a free permit at Kuchel Visitor Center. This helps to keep the number of visitors to a minimum. This area is also a great spot for kayaking, mountain biking, river fishing, and horseback riding. There are several tour companies that take visitors on half-day or full day excursions.

Joshua Tree National Park

Located just a couple of hours outside of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to visit if you’re in Southern California. This park is well known for its’ namesake “Dr. Seuss looking” Joshua trees, which actually are not even trees, they are yucca plants. This national park has a unique landscape because it is located where the high Mojave desert meets the low Colorado desert. This means that Joshua Tree National Park has areas that are traditionally desert looking, yet it also has mountains and valleys.

Visiting this park is not recommended in the summer, as the heat is intense and there is very little shade. If you plan a trip in the cooler months, make sure to include Indian Cove Natural Trail, which is a great place to see the Joshua trees. Another great family hike is the Cholla Cactus Garden Trail where you can see a dense concentration of cactus plants. Joshua Tree National Park also has huge boulders that have become a rock climbers’ paradise. Visitors can scramble some of the smaller boulders on Arch Rock Trail, or watch the rock climbers at Echo Cove. For panoramic views of the valleys and nearby peaks, head to Keys View, which is the highest point at Joshua Tree National Park.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park straddles the California/Nevada border and is the hottest, driest and lowest national park on Earth. It holds the record for the hottest temperature in the world 136F, and is the driest place in North America, seeing an average of 2 inches of rainfall a year. It should not be visited during the months of May-September due to the extreme heat in the valley

There are quite a few highlights to be seen in this land of extremes. Zabriskie Point and Golden Canyon are two locations where visitors can see various shades of yellow and orange during the sunrise or sunset. Another must-see is the Badwater area, which is the location of America’s lowest point, – 282 feet below sea level. A drive down Badwater Road lets visitors view the salt flats and puddles that remain from an ancient dried up lake. The Mesquite sand dunes area offers families a chance to see some wildlife, like a coyote or a desert fox. Another unique hike is Ubehebe Crater, where you can walk along the rim of a dried up volcano.

While some national parks gain more attention than others, it is easy to see that there is plenty of beauty throughout California. Hopefully, you and your family can adventure to one of these national parks in the near future.

Visiting Pinnacles National Park

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The Pinnacles was my husband’s and my first “real” hiking adventure as parents, navigating the trail with a baby and a six-year-old. Our local national monument had just upgraded to a national park, and we couldn’t wait to introduce our kids to the unique rock spires and bat caves. With our youngest snug in a baby backpack carrier, saying we were unprepared for the experience is an understatement. It did not occur to us that you could not scramble through a tight cave with a baby on your back until we had to juggle it and our energetic son, who bolted into the cool, dark cave ahead of us. Recalling the chaotic scene of trying to catch up to our son, balancing a baby carrier, navigating a dim trail with a flashlight, and encountering fellow hikers, it’s safe to say our outdoor parenting adventures did not start well.

Since this first experience, the Pinnacles National Park has become a favorite place for our family. Easily accessible from Monterey, the park has two entrances. We find the west entrance near Soledad to be the most convenient. It’s worth noting that some friends have mistakenly ended up at the wrong entrance, so be mindful of your GPS if you have a particular trail in mind. This entrance has a variety of hiking trails across different levels, and if you’re fortunate, you might catch sight of the majestic California condor.

That first hike was the Balconies Cave Trail, spanning approximately 2.5 miles, and is classified as an easy to moderate hike. The only part families might find challenging is the dark cave, which might have a bit of a scramble. Don’t worry if you get to the cave and decide it isn’t for you; you can go around and meet the rest of your party at the other end via the Balconies Cliffs Trail. Of course, even though this is a shorter hike, wearing appropriate hiking shoes or boots and having water, sunscreen, and proper clothing to protect you and your kids is essential. There is little shade across the park, and sun exposure is the primary safety issue.

Another reason we love the west entrance is the Contact Station. This station is not just a source of park information; it also houses indoor and outdoor exhibits, a captivating film delving into the history and formation of the Pinnacles, and an opportunity to obtain the Junior Ranger Book (with a badge awaiting those who complete it!). From the Contact Station, the Prewett Point Trail is a breezy one-mile path suitable for all park visitors, offering a stunning view of the captivating rock spires.

A must-try for experienced hikers, the High Peaks Trail holds a special place in my heart and can be accessed from either park entrance. Depending on your starting point and detours for additional views, plan for a rewarding 6- to 8-mile trek. I strongly recommend an early start, as the trail will become hot with minimal shade regardless of the season. Notably, this is the only trail where I’ve had the privilege of observing California condors up close. While not conventionally beautiful, these magnificent birds, the largest in North America, are mesmerizing as they gracefully soar across the red rock. California’s turkey vulture and condors are often confused. The easiest way to identify them is by their wing feathers. Condors have white triangle wing feathers with brown tips. The vultures have the opposite—brown under their wings and white feather tips.

From the east entrance, another must-see that is less strenuous is the Bear Gulch Cave and Reservoir. What makes this talus cave unique is a year-round waterfall. You can hear the water cascading down the rocks long before your headlamp captures its spray. If you start from the Bear Gulch parking area, it is only 2.5 miles away, or you can access it from the High Peaks Trail. My family particularly loves this trail, often hiking to the Reservoir for lunch or a snack. Before you go, check with the park; portions of this cave are closed periodically to protect the unique bat species that breed and raise their young in the cave. Don’t worry if bats make you nervous; we have been in the caves dozens of times and have never seen or had a bat fly by!

We’ve explored these trails every season, but there’s no denying that spring holds a special place in our hearts. The hills are a vibrant green, and the temperature remains pleasantly mild. During this season, we’re often treated to the breathtaking sight of wildflowers blanketing the hills, with the striking red rocks contrasting against the blue skies. For water enthusiasts like us, the post-rain period brings a flowing creek and a cascading waterfall from the Reservoir. Don’t worry if you cannot get to the park before the weather turns hot; it is still magical. Just remember to stay vigilant about the heat, pack a lot of extra water, and liberally apply sunscreen for a great adventure.

Fast forward nearly a decade, and my once-little adventurers have grown into a tween and teenager who are pro hikers. While our mishaps have evolved with time, even for a seasoned hiking family, they remain part of the experience! On a recent trip to the Pinnacles, a 2.5-mile jaunt to Bear Gulch Cave turned into an unexpected 8-mile day. Yet, as long as safety prevails, even these mishaps build enduring memories, and you never know what extraordinary discoveries are in store. During this particular excursion, the kids were treated to their first encounter with a ladybug cluster—thousands of ladybugs gathered on a single log. And, of course, they now have ample ammunition to playfully tease me, holding this adventure over my head for what I assume will be years to come. Building connections takes various forms, and our Pinnacles hiking escapades remain cherished avenues for family bonding.

Ten Reasons to Take Your Family on a National Park Road Trip

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Have you ever been to a national park? They are part of America’s hidden treasures that many of us take for granted. My most memorable national park experience was when I visited the Grand Canyon in Arizona with my family when I was in high school. I can still picture the sprawling red, amber, and golden rocks, craters, and mountains as far as I could see. It was so stunning that I felt transported to another planet, but that awe-filled experience took place right here in my own country. Connecting to nature like at picturesque national parks can help reduce stress and boost our mood.

Here are 10 reasons to take your family on a national park road trip this year:

10.  Experience awe. Awe–when we experience something that seems magical and amazing–is an emotion that has a powerful effect on our body and mind. It allows us to transcend the ordinary, tests our concept of time and scale, gives us the sense of being small in a grand universe and helps us to truly be in the moment. Awe can make us happier and healthier in a number of ways by helping us build social connection, pique curiosity, expand creativity, and reduce anxiety and depression. National parks have so many incredible natural features that will “wow” you and your family.

9.  See something new. Did you know that stress reduction is one of the most important benefits of travel? A 2012 survey by Expedia found that 89 percent of vacationers said they could let go of stress and relax after only a day or two into their trip. When you take your family on a national park road trip, you are getting everyone out of their comfort zone and daily routine to experience something new and exciting, which helps reduce stress and boost happiness.

8.  Get some exercise. When you visit a national park, you’ll have so many opportunities to move your body. Whether you go on a family hike, bike around the park, or rent a kayak or canoe to paddle around the water, you’ll be able to take in the sites while also getting some exercise.

7.  Find peace and quiet. Another huge benefit of visiting a national park is that you can find some peace and quiet and feel removed from the hustle and bustle of your daily life. It will give your family a chance to practice some mindfulness out in nature, helping to clear your mind of all the chatter and stress. Challenge your kids to just sit and be for a few minutes; focused attention can do wonders to reduce stress and anxiety. (Maybe even offer a prize to the child who can sit quietly the longest.) You may even want to practice some family yoga out there in the gorgeous scenery. It’s your time to soak in the silence and recharge your batteries.

6.  Spark creativity. Being in and around nature is the perfect inspiration for artwork. You can take photographs of the scenery and then have your kids paint or draw masterpieces based on the images you captured. You can also use those pictures and work together as a family to create a collage to hang up in your home or a slideshow set to music. A trip to a national park may also set the stage for your children to write a story or poetry about what they experienced during their visit. By recreating nature experiences through art, we feel calmer and happier.

5.  Teach about nature and conservation. By spending time outdoors enjoying the beauty and awe that our natural environment provides, our children will feel better emotionally as they are excited and curious about their surroundings. There are endless opportunities to turn a national park trip into a learning experience. Many of the parks have visitor centers that share the history and science of the area. Your children will love learning about the animals and plants in the park and how the park was formed. My family has visited national parks to learn about volcanoes, glaciers, tropical rainforests, petrified forests, redwood trees, waterfalls, and more.

4.  Inspire kindness. A trip to a national park can also help your children realize how important it is to preserve and protect nature. They may want to do more to help the environment when they return home. Your family can make a big difference year-round by volunteering outdoors in nature doing activities like beach cleanups, planting trees, and working with animals.

3.  Be grateful. Gratitude plays a critical role in happiness. Focusing on the positive boosts body, mind, and spirit. It gives us energy, inspires us, and transforms us. In a nutshell, it provides life with meaning by thinking of life as a gift. The incredible aspects of nature can help us all step back and be grateful for the beauty and mystery of our planet. A trip to a national park helps us escape our daily routines in big cities and crowded suburbs to experience the natural environment. It’s important that we take a moment to be grateful for what we find.

2. It’s fun family time. Just simply having fun spending time together as a family does wonders for boosting all of our moods. It’s even better when you get to travel and experience new places together. Even the journey to the national park can be filled with enjoyable, inspiring learning opportunities.

1.  It’s FREE! On several days in 2022, all national parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates in 2022:

  • Monday, January 17: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

  • Saturday, April 16: First Day of National Park Week

  • Thursday, August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act

  • Saturday, September 24: National Public Lands Day

  • Friday, November 11: Veterans Day


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Learn more about National Parks throughout the country at www.nps.gov

FREE PARK PASS FOR FOURTH GRADERS: Every Kid Outdoors is a federal public lands youth initiative to get all 4th graders and their families to experience the places that are home to our country’s natural treasures, rich history, and vibrant culture. Every year, beginning September 1, all kids in the fourth grade have access to their own Every Kid Outdoors pass at www.everykidoutdoors.gov. This pass provides free access to national parks across the country.

Epic California Road Trip

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As an avid motorcyclist and RVer, I have traveled through the majority of states in the U.S., some of them quite extensively. Believe me when I say California is probably the most geologically-diverse state in our country.

When people think of California – specifically, California road trips – they usually think about the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, the Golden Gate Bridge, or the Santa Monica Pier. To many, California means beaches, sunsets, and palm trees. And those are definitely worth seeing. Others head to California for the giant redwoods and stunning mountains at Sequoia or Yosemite National Parks.

But what if you’re in the mood for someplace off the beaten path? Someplace most people don’t think about when they are visiting our beautiful state? If you’re ready to plan a spring or summer road trip to some unusual places, I have some ideas for you!

Anza Borrego State Park

In the Southern California desert, south of Coachella and west of the Salton Sea lies Anza Borrego State Park. Spring wildflowers, canyons, washes, mountains, badlands, and stunning sunsets are there for any adventurous soul willing to look for them. The badlands area looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, while the spring wildflowers leave blankets of yellow and purple along the desert floor. If you have a four-wheel-drive, there are plenty of easy trails to follow. If you don’t, there are hundreds of hiking trails. Hotels are sparse, so I’d advise making this a day-trip from the Coachella area.

On the other side of the Salton Sea, not too far from Anza Borrego is a man-made curiosity called Salvation Mountain. The mountain was built by Leonard Knight out of junk: old tires, and items dumped in the desert. Mr. Knight covered the items over with sand and cement and painted his creation with bright colors, adding flowers and scripture along the way. For 25 years, his creation was an ongoing project until he died in 2014. In front of the sculpture is the old 1936 truck that Mr. Knight lived in for over two decades. The mountain has now become the center of several impromptu sculpture gardens created by unknown artists. Nearby is Slab City, described as an “off-the-grid squatter community.” People who live there have built walls out of bottles and sculptures out of car parts and other metal. This place is definitely worth the side trip if you’re in the area.

Glamis

Heading south from Salton Sea, then east on Highway 78, you’ll come across something you’d never expect to see in Southern California: giant sand dunes. Once you’re there, you may recognize them from numerous car commercials over the years. They were also the filming location of the dune buggy scenes in Jumanji: The Next Level and the Sarlacc Pit battle in 1983’s Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. If you don’t have an off-road vehicle, you won’t be able to get into the dunes themselves. But the view at sunset from the top of Osborne Overlook is breathtaking. The turnoff for the outlook is right off the main highway and is easy to find. It is a short driveway that crosses the “sand highway” and heads up to Osborne Overlook’s top. The view is worth the effort it takes to get there.

Death Valley National Park

Directly east of Sequoia National Park is a lesser-known park: Death Valley National Park. Death Valley is a land of extremes. At 282 feet below sea level, it is the lowest point in the United States. In the winter, snow often frosts the tops of the mountains. Yet, in the summer, it is regularly the hottest place on the continent. In the spring, colorful desert flowers brighten up the landscape. From otherworldly landscapes like the salt flats to curiosities like the Racetrack Playa, where you can see the “sliding rocks” and the trails they leave behind, there are so many things to see in what is the largest National Park in the contiguous United States. Hiking and off-road trails abound, and there are oasis areas and old borax and gold mines. There are hotels inside the park, but reservations are highly recommended.

Highway 395/The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

If you leave Death Valley by way of Highway 190 and head west to Highway 395, you are in for several treats. The drive up Highway 395 is beautiful from the Ridgecrest area to Lake Tahoe. And there is so much to see on that stretch.

Some of the greatest road trips are off the beaten path, and I encourage you to take your time. Stop to watch the horses in the meadows or get some fresh fruit from a roadside stand. In Bishop, stop at Schat’s Bakkery (yes, it’s spelled that way!) for some fresh Sheepherder Bread. It’s nothing short of amazing.

As you head up Highway 395, several side trips are worth the break. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is a great place to learn about just how old the area is.

=Devils Postpile  and Mono Lake

Further north, a trip off the highway to Devils Postpile is interesting although getting there isn’t all that easy. Where Highway 395 intersects with Lee Vining is Mono Lake. The lake was formed at least 760,000 years ago. With no natural outlet for the water, the saltwater lake continues to rise, and the water is too alkaline to swim in or drink. But the views are surreal and stunning.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

If you are willing to drive even further up Highway 395, you’ll hit the little city of Susanville. Just northwest of that is another less popular park – Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen is one of the few areas where all four types of volcano can be found – plug dome, shield, cinder cone, and stratovolcano. Steam vents, boiling springs, and bubbling mud pots remain active. The volcano is still active but has not erupted for over 100 years. If you are taking any budding geologists on a road trip this summer, this is a must-see park.

I have traveled the country with my family on our Harleys, and my dad instilled in us a strict policy of no interstates. (He must have been a Robert Frost fan, always taking the road “less traveled by.”) We have gone all the way to Canada from Southern California on two-lane highways. My children, who are now adults, still recall with warm memories all of the places they have been with me and their grandparents. As a parent and now as a grandparent, I keep in mind that experiences are what kids remember. New places and new experiences are what fill their minds with possibilities and dreams, and questions–so many questions! Isn’t it time for an adventure with your family? I say it’s time to hit the road less traveled with the kids!

Disclaimer: several of the recommended destinations are in the desert, which becomes quite hot after spring. Always travel with plenty of water, snacks, and a roadside emergency plan. As always, check online for road closures and park closures before heading out.

TRICIA VLASAK is a mother, grandparent, and wife. She works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures.

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