Explore California’s National Parks: A 17-Day Itinerary
California is romanticized for its sparkly Pacific oceanfronts, thickets of palm trees, and glass-walled high-rise buildings in coastal cities. However, the state consists of so much more than its famed southern coast. From its beautiful national parks to its diverse ecosystems, California offers an amazing adventure awaiting exploration.
Travel to the northern regions, inland, or even offshore to discover dazzlingly unique terrain, diverse wildlife, and historical landmarks. You can experience these attractions through the stunning nine US national parks located in the Golden State.
Each park represents a distinct piece of California’s multifaceted landscape. Here’s how to embark on a memorable journey visiting all nine parks in a single trip that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Breaking Down The Itinerary
- Total Parks Visited: Nine
- The Parks: Joshua Tree National Park, Sequoia National Park, Death Valley National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Pinnacles National Park, Yosemite National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, Channel Islands National Park
- Total Trip Time: 17 days, starting from Los Angeles
- Total Mileage: 2,003 miles (varies based on route and road conditions)
Day 1: Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park
Leave LA in the morning, and travel 131 miles to Joshua Tree, where you’ll camp.
Day 2: Explore Joshua Tree National Park
Spend the day in Joshua Tree National Park; camp here for a second night.
Where to Stay
Joshua Tree National Park has several campgrounds. Book your spot well in advance, especially from October to May when the cooler months attract more visitors. Alternatively, you can find lodging in nearby towns like Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, and Twentynine Palms.
Need-to-Know
Desert weather can change suddenly. Ensure your fires are fully extinguished, and secure any items that could blow away in strong winds.
How to Get Around
Joshua Tree is a small park relatively easy to navigate. Park Blvd runs through the park, providing access to various attractions.
What to Do While You’re Here
Enjoy hikes ranging from easy to hard, with ample opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering. A scenic drive along Park Blvd showcases the stunning flora transitioning from Joshua Tree groves to yucca cacti thickets.
Day 3: Joshua Tree to Death Valley National Park
Leave Joshua Tree in the morning and drive 228 miles to Death Valley, where you’ll camp or lodge.
Day 4: Discover Death Valley National Park
Spend the day in Death Valley National Park; camp or lodge here again.
Where to Stay
Death Valley offers primitive and full-hookup campgrounds, as well as lodges ranging from basic to luxurious. Reservations are needed for lodges, while most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Need-to-Know
Camping in Death Valley during summer can be uncomfortable due to extremely high temperatures. Winter visits can also be challenging with freezing temperatures overnight.
How to Get Around
The best way to explore Death Valley is by car, as extensive highways and access roads lead to various attractions. The National Park Service recommends limiting hikes during extreme heat.
What to Do While You’re Here
Visit the mesmerizing Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, drive along Artists Drive to witness colorful mountains, and explore Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
Day 5: Death Valley to Sequoia National Park
Leave Death Valley in the morning, and travel 268 miles to Sequoia National Park, where you’ll camp or lodge.
Where to Stay
Sequoia National Park offers fantastic camping opportunities with both primitive and developed sites. The developed Wuksachi Lodge provides comfortable lodging.
Need-to-Know
Be aware that the road connecting Sequoia and Kings Canyon can close in winter due to snow. Check for road conditions before your visit.
How to Get Around
Generals Highway runs throughout the park, giving easy access to trailheads and attractions. Be mindful of parking, particularly during peak summer months.
What to Do While You’re Here
Experience the grandeur of Giant Forest and hike to Little Baldy for spectacular views, all while ensuring to visit the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth.
Day 6: Sequoia to Kings Canyon National Park
Spend the day in Sequoia; in the evening, move to Kings Canyon National Park (48 miles) for camping or lodging.
Day 7: Explore Kings Canyon National Park
Discover Kings Canyon National Park, then drive 112 miles to Yosemite National Park, where you’ll camp or lodge.
Where to Stay
Simiarly to Sequoia, Kings Canyon has both camping and lodging options. Ensure reservations are secured ahead of time.
Need-to-Know
Although Sequoia and Kings Canyon are neighboring parks linked by Generals Highway, be prepared for potential closures. Check driving guidelines to plan your route effectively.
How to Get Around
You can primarily travel by vehicle in Kings Canyon, with opportunities to hike to attractions.
What to Do While You’re Here
Visit General Grant, the second-largest tree globally; hike to Buck Rock for breathtaking views; and stop at the Kings Canyon Overlook for incredible scenery.
Day 8: Explore Yosemite National Park
Spend a full day in Yosemite National Park; camp or lodge here.
Where to Stay
For a tranquil camping experience, consider staying near or in Tuolumne Meadows; numerous lodging options are available within the park.
Need-to-Know
Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road may close in winter due to snow; typically reopening in May or June. Wildlife is more common in the Tuolumne Meadows area.
How to Get Around
Yosemite is well-equipped with roads, paved trails, and a shuttle system around the valley. Summer visits may lead to congested traffic; consider biking or walking for easier navigation.
What to Do While You’re Here
Among the many attractions, don’t miss El Capitan and Half Dome from the valley floor. Hike Tuolumne Meadows Trail to Soda Springs or raft down the Merced River during the warmer months.
Day 9: Yosemite to Lassen Volcanic National Park
Depart Yosemite by early afternoon, traveling 301 miles to Lassen, where you’ll camp or lodge.
Day 10: Stay Overnight in Lassen
Spend the day in Lassen Volcanic National Park; camp or lodge here.
Where to Stay
While Lassen has limited lodging, Drakesbad Guest Ranch serves as the only lodge, with ample campground options available for advance reservations.
Need-to-Know
Check road conditions prior to your visit, especially in the winter when roads are prone to closure due to snowfall.
How to Get Around
Several roads pass through Lassen Volcanic National Park, but snow can cause closures. Ideally, visit after roads reopen in April.
What to Do While You’re Here
Marvel at Lassen’s glistening lakes, snowy peaks, and lush meadows. The park’s hydrothermal areas offer unique features such as boiling mud pots and steaming vents.
Day 11: Lassen to Redwood National Park
Leave Lassen Volcanic National Park by mid-morning; travel 177 miles to Redwood National Park, where you’ll camp or lodge.
Day 12: Explore the Redwoods
Spend the day in Redwood National Park; camp or lodge here again.
Where to Stay
Redwood National Park has limited lodging options, but consider staying outside the park in surrounding communities for more availability.
Need-to-Know
If you want to stay in the campground cabins, make reservations several months in advance due to their popularity.
How to Get Around
The park is primarily accessible via US Highway 101, with many scenic drives to explore the lush landscape.
What to Do While You’re Here
Marvel at the towering coastal redwoods, engage in hiking or biking, or kayak on the Smith River during the summer.
Day 13: Redwood to Pinnacles National Park
Leave the Redwoods by early morning and travel 437 miles to Pinnacles National Park, where you’ll camp or lodge.
Day 14: Relax in Pinnacles National Park
Spend the day enjoying the natural beauty of Pinnacles; camp or lodge here again.
Where to Stay
Pinnacles National Park has one main campground on its east side. Consider your access point, as the two sides are only connected by hiking trails.
Need-to-Know
Plan accordingly to explore either the east or west side of Pinnacles, as you may not have time for both.
How to Get Around
Access the park via Highway 146 for the west side and Highway 25 for the east, with both leading to hiking areas.
What to Do While You’re Here
Explore the tranquil hiking trails while watching out for California condors soaring above.
Day 15: Pinnacles to Ventura
Depart Pinnacles National Park and travel 233 miles to Ventura, California.
Day 16: Visit Channel Islands National Park
Book a tour to Channel Islands National Park for a memorable experience. After your day on the islands, either return to Los Angeles or spend another night in Ventura.
Where to Stay
Consider camping on the islands or returning to Ventura for lodging. Reservations for campgrounds are recommended.
Need-to-Know
Plan your supplies carefully; ensure you bring enough food and water, as the islands have limited resources.
How to Get Around
Accessing the Channel Islands requires hiking or kayaking, as there are no transportation services on the islands.
What to Do While You’re Here
Engage in hiking, bird-watching, snorkeling, or kayaking on Santa Cruz Island, while exploring its rich historical sites.
Day 17 (Optional): Return to Los Angeles
Travel back to Los Angeles (68 miles).
