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Explore the Driving Route Through California's National Parks

L.A. as a Gateway: Road Trip Across California's National Parks

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LA Arrival, Island-Hopping, Desert Exploration, and Mountain Adventure
LA Arrival, Island-Hopping, Desert Exploration, and Mountain Adventure

Explore the Driving Route Through California's National Parks

Discovering California's National Parks: A 7-Day Suggested Itinerary

Explore the unique landscapes and attractions of California's national parks on a tailored road trip. Here's a suggested itinerary for a 7-day journey:

Day 1: Arrival in Los Angeles- Fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)- Pick up rental car- Overnight stay in Los Angeles to prepare for the journey ahead

Day 2: Channel Islands National Park- Drive to Ventura Harbor (~1.5 hours from LA)- Take a ferry to Santa Cruz or Anacapa Island for activities such as hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and snorkeling. Reserve boat transportation in advance through Island Packers.- Overnight stay in Ventura or return to LA

Day 3: Joshua Tree National Park- Drive to Joshua Tree (~2.5-3 hours from LA/Ventura)- Explore the park's unique desert landscapes, featuring the iconic Joshua trees. Visit highlights like Hidden Valley, Keys View, Cholla Cactus Garden, and Arch Rock.- Engage in activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.- Overnight stay in Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree town

Day 4: Death Valley National Park- Drive to Death Valley (~4-5 hours from Joshua Tree)- Experience the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the USA. Don't miss the Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Artist's Palette, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.- Tips: Bring plenty of water and avoid summer months due to extreme heat.- Overnight stay in Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells

Day 5: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks- Drive to Sequoia (~5-6 hours from Death Valley)- Marvel at the world's largest trees and explore highlights such as General Sherman Tree, Congress Trail, Moro Rock, and Grant Grove.- Engage in activities like hiking, scenic drives, and cave tours.- Overnight stay in lodging inside the parks or in Three Rivers

Day 6: Yosemite National Park- Drive to Yosemite (~2.5 hours from Sequoia)- Discover one of America's most famous national parks, home to Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Grove.- Participate in activities such as hiking, rock climbing, photography, and scenic drives.- Overnight stay in Yosemite Valley or gateway communities like Mariposa or Oakhurst

Day 7: Lassen Volcanic National Park and Return- Drive to Lassen (~5-6 hours from Yosemite)- Discover volcanic landscapes and hydrothermal areas. Highlights include Bumpass Hell, Lassen Peak, Devils Kitchen, and Manzanita Lake.- Engage in activities such as hiking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.- Drive from Redwoods to Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) ~ 30 miles away, the nearest airport to Redwood National Park. Return the rental car before flying home from Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV).

For 5-, 7-, or 10-day trips, shorten the itinerary by skipping some national parks.

Travel Tips:

  • Total driving distance: Approximately 1,500 miles
  • Consider an SUV or vehicle with good clearance for some park roads
  • Purchase an America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) for entry to all parks
  • Make lodging reservations well in advance, especially for Yosemite
  • Check weather conditions before visiting each park
  • Download offline maps as cell service is limited in many parks

For in-depth information on activities, tips, and additional recommendations for Channel Islands National Park, see our guide below.

Related Posts:- List of National Parks in Australia- List of National Parks in the United States 2025- America The Beautiful Pass List of National Parks- America The Beautiful Pass

  1. Familiarize yourself with the unique weather patterns in each state along your travel route for a successful trip.
  2. Stunning landscape photography opportunities await at California's National Parks, perfect for capturing the beauty of your journey.
  3. On our suggested itinerary, we explore six diverse parks, but you can customize your trip to include more or less, depending on your interests.
  4. Before setting off for your hiking expedition, make sure to check the weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  5. The vast open spaces of the parks offer a chance to immerse yourself in the tranquility and serenity of nature, providing a refreshing break from daily lifestyle.
  6. A national park journey offers endless opportunities for wildlife viewing, from majestic big horn sheep toplayful river otters.
  7. Incorporate activities such as kayaking and snorkeling into your itinerary for a chance to explore the rich marine life of Channel Islands National Park.
  8. During your trip, pay attention to the trees that surround you - from the towering sequoias to the unique Joshua trees, each tree tells a story about the park's history and geology.
  9. If you're traveling in groups, consider renting an SUV or vehicle with good clearance to navigate the rugged terrains in some parks, like Death Valley.
  10. To make the most of your trip, purchase an America the Beautiful annual pass, granting you entry to over 2,000 national park sites across the USA.

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