Photo: Brandon Beech/NPS
California is one of the most diverse states, with stunning coastlines, incredible forests, and the tallest peak in the lower 48. Within its confines are almost 1/6 of America’s National Parks, representing the best of America’s scenery and outdoor history.
Photo: NPS/Robb Hannawacker
Yosemite has everything an outdoor enthusiast dreams of. Towering rock walls. Check. Gorgeous waterfalls. Check. Backcountry hiking to avoid the crowds. Check. Then, add the ability to hike to incredible destinations like Half Dome, Taft Point, or alongside those stunning waterfalls, and you genuinely have the greatest national park in California.
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Sequoia National Park is astounding and home to the world’s largest tree. Driving in and seeing the giant sequoias will blow your mind, as few things do in this world. We see trees daily, yet seeing trees the size of water towers will make your head spin.
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I didn’t know what to expect when visiting Redwood National Park for the first time. Only once you step foot in the lush environment of northern California can you fully appreciate how incredible it is. Favorite Hike: Boyscout Tree Trail
Photo: National Park Service
Kings Canyon National Park (KCNP) is unique, but an absolute favorite national park. Most of KCNP is hard to reach, which is why it isn’t high on most tourist lists. But if you’re looking for epic backpacking routes like Rae Lakes, this beautiful section of the Sierra Nevada range will give you goosebumps.
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This is one of the most slept-on national parks in the country. From a photographer’s standpoint, Death Valley National Park is in the top tier of the most impressive places to photograph. Your jaw will continuously hit the floor as you explore the park and experience Badwater Basin.
Photo: National Park Service
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