Two Week California National Parks Road Trip: A Perfect Outdoor Getaway

(Last Updated On: May 19, 2022)

California is an awesome state and has a ton of different road trips to do throughout the state. If you are looking for a more unique California road trip idea, head out on a California National Parks Road Trip. California contains nine National Parks, the most of any state. Most of the California National Parks are located reasonably close to each other and can be visited on a two-week road trip. If you have more time, definitely plan to spend more days in several of the National Parks. If you have less time, you can also start this road trip with Yosemite National Park. 

California has the most national parks out of any state. Thus, planning a two week California National Park road trip makes for a fun outdoor vacation. Along this trip you will hit some of the best National Parks in the country. hiking | outdoors | Channel Islands | Pinnacles | Redwoods | Lassen Volcanic | Yosemite | Kings Canyon | Sequoia | Death Valley | Joshua Tree | National Park #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

History of National Parks

The United States has 63 National Parks and 419 areas in the National Parks system. Twenty-nine of the fifty states contain a National Park. Many are hidden gems you might not think to visit otherwise. The first National Park, Yellowstone, was created in 1872. In order to become a National Park, the area must be established by an act of the US Congress. Many National Parks begin as National Monuments. President Theodore Roosevelt is credited with the Antiquities Act which allows presidents to create National Monuments to preserve areas they deem important. That is why you will often see parks first be a National Monument prior to turning into a National Park. 

Best Time to go on a California National Parks Road Trip

Although you can take a California National Parks Road Trip any time of the year, I recommend taking it in late spring, early summer, or fall. During the peak summer season, many of the parks are too hot to do much. In the wintertime, some of the areas of the parks may be closed and you will not be able to get the full experience. You will need to time it just right in spring so there is no snow left. 

 A peak in Sequoia National Park. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

How to Get to California

For a California National Parks road trip,  I recommend flying into Los Angeles International airport. This is one of the largest airports in the state and is located near many attractions. I recommend using Skyscanner to search for a flight into Los Angeles as I almost always find the cheapest options there. You can also opt to fly into San Francisco International Airport and start this itinerary in Salinas. 

Costs of California National Parks

Most of the California National Parks cost about $30-$35 to get into. Therefore, I recommend buying the America the Beautiful Pass. This pass is a year-long pass that gets you into any National Park in the system for a low price of $80. As long as you visit at least 3 parks in a year, it makes it well worth it! You can buy this pass online ahead of time or upon arrival in your first National Park. It is good for the admission of four people and two adults can have their name attached to the pass. 

Day 1: Los Angeles to Ventura

A picture of the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, California. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

Distance: 67 miles, about an hour and a half drive

Where to Stay: Ventura 

To start off your California National Parks road trip, opt to spend some time exploring Los Angeles. From Hollywood to Venice Beach, Los Angeles offers a lot of unique areas to explore. If you have extra time, spend four days in Los Angeles to see all the areas. 

Day 2: Channel Islands National Park

A rocky beach and the ocean. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

Best Things to Do: Snorkel and Hike

Established as a National Monument: April 26, 1938

Became a National Park: March 5, 1980

The Channel Islands is a unique National Park. Made up of five of the eight Channel Islands, these islands are only accessible by ferry or small plane. There are no accommodations outside of camping and no food is available on the islands. The closest islands, Anacapa, and Santa Cruz can be reached in an hour. Once on the islands, visitors can opt to hike, kayak, dive, snorkel, fish, and just spend time in nature. There are a few operators that run snorkel and kayak tours, or you can opt to do a self-guided tour. No matter what, plan to spend lots of time outdoors and in the water at Channel Islands National Park 

Day 3: Ventura to Salinas

A view along the California coast. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

Distance: 252 mile, about a four-hour drive

Where to Stay: Hollister or Salinas

Use today to drive from Ventura to Salinas. If you want to take a longer route, you can head up the coast for a scenic drive. This will add about an hour and 15 minutes to your drive, but well worth it to see the coastal views. There are so many things you can see on the California Central Coast.

Along the way, you can stop and spend time in Santa Barbara. Here you can visit the One Thousand Steps beach, the Santa Barbara Mission, or the Botanic Gardens among many other things. If you are a wine lover, opt to stop in Los Olivos, a small town dedicated to wine tasting. I recommend Solminer and Tensley.

Further north, make sure to check out McWay Falls and grab a shot of the Bixby Creek Bridge. Camel-by-the-Sea also has some awesome wineries such as Morgan and Hahn. For dinner, stop at one of the best Mexican food places I have ever had, Sarita’s the Original, before making your way to Salinas. 

Day 4: Pinnacles National Park

Barker Dam in Pinnacles National Park. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

Best Things to Do: Bear Gulch Cave and Bear Gulch Reservoir

Established as a National Monument: 1908

Became a National Park: January 10, 2013

For the next stop on a California National Parks Road Trip, spend the day at Pinnacles National Park. Head to the east entrance of Pinnacles to have access to the best hiking trails. I recommend hiking the Moses Spring Trail to the Bear Gulch Trail to the Rim Trail. This trail takes you through the Bear Gulch Cave. From mid-July to mid-May, visitors can hike through the lower half of the cave and view some of the bats that live there. Make sure to bring a flashlight with you. After walking through the cave, head to the Bear Gulch Reservoir for some gorgeous views and a nice area to take a break. Overall, this hike is 2.2 miles and it is not too strenuous.  

Day 5: Salinas to Bass Lake

A view of Bass Lake from the marina.

Distance: 168 miles, about a three hour drive

Where to Stay: Incline, Mariposa, or Bass Lake

Today, drive from Salinas to Bass Lake. There is not much to do on this drive, so I recommend just driving straight through! I recommend staying at the Pines Resort. Not only is this gorgeous resort located right on the lake, but it is also only 30 minutes from the entrance of Yosemite. The area offers a variety of activities to do from kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake to a multitude of hikes. If you prefer, head over to Yosemite to spend some time in the park!

Day 6: Yosemite National Park

A view of Yosemite Valley.

Best Things to Do: Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome

Established as a National Park: October 1, 1890

Yosemite National Park will be the highlight of your California National Parks Road Trip. Easily one of the most popular National Parks in the country, Yosemite boasts spectacular views and scenery. Yosemite offers a variety of things to do from birdwatching and hiking to rock climbing. Yosemite Valley offers some of the best easily accessible views in the park. Make sure to take the short hike to Lower Yosemite Falls. Take a stroll along Mirror Lake for other gorgeous views. For the super adventurous, hike up to the Upper Yosemite Falls or Half Dome. 

Day 7: Mariposa to Visalia

Woman looking at the tall trees in Sequoia National Park. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

Distance: 118 miles, about two hour drive

Where to Stay: Three Rivers or Visalia

This morning, opt to drive to Visalia via Kings Canyon National Park. Or, if you prefer, spend more time in Yosemite National Park before heading to Visalia. 

Day 8: Sequoia National Park

A view of sequoias along the tall tree trail in Sequoia National Park, part of a two week California National Parks Road Trip. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

Best Things to Do: Congress Trail, General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, Big Trees Trail

Established as a National Park: September 25, 1890

Sequoia National Park is, in my opinion, one of the coolest national parks in California. Filled with humongous trees and tons of hiking trails, you could easily spend several days exploring all of what this park has to offer. The highlight is the General Sherman Tree, one of the largest in the world. Make sure to hike the 350 steps up Moro Rock for spectacular views of the park. Other not-to-miss trails include the Congress Trail and the Big Trees Trail, which showcase the gigantic sequoia trees. 

Day 9: Kings Canyon National Park

A view of Kings Canyon National Park., California. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

Best Things to Do: General Grant Tree, Big Stump Basin Trail, Panoramic Point

Established as General Grant National Park: October 1, 1890

Became Kings Canyon National Park: March 4, 1940

Opt to spend today visiting Kings Canyon National Park if you did not on day 7. You can also opt to spend another day in Sequoia National Park. If you choose to head to Kings Canyon National Park, make sure to visit the General Grant Tree, the tree with the widest trunk, first! Soak in the fantastic views at Panoramic Point. Finally, hike the Big Stump Basin Trail to see stumps from once towering sequoias, such as the Mark Twain stump, the once largest sequoia in the world. If you are into horseback riding, there are several horseback riding trails in Kings Canyon to venture onto.  

Day 10: Visalia to Ridgecrest

The cemetery monument at Manzanar National Monument. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

Distance: 194 miles, about a three hours drive

Where to Stay: Panamint Springs, Stovepipe Wells, or Ridgecrest

For day 10 of a California National Park Road Trip, head on a 3-hour drive from Visalia to Ridgecrest. First, spend some time at Red Rock Canyon State Park. This park offers gorgeous views of scenic desert cliffs and rock formations. There are plenty of options for hiking, or you can opt to drive through. It reminded me a lot of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. If up to a little more driving, I also recommend driving an extra hour to Manzanar National Historic Site. This is the site of a Japanese Internment Camp from the 1940s. During World War II, many Japanese were forced to live in this camp, often in harsh conditions and weather. Although not quite as emotional as visiting a Concentration Camp in Europe, be prepared for the tough truths of this park. 

Day 11: Death Valley National Park

Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, California. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

Best Things to Do: Badwater Basin, Artists Drive, Mesquite Sand Dunes

Established as a National Monument: June 1933

Became a National Park: October 31, 1994

Today, head into Death Valley National Park to see the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin! A half-mile hike takes you to the edge of the Badwater Salt Flats where you can then walk around the salt flats. After, head to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for some desert vibes. This is one of seven sets of sand dunes in Death Valley and the easiest to hike. Finally, head along Artists Drive to see the multicolors hills, rainbow colors, and tons of photogenic spots. Death Valley holds many hidden treasures, so explore as much as you can! 

Day 12: Ridgecrest to Joshua Tree

The Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree California. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

Distance: 165 miles, about a two hour and forty-minute drive

Where to Stay: Joshua Tree or Palm Springs

A less than three-hour drive leads you to the small town of Joshua Tree, set at the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. Spend today relaxing in this desert oasis. Check out the World Famous Crochet Museum and the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Art Museum. You can also opt to visit Pioneertown, a Wild-West themed movie set built in the 1940s. 

Day 13: Joshua Tree National Park

Women walking through the Joshua Trees in Joshua Tree National Park. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

Best Things to Do: Cholla Cactus Gardens, Skull Rock, Barker Dam

Established as a National Monument: August 10, 1936

Became a National Park: October 31, 1994

Joshua Tree offers some super awesome hikes and scenery. A short stroll through the Cholla Cactus Garden will offer some great views. Be careful as the spines of these cacti stick to people very easily. After, stop off at Skull Rock to see a view of the rock that looks exactly like a skull! Finally, hike a 1.1-mile loop trail to Barker Dam. Along the way, you will get some awesome views of Joshua Trees and of Barker Dam. If up for another hike, I recommend the Lost Horse Mine, where you can see an abandoned mine. No matter what, there are plenty of hikes to fill the day. Just remember this is the desert, so it can get very hot during the day!

Day 14: Joshua Tree to Los Angeles

A mid century modern house in Palm Springs, California. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

Distance: 142 miles, about a two hour and fifteen-minute drive

To conclude a California National Parks Road Trip, wave goodbye to Joshua Tree and head back towards Los Angeles. You can opt to stop in Palm Springs on the way back or head directly to Los Angeles and explore more areas there. 

Additional Parks to add to a California National Parks Road Trip

If you have more time, opt to add in the last two National Parks in California. These ones are in Northern California, so they are a bit longer of a drive to get to. I recommend adding at least three more days if you plan to add these two parks to your California National Parks Road Trip.

Redwoods National Park

A view of Redwoods. Redwood National Park is the perfect addition to a two week California National Parks Road Trip.

Distance (from Salinas): 373 miles, about a 6 hour and 15 minute drive 

Where to Stay: Eureka

Best Things to Do: Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson Grove

Became a National Park: October 2, 1968

Redwoods National Park, located along the coast in Northern California contains 139,000 acres of land. In addition to being a National Park, Redwoods also encompasses three state parks with tons of hiking trails and scenic areas. One popular hike, Fern Canyon, is a one-mile loop through a gorgeous canyon covered in ferns and passes by several small waterfalls. Parts of Jurassic Park were filmed in this area. Make sure not to miss Lady Bird Johnson Grove, which goes past many Redwoods and provides great information about them. Finally, head out to the beach for some seal and sea lion viewing. Fun Fact: The Endor scenes from Star Wars were filmed at Redwood National Park. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park

A pond with smoke and trees. #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

Distance (from Eureka): 147 miles, about a three-hour drive 

Where to Stay: Redding

Best Things to Do: Bumpass Hell, Manzanita Lake, Cinder Cone Nature Trail

Established as a National Monument: May 1907

Became a National Park: August 9, 1916

This National Park is named after its central feature: Lassen Peak. This peak is the largest plug volcano in the world. The peak is now dormant, but there are still other hydrothermal areas active. Lassen National Park is also one of the view areas in the world where you can find four types of volcanoes. The park offers a ton of hiking trails, boating options, fishing, and scenic routes.

During the winter months, visitors can partake in winter sports such as snowshoeing and skiing. The number one thing you will want to do in Lassen Volcanic is Bumpass Hell, the largest area of hydrothermal features in the park! This 3-mile hike will take you past some spectacular scenery. The Cinder Cone Trail will take you past some unique views and colorful hills. Manzanita Lake contains options for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. No matter what, you will be in for some amazing views at Lassen Volcanic National Park. 

California has so many amazing National Parks, it can be hard to choose a favorite. Interested in visiting more National Parks? Zion National Park, another amazing National Park is worth a visit. Other favorites include Grand Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Crater Lake National Park is an easy addition after Lassen Volcanic as part of an Oregon Road Trip.

California has the most national parks out of any state. Thus, planning a two week California National Park road trip makes for a fun outdoor vacation. Along this trip you will hit some of the best National Parks in the country. hiking | outdoors | Channel Islands | Pinnacles | Redwoods | Lassen Volcanic | Yosemite | Kings Canyon | Sequoia | Death Valley | Joshua Tree | National Park #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation
California has the most national parks out of any state. Thus, planning a two week California National Park road trip makes for a fun outdoor vacation. Along this trip you will hit some of the best National Parks in the country. hiking | outdoors | Channel Islands | Pinnacles | Redwoods | Lassen Volcanic | Yosemite | Kings Canyon | Sequoia | Death Valley | Joshua Tree | National Park #californiaroadtrip #californianationalparks #optoutdoors #hikingvacation

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Maria
3 years ago

Wow these national parks look amazing! I’ve been to Grand Canyon and Death Valley only. Especially Yosemite and Joshua Tree are high on my list! Thanks for sharing your itinerary!

Taylor
Taylor
3 years ago

You’re so lucky you live in California and could visit a lot of these parks on the regular. I am excited I got to see Redwoods and Lassen on my latest trip, but I hope to see Yosemite, Sequoia, Joshua Tree and Death Valley on my next California trips. 🙂

Lerato
3 years ago

Wow! What adeatiled guide. I’ve read about Yosemite National Park and I’ve always wanted to visit. I didn’t know there were so many other amazing national parks in Cali. This was really informative!

Kelly
3 years ago

I have been to Joshua Tree, but still have so many of these parks on my list to visit! I had no clue that California had so many National Parks or that parks are often National Monuments first so that was super interesting 🙂

Patti
3 years ago

The national parks in California are never ending. I never knew there were so many. I have barely just started visiting a few.

kmf
kmf
3 years ago

Stunning photos! So much beauty in the world – especially in California! I’ve only been to Death Valley so would love to explore more and take this two-week trip. Pinning for sure!

Annaj
3 years ago

So many of these are on my bucket list but some I had never heard of! Especially excited to have found Channel Islands National Park as it sounds pretty off the grid. My kind of travel!

Sophia Bawany
3 years ago

This post feels like it was written for me! lol, we have been thinking about taking a trip up to Bass Lake since we cant really fly anywhere and have heard great things about the area! Yosimite and Bass Lake have been topics of conversation in our home for a few weeks now so this was a super helpful article and gave us more insight into the actual planning! Thank you for sharing 🙂

Farrah
3 years ago

Yay for CA! I still haven’t made it to Lassen Volcanic National Park and I need to go back to Death Valley (last time I went, I was maybe…6 years old), but I’ve otherwise been to all the others! :]! So many pretty places to explore!

Olivia
3 years ago

There are so many beautiful sights to see in California! Some of these places I’d heard of, but some of them are totally new to me. What a great list! I’d love to make it to Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite and Channel Islands National Park.

Elle
3 years ago

These photos are amazing! It’s a dream of mine to travel to California. <3

Shany
3 years ago

California is absolutely amazing with its national parks! I didn’t know some of the places you mentioned. I live close to California but haven’t got the chance to explore it, I guess I’ll have to add them to my list. Looking forwards to see all of these amazing places. Thank you for sharing!

Rhonda Albom
3 years ago

I lived in California for 15 years and never visited most of these, although I have been to four – Joshua Tree and Redwoods being my favourite. Now I really want to go back and explore my former state.

Marina
3 years ago

Wow this might be the best road trip itinerary I’ve seen so far! Roadtrippin California has been my dream for so long, I can’t wait to be able to go there!

Michele
3 years ago

What wonderful details. Sounds like an awesome road trip. We visited Muir Woods last year when we visited San Francisco but there is so much more that we need to discover.

Karen
Karen
3 years ago

These are great ideas. My problem is that iD like to spend 2 weeks at each park so I wouldn’t get very far. I’ve been to lots of these parks like JT, Yosemite and Sequoia parks. Would love to see the others. I’m just not very good at road trips.

Lynne Nieman
3 years ago

I would love to spend more time in CA as there is sooooo much to explore. I have not been to any of the parks … yet. This post makes me want to go … now!

Jessica
3 years ago

Wow! I had no idea California even had this many national parks. So beautiful and so much to explore!

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