California Park List

Alcatraz Island (affiliated area)

Alcatraz Island, referred to as "The Rock," is the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary now off-limits to the public, and the 18-month occupation by Indians of All Tribes that saved the tribes. Along with the rich history of the island, there is also a natural side with gardens, tide pools, bird colonies and magical bay views.

Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument boasts the story of John Rodriguez Cabrillo, who upon climbing out of his boat and onto shore in 1542, stepped into history as the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. In addition to this rich historic story of 16th century exploration, the park is home to a bounty of cultural and natural resources. Come visit the park and embark on your own Voyage of Discovery!
Channel Islands National Park
Just off the coast of California's mainland lies Channel Islands National Park, one of North America's most pristine treasures. Due to isolation over thousands of years, the park has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth. The park encompasses five remarkable islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara) and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is world renowned for its colorful and complex geology. Its extremes of elevation support a great diversity of life, and provide a natural geologic museum that represents a substantial portion of the earth's history. This region is also the ancestral homeland of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe. The Timbisha took advantage of the natural order of this region, establishing a pattern of life in concert with nature.
Devils Postpile National Monument

Devils Postpile National Monument was established in 1911 by presidential proclamation to protect and preserve the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. A rare sight in the geologic world, the formation ranks as one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. The formation's columns tower up to 60 feet high, displaying an unusual symmetry.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

It’s obvious why Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the most visited units of the National Park System, with over 13 million visitors a year. The two hundred years of history boast Native American culture, the Spanish Empire frontier, the Mexican Republic, maritime history, the California Gold Rush, the evolution of American coastal fortifications and the growth of urban San Francisco. Explore the many areas of the park, stretching from northern San Mateo County to Southern Marin County and including several areas of San Francisco. As diverse as it is expansive, famous tourist attractions in the park include Muir Woods National Monument, Alcatraz and the Presidio of San Francisco.

Joshua Tree National Park
The twisted, bristled trees and intriguing rocky landscape give the impression that Joshua Tree National Park was ripped from the pages of a Dr. Seuss book. The park encompasses some of the most interesting geologic features found in California's desert areas while the presence of water, the rarest of desert commodities, allows life to flourish.
Kings Canyon National Park

Located in eastern California, about 5 hours drive from both Los Angeles and San Francisco, Kings Canyon National Park brings out the best in all those who seek both adventure and tranquility. Though the wild King's River graces its banks, the park's true greatness is in the forest. Home to some of the largest trees in the world, the Sequoia, you have to see to believe. "If trees could be kings," say many, "their royal realm would be in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks."

Lassen Volcanic National Park
To visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is to witness a brief moment in the ancient battle between the earth shaping forces of creation and destruction in Northern California. Nestled within Lassen's peaceful forests and untouched wilderness, hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots still shape and change the land, evidence of Lassen's long fiery and active past.
Lava Beds National Monument
The history and cultural legacy of the lava beds stretches back thousands of years - it is one of the longest continually occupied areas in North America. Volcanic eruptions have created a rugged landscape with more than 700 caves, Native American rock art sites and Historic battlefields in a high desert wilderness.
Muir Woods National Monument
"This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world," declared conservationist John Muir when describing the majestic coast redwoods of Muir Woods. Muir Woods has a rich and varied history, tracing back to the Coast Miwok people through modern preservation. In each era, the forest has been affected by the actions of humans, for better or for worse.
Pinnacles National Monument
Whether you want to count yellow poppies, condors or shooting stars, Pinnacles National Monument will reward you with new pleasures on every visit. Activities include hiking, rock climbing, studying wildlife, viewing wildflowers and experiencing nature.
Presidio of San Francisco (affiliated area)
The Presidio of San Francisco served as an army post for three nations for 218 years. Scars of world and local events, military campaigns, the rise of aviation, World Fairs, and earthquakes are scattered throughout the Presidio. Centuries of architecture, a national cemetery, and an historic airfield are ripe for exploration. Relax in the forests and beaches, and admire the spectacular vistas.
Redwood National and State Parks
Stand at the base of a coast redwood and the huckleberry bushes tower over you. Watch statuette Roosevelt elk grazing in the prairies. Observe the tail of a female Chinook salmon heave skyward as she makes a nest for her eggs. Whether a morning or night person, you can hear the endangered marbled murrelets' keer across the treetops as they fly from sea to mossy nest.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Close to Hollywood, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area portrays the imagination of big time movies with the beauty of natural surroundings such as beaches, grasslands, canyons and oak woodlands. This diverse landscape inspires preservation and creativity, and truly is star quality! Hikes, walks, tours and rides are just some of the activities that abound in the park, so come and meet Santa Monica Mountains in person.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Located in eastern California, about 5 hours drive from both Los Angeles and San Francisco, Sequoia National Park brings out the best in all those who seek both adventure and tranquility. Though full of mountains of all geological make-ups to climb and scamper in, the park's true greatness is in the forest. Home to some of the largest trees in the world, the Sequoia, this park you have to see to believe. "If trees could be kings," say many, "their royal realm would be in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks."
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located 8 miles west of Redding, at the juncture of the Klamath Mountain range and the northern edge of the Sacramento Valley. It is home to a special collection of animal and plant life. The parks attractive features include Whiskeytown Lake, Shasta Bally (6,209 ft.) and numerous waterfalls, providing outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for water recreation, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, one of the first national parks in the United States, is best known for its waterfalls and impressive granite walls. Within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can also find deep valleys, sprawling meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and the grandeur of the Sierra Nevada John Muir describes as "the heart of the world".