California’s national parks are the focus of National Park Week, which takes place every April and celebrates the history, beauty, and culture of public lands. The National Park Service offers a variety of events throughout the week, including free guided hikes in Channel Islands and an evening program at Jumbo Rocks in Joshua Tree.
The observance aims to raise awareness about the significance and diversity of California’s protected areas. The state is home to unique natural wonders such as towering waterfalls, ancient trees, dramatic volcanic features, and vast desert landscapes.
Yosemite National Park was America’s first government-protected park when President Abraham Lincoln designated it a public trust in 1864. Yosemite Falls stands as North America’s highest waterfall, while Wawona Tunnel View provides sweeping vistas that include Half Dome and El Capitan.
Death Valley National Park is recognized as the largest national park in the lower 48 states and sits 279 feet below sea level. Known for extreme heat that can surpass 120 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months, Death Valley covers more than three million acres.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks contain around 200 caves—including Crystal Cave—and are home to some of the world’s largest living trees like General Sherman. Lassen Volcanic National Park uniquely features all four types of volcanoes found on Earth: shield, plug dome, cinder cone, and composite; its last eruption occurred in 1915.
Joshua Tree National Park offers approximately 8,000 rock climbing routes alongside opportunities for hiking and stargazing. Channel Islands’ Santa Cruz Island is California’s largest island—nearly three times larger than Manhattan—and accessible by boat or plane from Ventura Harbor or Oxnard Harbor.
Redwood National and State Parks boast Hyperion—the tallest known coastal redwood at nearly 380 feet—as well as Roosevelt elk populations. Pinnacles National Park became California’s newest national park in 2013 but features volcanic formations dating back over twenty million years.
National Park Week encourages visitors to explore these destinations through special programs while learning about their unique ecological contributions.
