While most of the traffic and crowds stay on the beautiful Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, high above the valley is the hike to the Sentinel Dome. This moderately challenging hike climbs steadily before terminating on top of a granite “dome” with amazing views of El Capitan, Half Dome and multiple waterfalls. It also has a breathtaking view down into Yosemite Valley. If you’re like us, you’ll want to stay and take in the view for as long as you can.
Located in the southern end of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, Sequoia National Park draws well over a million visitors a year. The Giant Forest area of the park is home to some of the world’s largest trees by volume, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on the planet! Although giant trees are the main attraction, Sequoia National Park is also a great destination for your next wilderness adventure. Hikes and attractions in the park, and in neighboring Kings Canyon National Park, can keep you busy for days.
Camping in Death Valley National Park is an experience unlike any other. The desolation of the desert, the unbelievable starry nighttime sky, and the cool temperatures make for an incredible adventure. Though staying in the Oasis at Death Valley may be the better option for those wanting a few more creature comforts, we highly recommend the experience of camping and know you won’t regret it.
If you’re like most people, you’ve never had the pleasure of hiking in Kings Canyon National Park. In fact, even if you’ve been to neighboring Sequoia National Park, it’s more than likely that you skipped entering the main part of Kings Canyon and gotten a taste of what this incredible park has to offer.
Don’t let this happen to you! Kings Canyon is an amazing landscape and reminded us of an untouched Yosemite National Park. While it takes a bit of work to get in here, the drive is incredible and the hikes that await will not disappoint at all.
If you are visiting Redwood National and State Parks along California’s north coast, the Fern Canyon Trail is not to be missed! Located in a remote area of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, spectacular Fern Canyon is a shady, green paradise. Hike through a narrow canyon, carved out by Home Creek, where the surrounding walls are draped in ferns and mosses.
