Visit California released on Apr. 8 a list of eight notable facts about the state’s national parks, coinciding with National Park Week in April. The announcement encourages residents and visitors to explore California’s diverse natural landmarks and learn more about their unique features.
National Park Week is celebrated every April to honor the history, beauty, and culture of America’s public lands. The National Park Service offers various events throughout the week, including free guided hikes in Channel Islands National Park and an evening program at Jumbo Rocks in Joshua Tree.
The list begins with Yosemite National Park, which was designated as America’s first government-protected park by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864. Visitors are encouraged to see iconic sites such as Yosemite Falls and Wawona Tunnel View. Death Valley National Park is noted as the largest park in the Lower 48 states, situated 279 feet below sea level with summer temperatures that can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to around 200 caves, including Crystal Cave—the state’s longest cavern—and feature giant sequoias like the General Sherman Tree. Lassen Volcanic National Park is highlighted for being the only place on Earth with all four types of volcanoes: shield, plug dome, cinder cone, and composite.
Joshua Tree National Park boasts over 8,000 rock climbing routes but also offers opportunities for hiking and stargazing workshops scheduled around new moons. Channel Islands National Park includes Santa Cruz Island—the largest island in California—accessible by boat or plane from Ventura Harbor or Oxnard Harbor.
Redwood National and State Parks feature Hyperion, a coastal redwood measuring nearly 380 feet tall; visitors may also spot Roosevelt elk or hike Fern Canyon—a location used for filming Jurassic Park 2. Pinnacles National Park is identified as California’s youngest national park since its designation in 2013; it offers year-round camping and opportunities for rock climbing amid volcanic formations.
The announcement aims to inspire exploration of these parks during National Park Week while providing educational insights into each destination’s significance.
