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From snow-capped mountains to incredible granite formations and from sub-tropical beaches to the vast expanse of the Kalahari – California is a mind-bogglingly diverse state in the USA. Visiting its stunning national parks is one of the best ways to experience the untamed natural beauty and wilderness of the state. We have picked three of the most spectacular national parks that are definitely worth visiting.
Yosemite National Park
This 747,956-acre stretch of nature’s treasure is internationally renowned for its magnificent granite cliffs, mighty glaciers, stunning waterfalls, crystal clear streams, and of course, biological diversity. About 95 % of the park is exclusively about wilderness. Yosemite National Park features an almost seven mile wide canyon with spectacular rock formations such as the El Capitan, which is the world’s tallest exposed granite monolith structure. The park’s falls, especially the Yosemite Falls (tallest waterfall in North America), offer surreal views of nature. Then there are the giant sequoia trees. These fascinating trees are not just huge; they have an astonishing life span of over 3,000 years to match their size. The list of outdoor activities and sightseeing spots is so extensive that it is impossible to explore it all in one trip!
Death Valley National Park
Don’t let the name scare you off. Death Valley National Park is a fantastic place to explore if you are up for a little adventure. Known as one of the most incredible places on the planet, the park features striking contrasts. Death Valley National Park is a land of extremes; it is one of the hottest and driest places on earth. But with extremes, comes the charm. Colourful rocks and canyons, endless stretches of sand dunes, and equally vast stretches of protected salt flats create the silhouette of the park. Badwater Basin, the salt flat located in the heart of the park, is the lowest point in North America.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is the meeting point of the Mojave and the Colorado, two unique and highly contrasting desert eco-systems. This has resulted into a diverse variety of flora and fauna. Spread across almost 800, 000 acres, the park is home to trees that seem straight out of an alien planet! The unusually tall species of Yucca are the main attraction of the park and amaze visitors no end. The park features spectacular rock formations. As the sun rises, these huge formations glitter with crystals. A large number of rock climbers from all over the world visit the park to climb these rocks. Besides the rock formations, fan palm oases and seasonal gardens of cholla and ocotillo are also among the star attractions. Speaking of stars, Joshua National Park is an excellent place to admire the night sky.