One-Week Travel Itinerary for California: National Parks

Oct 18

Day 1: Arrive at Yosemite National Park and spend the day exploring Yosemite Valley. Visit iconic landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Take a short hike to Lower Yosemite Falls or explore the valley floor by bike. Camp in the park or stay at a lodge in Yosemite Village.
Day 2: Hike one of Yosemite’s famous trails, such as the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls or the Glacier Point hike for panoramic views of the valley. Alternatively, drive to Tuolumne Meadows for a quieter part of the park with stunning alpine scenery.

Day 3: Head south to Sequoia National Park, home to the giant sequoia trees. Visit General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth, and hike the Congress Trail for an immersive experience among these towering giants. Drive through Kings Canyon National Park to marvel at the rugged landscapes and waterfalls, including Grizzly Falls. Spend the night camping or at a nearby lodge.

Day 4: Travel to Death Valley National Park, the hottest and driest place in North America. Explore highlights like Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, Zabriskie Point for striking desert views, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Don’t miss the surreal landscape of Artist’s Palette. Stay overnight at Furnace Creek or nearby accommodations.

Day 5: Drive to Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Explore the park’s famous Joshua trees and unique rock formations. Hike the Hidden Valley Trail or the Ryan Mountain trail for stunning desert vistas. In the evening, enjoy stargazing, as Joshua Tree is known for its dark skies. Camp in the park or stay in a nearby desert town.

Day 6: Take a ferry from Ventura or Santa Barbara to Channel Islands National Park, known for its pristine and isolated landscapes. Spend the day hiking on Santa Cruz Island or Anacapa Island, exploring sea caves by kayak, or snorkeling in the kelp forests. Return to the mainland by evening and stay in a coastal town like Santa Barbara.

Day 7: Drive north to Lassen Volcanic National Park to explore its geothermal wonders. Visit Bumpass Hell, a hydrothermal area with boiling springs and fumaroles. Hike around Manzanita Lake for views of Lassen Peak, or if you’re feeling adventurous, climb Lassen Peak for panoramic views of the surrounding area. Camp in the park or stay in nearby Redding.

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