8 Little-Known Facts About California’s National Parks
California: California is home to some of the most distinctive national parks in the United States, featuring massive trees, towering waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, desert terrain and unique wildlife. Here are eight lesser-known facts about the state’s national parks.
1. Yosemite was among the first federally protected parklands
Yosemite National Park was designated as a public trust by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864, making it the first government-protected park in the United States. The park is known for its granite formations and waterfalls and attracts more than four million visitors annually.
Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America, is one of the park’s major features. Wawona Tunnel View offers views of Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Valley.
2. Death Valley lies below sea level
Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the Lower 48 states and reaches 279 feet below sea level. Covering 3.3 million acres, it is the hottest and driest location in the United States, with summer temperatures capable of exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
The park includes sand dunes, salt flats, rugged badlands, canyons and other desert landscapes.
3. Sequoia and Kings Canyon have around 200 caves
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks contain around 200 caves, including the state’s longest cavern. Crystal Cave is among them and features passages that can be explored on the Wild Cave Tour.
The parks are also known for giant sequoias, including the General Sherman Tree, described as the largest living thing in the world. Other attractions include Tunnel Log and Moro Rock, which requires a climb of 350 steps to reach its summit.
4. Lassen has all four major types of volcanoes
Lassen Volcanic National Park is the only place on Earth featuring all four types of volcanoes: shield, plug dome, cinder cone and composite.
Mount Lassen last erupted in 1915. It remained the site of the most recent volcanic activity in the continental United States until Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980.
Visitors can explore areas including Manzanita Lake and Sulphur Works, known for its bubbling and steaming features.
5. Joshua Tree has thousands of climbing routes
Joshua Tree National Park has around 8,000 rock climbing routes, making it a major destination for climbing enthusiasts.
The park also offers opportunities for hiking, exploration and stargazing. Its location at the meeting point of the high Mojave Desert and low Colorado Desert contributes to its distinctive plant life.
6. Santa Cruz Island is California’s largest island
Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park, is the largest island in California and is almost three times the size of Manhattan.
Located in Santa Barbara County, the Channel Islands are about 20 miles from Ventura. The islands can be reached by boat or plane from Ventura Harbor, where the park’s visitor centre is located, and Oxnard Harbor.
Activities across the five-island chain include kayaking, surfing, snorkelling, hiking and whale watching.
7. Redwood National and State Parks are home to the tallest known coastal redwood
At 379.7 feet, Hyperion in Redwood National and State Parks is the tallest known coastal redwood.
The parks also provide habitat for Roosevelt elk. The largest males can weigh around 1,100 pounds. Another notable location is Fern Canyon, which can be reached through a 9-mile round-trip hike along the James Irvine Trail. The fern-covered canyon was also used as a backdrop for Jurassic Park 2.
8. Pinnacles became a national park only in 2013
Pinnacles National Park is California’s youngest national park, having received national park designation in 2013. The volcanic formation itself dates back more than 20 million years.
Located in the Salinas Valley, the park features volcanic rocks, craggy spires and wildflowers. It has two entrances, with year-round camping available on the east side. Rock climbing and bird-watching are among the activities available in the park.
