Which national parks are near Los Angeles? Here are my top 5, based on their proximity and their awe factor. Not only are a few of these parks some of the most epic in the US, but they are worldwide hits as well. And for good reason.
If you’re living in Los Angeles, or just passing through, and thinking about visiting a national park in the vicinity, I’ll provide some beginner’s information below each of my top picks, to help you decide where to go. Let’s get started.
Related: Visit my Los Angeles Camping and Hiking page for LA related hiking articles.
Yosemite National Park
Distance from Los Angeles: 311 miles via CA-99 N; or about 5 to 6 hours, depending on how bad traffic is locally. Use the Waze app to get a more detailed time frame for your journey.
First on the list of national parks near Los Angeles is the most epic, but not the closest park. If you’ve never been to a national park, this is the one to visit.
Personally I always stay in Yosemite West since it’s halfway between Yosemite Valley and Wawona, which also has nice hiking. Yosemite West is also very near the turn off to Glacier Point Road, which has hiking without the crowds.
Things to do at Yosemite
Hiking Trails in Yosemite National Park
Popular hikes include the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Fallls, which goes on to Half Dome (which you need a permit for), the tough Yosemite Falls Trail with its terrifying Upper Falls Overlook, and the easy Mirror Lake Trail which has little elevation gain/loss
Rock Climbing at Yosemite
Famous climbing areas include the Valley itself (El Capitan, for instance), Tuolumne Meadows, and Merced River Canyon.
Camping and Backpacking in the Yosemite Wilderness
You don’t have to go far to backpack and camp in Yosemite’s wilderness. Little Yosemite Valley’s Campground (you need a permit) is just a couple thousand feet over 4 miles from Happy Isles in the Valley. Otherwise there’s dozens of campgrounds that are both popular, and off the beaten path.
Exploring Yosemite’s Waterfalls
You need not struggle all the way to the top of Yosemite Falls Trail to get great views of this iconic waterfall. Just going half way up the trail affords awesome views. Heck some of Yosemite falls, like Bridalveil Fall are just a lazy 1/2 mile walk to get to.
Wildlife Viewing and Bird Watching in Yosemite
Hiking the wilderness with a pair of binoculars and a guidebook offers the best way to see birds and wildlife, but you can also join a Yosemite Conservancy bird watching outing for a guided tour.
Stargazing in Yosemite National Park
Often in the summer time there will be unofficial stargazing parties at Glacier Point on Saturdays, where dedicated stargazers will bring their fancy telescopes and invite visitors to check out the stars with them.
Rafting on the Merced River
Renting a raft and putting it in the water at Stoneman Bridge, near Curry Village, and taking it out at Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, is a popular rafting activity.
Kayaking the still water of Tenaya Lake is also fun.
Photography in Yosemite
Definitely bring your camera with plenty of memory and batteries. Keep in mind though, that using videos taken in National Parks for monetizing social media requires a commercial permit.
Winter Activities in Yosemite, including Skiing and Snowshoeing
You can hit the slopes at the Badger Pass Ski Area, which offers downhill skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels. Snowshoeing is available at the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, and the snow-covered meadows of Badger Pass. Further, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, and the Crane Flat area are also popular snowshoeing destinations, with easy access to scenic trails.
Cultural and Historical Tours of Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Village
You can explore the history of the park, through various exhibits, at the Yosemite Museum, including displays of Native American art and artifacts. The Ansel Adams Gallery also showcases the work of the renowned photographer, who captured the natural beauty of the park. Also, other tours include the Valley Floor Tour, which offers a glimpse into the valley’s past and present, and the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, which features unique architecture, and an impressive collection of American Indian art.
My personal highlights from Yosemite
On the times I’ve gone to Yosemite, my personal favorite things were actually hiking a trail beside Chilnualna Creek in Wawona, and hiking trails off the Glacier Point Road with my dad. These trails are basically empty, even in the busy season. And they make you feel like your actually in the wilderness, even though your car is only a few miles away.
Joshua Tree National Park
Distance from Los Angeles: 131 miles to the JT West Entrance, via I-10 E, or around 2 & 1/2 hours, again depending on how bad the traffic is those first 20 or 30 miles, getting out of town. Seems like I always get killed on the Foothill Freeway on my way west to Joshua Tree or Lake Arrowhead.
Number two on my national parks near Los Angeles list is Joshua Tree. After you visit Yosemite, your next national park should be Joshua Tree to get that diametric contrast of landscapes and wildlife.
Things to do in Joshua Tree
Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park
Three of the most popular hiking trails in the park include the Ryan Mountain Trail, which offers stunning views of the park from the summit of Ryan Mountain; the Lost Palms Oasis Trail, which takes hikers through a beautiful palm oasis and offers a chance to spot wildlife; and the Barker Dam Trail, which showcases the park’s unique rock formations and historic dam.
Rock Climbing and Bouldering in Joshua Tree
Rock climbing in Joshua Tree is so popular, you have outdoor outfitter stores like Nomad Ventures stocked full of climbing gear, and local rock climbing tour businesses, like Cliffhanger Guides, in the area.
When I’ve camped and hiked in Joshua Tree, I’ve hiked up on some fairly level rocks, and in Indian Cove, I’ve watched others just scramble up the large, rounded rock outcrops, with no gear in aiding their climbs.
Related: Check out my review of Indian Cove Campground by clicking this link.
Camping and Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park
I wouldn’t camp at Indian Cove Campground if your interested in Joshua Tree stargazing. When I’ve camped there, the nearby lights from Twentynine Palms were a source of pollution.
But the campgrounds tucked inside the park offer some nice darkness to see loads of stars. JT is pretty famous for its stargazing, and its often the first spot Angelenos see the Milky Way for the first time. The super dark Ocotillo Patch and Arch Rock (for White Tank Campground campers) are popular spots.
Exploring Joshua Tree’s Oases and Secret Places
Lost Palms, Cottonwood Spring, Munsen Canyon, Victory Palms, Fortynine Palms and the Oasis of Mara are famous palm tree oases in Joshua Tree that you can hike to.
If you’re feeling adventurous, bring a headlamp and check out the Chasm of Doom, where you can scramble through a series of close knit rocks that form sort of a cave like structure.
Mountain Biking and Off-Road Vehicle Adventures in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree offers dozens of mountain biking trails, from easy trails like Desert Queen Mine Road, to more challenging ones, like the Geology Tour Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s geology and diverse landscapes.
Three of the most popular areas for off-roading in the park include, again, the Geology Tour Road; the Berdoo Canyon Road, which takes visitors through a narrow canyon and offers a chance to spot wildlife; and the Old Dale Road, which provides access to historic mines and abandoned homesteads, crumbling in the desert.
Examining the Botanical Gardens and Desert Plant Life in Joshua Tree National Park
The Cholla Cactus Garden or Ocotilla Patch may be of interest to those wishing to explore the unique plant species in the area.
Close by in Palm Springs, the Moorten Botanical Garden and Nursery hosts a wide variety of cacti and desert flora.
Art and Music Festivals Around Joshua Tree
One of the most popular events is the Joshua Tree Music Festival, which often features a diverse lineup of performers, art installations and live auctions, markets, and yoga workshops.
The Joshua Tree Film Festival is another notable event that celebrates independent filmmakers from around the world, with screenings, workshops, and networking opportunities.
My personal highlights
Yeah I’ve done some hikes, and drove around the park and climbed up on some rock formations.
But honestly the highlight of Joshua Tree for me was watching the moon ascend from a giant rock formation sitting about a mile from the campground, then going to bed early and sleeping soundly for like 10 hours straight in my tent. Something about the land there is just so peaceful.
The coyotes calling out at night did briefly wake me up partially a few times, but not enough that I wasn’t right back asleep a minute or so later.
Also, just walking around in the desert and taking pictures was awesome. The color pallet in the Fall time was like being in a virtual post card.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Distance from Los Angeles: 227 miles to Wuksachi Lodge, near the General Sherman redwood tree, or about 5 hours, again based on local LA traffic.
Your third national park near Los Angeles should be Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park. This one is a few thousand feet higher in elevation than Yosemite, so give yourself a few days to adjust if you plan on any exertional hiking or climbing. Otherwise, just check out the massive redwood and sequoia trees in the area!
Things to do at Sequoia/Kings Canyon
Exploring Giant Sequoia Trees and Grove Hikes
One of my most memorable hikes at Sequoia was just walking around the Congress Trail and General Sherman Trail taking pictures of the massive trees. These are easy walks anyone can do, though they are up at 6,000+ feet, so take your time on these if needed.
Hiking and Trail Exploration in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Bring your hiking gear, and be sure to check out a few Sequoia hiking trails, which include Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail (see pic below), Congress Trail (see pic above), Tokopah Falls Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, Alta Peak Trail, and the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow.
Scenic Drives and Sightseeing in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
When I was in Sequoia, I spent one day driving from the Wuksachi Lodge, where I was staying, up to CA-180 and through Kings Canyon, just to see the sites along the road. And there’s plenty to see, literally just along the road. My dad and I pulled over, from time to time, to take pictures of streams, a random waterfall, jagged mountain peaks, and we stopped at Boyden Cavern and looked around the shop there.
Backcountry Camping and Backpacking in the Wilderness
Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Parks offers you some of the best backpacking and backcountry camping experiences in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Three of the most popular trails for backpacking and backcountry camping include the High Sierra Trail, which is a challenging 49-mile trail that takes hikers from Crescent Meadow to the summit of Mount Whitney (13 extra miles on the John Muir trail); the Rae Lakes Loop, which is a 41-mile loop trail that offers stunning views of mountain lakes and alpine meadows; and the Mineral King Loop, which is a 45-mile trail that takes hikers through a remote and rugged section of the park. Each of these trails offers you a unique backcountry experience, with opportunities for you to see wildlife, explore remote areas of the park, and witness some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in California and the United States.
You should be aware that certain sections of these trails require wilderness permits, and as always, you should follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the park’s fragile ecosystems, and ensure a safe and enjoyable backpacking experience.
Rock Climbing in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Sequoia and Kings Canyon offer Yosemite quality granite from which to climb, but without the crowds. Famous climbing areas include the easily accessed Moro Rock, with multi-pitch opportunities, the Obelisk and Grand Sentinel, and the Charlito Dome and Charlotte Dome in King’s Canyon. Most areas do require half a day’s hike to get to.
You should also keep in mind, that some areas are closed for peregrine falcon nesting from April to August.
Fishing in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
In Sequoia and Kings Canyon, there are opportunities to fish for Rainbow trout, Sacramento sucker, Kern rainbow, Riffle sculpin, and California roach fish. Some areas are catch and release only, and require barbless flies and lures, of the artificial variety.
You’ll need a fishing license and to comply with the daily bag limits. Other than that, most areas of the parks can be fished.
My personal highlight
One really notable feature of Sequoia was the Moro Rock Trail, which is a giant granite dome that has stairs carved into it.
It certainly activates your fear of heights in places, during the climb. Especially, when people heading the opposite direction are passing you in narrow places where there is an expansive fall below. But once you get to the top it’s not so bad, and you can see all the surrounding mountain peaks from that vantage.
I also liked the Crescent Meadow Trail, which was a credibly easy walk, with thick fern coverings around the feet of the fir and pine trees.
Death Valley National Park
Distance from Los Angeles: 242 miles to Stovepipe Wells, via CA-14 N, or around 4 hours+, based on how bad traffic is in Los Angeles.
Number four on the most epic national parks near Los Angeles is Death Valley. You’ll feel like your in another world or planet, compared to LA, with its sparseness and expansive basins and mountains.
Things to do at Death Valley
Explore Badwater Basin and Devil’s Golf Course Salt Flats
Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America, with a vast expanse of white salt flats that create a stunning visual contrast against the surrounding mountain range.
Devil’s Golf Course, on the other hand, is a vast expanse of jagged salt crystals that have been eroded by wind and rain into surreal, otherworldly formations.
Even though Death Valley is one of the national parks near Los Angeles, after visiting these wasteland basins, you’ll feel as though you’re half way around the world!
Drive the Artist’s Drive to see the Artist’s Pallet
The scenic drive offers stunning views of the park’s canyons and mountains, as well as the opportunity to witness the colorful mineral formations of the Artist’s Palette. The unique blend of colors, ranging from pink and green to purple and blue, make for a surreal and striking landscape that is a favorite of photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Check out the Pupfish on the Salt Creek Interpretive Trail
The Salt Creek Interpretive Trail is a popular destination in Death Valley National Park, where visitors can observe the unique and endangered pupfish species that thrive in the creek’s saline waters. The pupfish have adapted to the harsh conditions of the creek, and are a testament to the resilience of life in extreme environments. Walking the trail offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the unique ecology of the area, witness the pupfish up close, and explore the park’s diverse natural offerings.
Hiking the Natural Bridge Trail and Golden Canyon
Hiking the Natural Bridge Trail and Golden Canyon are two of the most popular hiking trails in Death Valley National Park.
The Natural Bridge Trail is a short, easy hike that leads to a natural rock arch, with stunning views of the surrounding canyon and desert landscapes.
The Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral, on the other hand, is a longer (2.9 miles out and back) and moderately challenging hike, that winds through the park’s iconic Badlands, offering spectacular views of the colorful and dramatic geological formations.
Both of these hikes offer visitors an opportunity to witness the park’s unique geology and natural beauty, and are a must-do for any Death Valley itinerary.
Harmony Borax Works Ruins and other Industrial Ruins
Visiting the Harmony Borax Works Ruins in Death Valley is a popular activity for those interested in the park’s rich mining history. The ruins offer a glimpse into the park’s early days as a hub for borax mining, with interpretive exhibits and artifacts that showcase the harsh conditions and challenges of the industry. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the area, as well as enjoy stunning views of the surrounding desert landscapes.
Scotty’s Castle
It’s currently closed due to flooding and fire, but Scotty’s Castle is a popular tourist destination in Death Valley National Park, named after a legendary gold prospector and con artist, who claimed to have built the ranch home with his mining riches.
The home features unique Spanish-style architecture and is filled with antiques and furnishings that offer a glimpse into life in the early 20th century. Normally you can take a guided tour of the castle, and explore the surrounding gardens and natural attractions, making it a great stop for those interested in history and architecture.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at Death Valley
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are one of the most iconic destinations in Death Valley National Park, featuring vast expanses of wind-swept sand dunes that create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. You can explore the dunes on foot, experiencing the unique desert ecology, and watching the ever-shifting sand formations in the changing light. The dunes are a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, offering a chance to witness the raw beauty and power of nature in a stark and unforgiving environment.
My personal highlights
Scotty’s Castle was interesting to me, in that it is this off grid home out in the middle of nowhere. It has a water source from Grapevine Canyon, and the motive power of such was also was used to generate electricity and feed large batteries for the home’s electrical needs.
I also liked walking along the ridge line of Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes with my dad, and taking random pictures (see below).
Channel Islands National Park
Distance from Los Angeles: only 66 miles to the Island Packers Cruises ferry, or around 1 & 1/2 hours driving, dependent of course, on the traffic congestion getting out of LA.
Channel Islands National Park is the closest national park to Los Angeles. Access to the island is by the Island Packers Cruises ferry, or by private boat. To camp here overnight, you’ll need a good 50L+ backpack and all the lightweight backpacking equipment it can carry!
Related: Click this link to check out my article on my Gregory Paragon 58L pack, which also gives a rundown of my backpacking equipment you’ll need to backpack into places like this.
Things to do on the Channel Islands
Kayaking into the Sea Caves of the Channel Islands
Kayaking around, and sometimes into the sea caves of the Channel Islands is an unforgettable adventure that offers kayakers an opportunity to explore some of the most unique and breathtaking natural features of the park.
The sea caves are carved into the island’s rocky cliffs and can only be accessed by kayak or other small watercraft. The experience of paddling through the caves, with the sound of the waves gently crashing against the rocks, and the echoing acoustics of the cave interiors, is truly one of a kind and not to be missed.
You may see colorful Oyster Catcher birds, seals, and sea lions, as you paddle through the coastal waters!
Scuba Diving and exploring the Kelp Forests of Santa Cruz Island
The diversity and uniqueness of the Channel Islands underwater marine life (and terrestrial plants and animals too) have given it the nickname, “the Galápagos of North America.”
Gull Island, off of Santa Cruz Island offers a variety of marine life to check out while diving, including California sheephead, lobsters and purple urchin, and well as bat stars, giant spined stars, and bright blood stars.
The Kelp Forests are home to up to 1000 different marine life species.
The Channel Islands offer some of the best diving conditions in California and the world, with clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a must-visit destination for any diving enthusiast.
Visiting Scorpion Ranch House Visitor Center
The Scorpion Ranch House visitor center offers a range of resources and exhibits that provide a wealth of information about the island’s natural and cultural history, as well as details about the various activities and attractions available to visitors.
The remnants of century old ranching infrastructure can be found here, like an old blacksmith building that still has its rusty tools on site.
Additionally, the Scorpion Ranch House Visitor Center serves as a starting point for many of the park’s hiking trails, and there is an information center dedicated to hiking the island on its grounds.
Hiking on Santa Cruz Island
Three of the most popular hikes for you to check out, include the Scorpion Canyon Loop, which takes your through a lush canyon, past an abandoned oil well, and provides stunning ocean views. Further the long (7+ miles) and moderately difficult Smugglers Cove Trail is a unique hike, featuring scenic fields, and a secluded beach. Another great option is the Potato Harbor Road/Bluff Trail, which offers some of the most spectacular views of the island’s rugged coastline and the surrounding sea.
These hikes range in length and difficulty, making them accessible to a range of skill levels, and are all excellent options for anyone looking to explore the natural wonders of Santa Cruz Island.
Backpacking Camping at Scorpion Canyon Campground at Santa Cruz Island
Once off the ferry, you can backpack half a mile into the Scorpion Canyon Campground.
Primitive camping is available with 25 individual sites, for up to six persons per site. There are also six group sites accommodating up to 15 persons per site.
Picnic tables, food storage boxes, pit toilets, and water spigots are the amenities on site. That means you don’t have to carry much water with you in your pack, nor a poop kit, or water filter.
Further Reading
Thanks for checking out my article on by top 5 national parks near Los Angeles. Check out my main page for more camping and hiking topics! See ya out there…