TRAILBLAZING
Two and a half years ago, my brother hatched a scheme to visit every one of the U.S. National Parks. We’re not talking about drive-through visits—this plan involves camping in the parks whenever feasible and truly experiencing what each one has to offer. We started in California.
Farthest south is Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Renowned for rock climbing, this stark and beautiful landscape also offers unparalleled stargazing, and the hiking—framed by surreal rock formations and iconic Joshua trees—feels serene and magical.
ARTIST’S PALETTE—DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK Credit: PHOTO BY ANNA STARKEY
Heading to the coast near Ventura, we visited Channel Islands National Park. Accessible only by ferry from Ventura Harbor, this park requires thoughtful planning. We chose Santa Cruz Island, one of the five that make up the island chain. With no transportation on the island, it’s a dream destination for hikers and kayakers. That remoteness is the park’s greatest asset.
Back on the eastern side of the state lies Death Valley National Park, a truly otherworldly place. Badwater Basin, the lowest elevation in North America, stretches into vast salt flats and sand dunes that seem to go on forever. Because of extreme temperatures, timing your visit is essential.
BURNT TREE—SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK Credit: PHOTO BY ANNA STARKEY
Closest to California’s Central Coast is Pinnacles National Park. My favorite feature here is the cave system, which you can wind your way through—headlamp required, as it gets pitch-dark inside.
Three of California’s national parks lie within the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The southernmost is Sequoia National Park, home to some of the largest trees on Earth. With a convenient shuttle system, ranger talks, and well-maintained trails, it’s easy to explore.
HALF DOME—YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Credit: PHOTO BY ANNA STARKEY
Connected yet distinct is Kings Canyon National Park, often known for bear sightings. While we didn’t see any on our visit, the drive to Road’s End more than made up for it. This park feels like the wild cousin to Sequoia—and to our next stop, Yosemite, where the iconic views of El Capitan and Half Dome are breathtaking, and the developed areas of the park strike a balance between rustic charm and comfort. Because it’s consistently busy, I recommend exploring lesser-known trails during peak times. And if Half Dome is on your list, don’t forget—you’ll need to apply for a permit.
Farther north is Lassen Volcanic National Park, an incredible place to drive into. Volcanic pools, sulfur springs, and all four types of volcanoes make this park a geological feast. We stayed in cabins at Manzanita Lake, spending our days kayaking and hiking the snow-lined trails of Mount Lassen.
SUNSET ON MANZANITA LAKE—LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK Credit: PHOTO BY ANNA STARKEY
Last on our California journey is Redwood National Park, where towering trees create a hushed, almost cathedral-like atmosphere. The combination of rainforest, rivers, and Pacific coastline comes together to make this park unlike any other.
With California nearly complete, we now turn our sights north to the parks of the Pacific Northwest before continuing east. With 63 designated National Parks in the U.S., it seems my brother and I will remain travel buddies for a long time to come.
This article appears in Get Outside – Winter/Spring 2026.