National Parks by State

Best National Parks in California

California has 9 national parks, the most of any state. They span an astonishing range: granite cliffs in Yosemite, the world's largest trees in Sequoia & Kings Canyon, the hottest place on Earth in Death Valley, and island wilderness in Channel Islands.

California is the only state where Yosemite is the top-searched national park in 2026 (Google Trends).

Granite dome with trace amounts of snow.#1

Yosemite National Park

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but…

Fee:
$35 per vehicle (7 days)
Camping:
See official site
Best time:
May to October (Tioga Road typically closed Nov–May)
Dogs:
Pets are allowed in Yosemite in developed areas, on fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bike paths, and in most campgrounds, but not on trails (including Vernal Fall trail), in wilderness, meadows, lodging, or shuttle buses. Leash max 6 feet.
Fees, camping & pet rules →
A deep canyon with a forested floor and steep granite cliffs#2

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, and beauty here. Explore these pages to plan your visit or to learn about the plants and animals here and the threats th…

Fee:
$35 per vehicle (7 days)
Camping:
See official site
Dogs:
Rules vary. Check the official pet policy.
Fees, camping & pet rules →
The sky turns hues of pink and purple over a field of Joshua trees.#3

Joshua Tree National Park

Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a ric…

Fee:
$30 per vehicle (7 days)
Camping:
See official site
Dogs:
Rules vary. Check the official pet policy.
Fees, camping & pet rules →
badlands bathed in pale pink and orange light from the setting sun#4

Death Valley National Park

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases h…

Fee:
$30 per vehicle (7 days)
Camping:
See official site
Dogs:
Rules vary. Check the official pet policy.
Fees, camping & pet rules →
View from forest floor looking straight up. Ferns as seen close up and redwood trunks meet.#5

Redwood National and State Parks

Renowned for the world’s tallest trees, Redwood’s landscapes span from open prairies and oak woodlands to pristine rivers and untamed coastline. This ancient home has supported people for thousands of years. The National Park Service and California State Pa…

Fee:
Free entry
Camping:
See official site
Dogs:
Rules vary. Check the official pet policy.
Fees, camping & pet rules →
A frozen lake below snow-covered trees and peak#6

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to steaming fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes. Jagged peaks tell the story of its eruptive past while hot water continues to shape the land.

Fee:
$30 per vehicle (7 days)
Camping:
See official site
Dogs:
Rules vary. Check the official pet policy.
Fees, camping & pet rules →
Boulders in the Balconies Cave.#7

Pinnacles National Park

Around 23 million years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions shaped the landscape that is now Pinnacles National Park. The remnants of these ancient eruptions have formed a striking terrain of rocky spires and deep canyons. Visitors can explore diverse envir…

Fee:
$30 per vehicle (7 days)
Camping:
See official site
Dogs:
Rules vary. Check the official pet policy.
Fees, camping & pet rules →
Steep, rugged ocean cliffs extending in an island chain.#8

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological reso…

Fee:
Free entry
Camping:
See official site
Dogs:
Rules vary. Check the official pet policy.
Fees, camping & pet rules →

California national parks at a glance

ParkEntrance feeDogs on trails?States
Yosemite$35Developed areas onlyCA
Sequoia & Kings Canyon$35See park pageCA
Joshua Tree$30See park pageCA
Death Valley$30See park pageCA, NV
RedwoodFreeSee park pageCA
Lassen Volcanic$30See park pageCA
Pinnacles$30See park pageCA
Channel IslandsFreeSee park pageCA

FAQ: national parks in California

›How many national parks are in California?

California contains 8 of the 63 official U.S. national parks: Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Redwood, Lassen Volcanic, Pinnacles, Channel Islands.

›What is the most popular national park in California?

Yosemite National Park. California is the only state where Yosemite is the top-searched national park in 2026 (Google Trends).

›When is the best time to visit California's national parks?

Year-round, park by park: Yosemite and Sequoia shine May to October; Death Valley and Joshua Tree are best November to March.

›Are dogs allowed in California's national parks?

Yes, with restrictions. In most parks pets are limited to developed areas, roads and campgrounds on a 6-foot leash, and are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry. See each park page for the exact rules from the official pet policy.

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