18 day itinerary for California National Parks

Itinerary

California is home to some of the most stunning national parks in the United States, and an 18-day itinerary will give you plenty of time to explore the diverse landscapes, from towering mountains to serene deserts. Let’s dive into a fun and adventurous itinerary that will take you through some of the best national parks California has to offer!

## Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco

• Morning: Arrive in San Francisco. Rent a car for your road trip.
• Afternoon: Explore the city a bit. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Evening: Enjoy a nice dinner in the city. Try some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl!

## Day 2: San Francisco to Point Reyes National Seashore

• Morning: Drive to Point Reyes (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Hike the Tomales Point Trail for stunning coastal views and potential elk sightings.
• Evening: Camp or stay in a nearby lodge. Enjoy the sunset at the lighthouse.

## Day 3: Point Reyes to Yosemite National Park

• Morning: Drive to Yosemite (about 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Arrive and set up camp or check into your accommodation. Explore Yosemite Valley, see El Capitan and Half Dome.
• Evening: Enjoy a picnic dinner with a view of the valley.

## Day 4: Yosemite National Park

• All ## Day: Hike to Glacier Point for breathtaking views. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls.
• Evening: Relax at your campsite or lodge.

## Day 5: Yosemite National Park

• Morning: Explore Mariposa Grove to see the giant sequoias.
• Afternoon: Visit the Ansel Adams Gallery and learn about the park’s photography history.
• Evening: Stargazing in the park—Yosemite has some of the darkest skies!

## Day 6: Yosemite to Sequoia National Park

• Morning: Drive to Sequoia National Park (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth.
• Evening: Camp under the stars in Sequoia.

## Day 7: Sequoia National Park

• All ## Day: Hike the Congress Trail and explore the Giant Forest. Consider a visit to Moro Rock for panoramic views.
• Evening: Enjoy a campfire and share stories with fellow campers.

## Day 8: Sequoia to Kings Canyon National Park

• Morning: Short drive to Kings Canyon (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Explore the scenic drive and stop at Grant Grove. Hike the Zumwalt Meadow Trail.
• Evening: Camp in Kings Canyon.

## Day 9: Kings Canyon to Death Valley National Park

• Morning: Drive to Death Valley (about 5 hours).
• Afternoon: Arrive and explore Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
• Evening: Watch the sunset at Zabriskie Point.

## Day 10: Death Valley National Park

• All ## Day: Visit Dante’s View for stunning vistas, and explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Don’t forget to check out the colorful Artist’s Palette.
• Evening: Camp or stay in a lodge in the park.

## Day 11: Death Valley to Joshua Tree National Park

• Morning: Drive to Joshua Tree (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore the Cholla Cactus Garden and hike the Hidden Valley Trail.
• Evening: Enjoy the unique rock formations and stargaze.

## Day 12: Joshua Tree National Park

• All ## Day: Hike to Ryan Mountain for panoramic views. Visit Keys View for a sunset over the Coachella Valley.
• Evening: Camp or stay in a nearby hotel.

## Day 13: Joshua Tree to Channel Islands National Park

• Morning: Drive to Ventura (about 2 hours) and take a ferry to Channel Islands.
• Afternoon: Explore Santa Cruz Island. Hike and enjoy the unique wildlife.
• Evening: Camp on the island or return to Ventura for the night.

## Day 14: Channel Islands to Los Padres National Forest

• Morning: Return to Ventura and drive to Los Padres National Forest (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Explore the forest, hike to a waterfall, or enjoy a scenic drive.
• Evening: Camp in the forest.

## Day 15: Los Padres to Pinnacles National Park

• Morning: Drive to Pinnacles National Park (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Hike the Bear Gulch Trail and explore the caves.
• Evening: Camp in the park.

## Day 16: Pinnacles to Big Sur

• Morning: Drive to Big Sur (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Stop at McWay Falls and hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
• Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at a cliffside restaurant.

## Day 17: Big Sur to San Francisco

• Morning: Drive back to San Francisco (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore any missed attractions in the city, like Alcatraz or Golden Gate Park.
• Evening: Celebrate your adventure with a nice dinner in the city.

## Day 18: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• Afternoon: Return your rental car and head to the airport for departure.

Tips:

• Make sure to check for any park alerts or road closures before you go.
• Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree.
• Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a good camera to capture all the stunning views!

This itinerary is packed with adventure, stunning landscapes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. Enjoy your trip through California’s national parks! 🌲🏞️