Five national parks on the West Coast

If you are planning a trip around the American West, we have a selection of the best national parks for you. Experience a great combination of majestic mountains, historic sites, natural landscapes, adventure trails, and unique beauty.

Yosemite National Park

Of all California’s national parks, Yosemite is the most popular for several reasons:
  • JIt’s vast – spanning four counties over 748,000 acres of land, water, mountains, cliffs and vistas.
  • Yosemite’s Sentinel Dome Hotel is located right in the middle of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan Island, and Yosemite Valley.
  • It is ideal for nature lovers. Mariposa Grove offers great views of the giant sequoias. Mirror Lake will amaze you with a dreamy view of granite cliffs, a beautiful meadow, and fresh greenery.
  • Whether you’re looking for a place to think, camp out in nature with your friends, or hike, Yosemite National Park is the place to be.

Redwood National Park

The birthplace of the sequoias – the tallest trees on earth can be found in this area. About 35% of the remaining Redwood trees on the planet are found here. Be sure to visit the Prairie Creek Center and the tree, which is 20 meters tall and estimated to be over 1,500 years old. Redwood National Park is ideal because::
  • other notable sequoia trees in the park include the Star Wars tree
  • you have a great view of the Klamath River, which is just north of the Thomas H. Kuchel Center, and offers a unique combination of river and sea. If you are here in the months of November-December or March-April, bring your binoculars and watch the whales
  • Trillium Falls Trail – This trail showcases the best parts of Redwood National Park – lush forests, meadows, elk, and a 10-foot waterfall along the path.

Death Valley National Park

Picturesque rolling hills of Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes surrounded by rich textured mountains. If you want to try sandboarding, this place will provide you with an unforgettable experience. The park is known as the hottest and driest place in North America. The National Park was named Death Valley because many travelers in the 1800s tried to pass through the park and did not survive. In addition to having the scariest-sounding name of any national park on the West Coast, Death Valley also contains:
  • Badwater Basin – Is the lowest point in the USA at 85 meters below sea level. This salt flat is one of the largest in the world
  • Zabriskie Point – Ideal for hikers, photographers or simply anyone who appreciates untouched nature
  • Darwin Falls – Would you believe that there is a hidden paradise with trees, year-round waterfalls and spring water? However, you cannot swim there because the nearby community uses these waters as their main drinking source

Grand Canyon National Park

Whether you’re aiming for the South Rim or the North Rim when visiting the Grand Canyon, plan your trip to see the sunset or sunrise. If you’re spending the night in cabins around the Grand Canyon, make time for this majestic moment. This world heritage site has an area of 1,218,375 acres, which is impossible to cover in just one visit.

Crater Lake National Park

A Crater Lake selfie is a must. This lake, which is only a remnant of Mount Mazama’s eruption 7,700 years ago, is the deepest lake in the U.S. (reaching up to 594 meters). If you’re looking for an adventure, we suggest choosing from these three options in Crater Lake Park:
  • Volcano Tour – You can hike down to the harbor and cross the lake that leads to the giant crater formed by the collapse of a 3,600-meter-high volcano.
  • Discovery Point Trail – Take the Discovery Point Trail for the best view of Wizard Island and Crater Lake.
  • Ski the Rim Drives – Those visiting Crater Lake National Park in the winter should check out the Rim Drives ski areas and experience snowmobiling on the park’s North Entrance Road.

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