What to see and do. The Mainland Visitor Center, located at Ventura Harbor, offers a wide range of activities and interpretive programs. Museum exhibits include three-dimensional models of all five islands, as well as an interactive touch-screen monitor and a living marine life exhibit. Climb the tower for a telescopic view of the islands and venture outdoors to experience the native plant garden. A 25-minute film, A Treasure of the Sea, plays throughout the day, and there is a regular schedule of ranger-led interpretive programs, from weekend "Tidepool Talks" to the live, on-camera, undersea ranger program from the Landing Cove on Anacapa Island. The visitor center is open year-round, from 8 AM to 5 PM during the summer and from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM in winter. Hours are slightly extended on weekends year-round, and the visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The islands themselves can only be reached by sea or air. Island Packers, 805-642-1393, offers sightseeing cruises to each island. Channel Islands Aviation, 805-987-1301, flies to Santa Rosa Island. Both offer single- and multiple-day excursion packages. The islands are accessible by private craft; call the park's permit number, 805-658-5711, for details.

Visitors to the islands can hike, picnic, camp, fish, swim, scuba dive, kayak, and snorkel. Some of the beaches are open to kayak campers. Bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts will be amazed at the number of species they can spot on the islands. Some are found nowhere else on earth. The terrain is both rugged and beautiful. Each island will afford you a slightly different experience, and each has its own resident ranger who can help you get the most out of your visit.

Anacapa is the only island to retain a native name. Its spectacular cliff-lined coast sports a 40-foot-high natural bridge, Arch Rock, which has become a symbol of the park. West Anacapa hosts the world's largest breeding colony of the endangered California brown pelican. As they explore the surrounding kelp forest and sea caves of Anacapa, divers should check out the submerged shipwreck of the Winfield Scott, which went down in 1853, prompting the establishment of a lighthouse on the island. A visitor center has the original fresnel lens on display; the current lighthouse is completely automated.

Santa Barbara is the smallest of the Channel Islands, and its 6.5 miles of trails prove a challenge to hikers. Its steep mesa boasts six canyons and a badlands area, and provides shelter for a number of sea birds. The Landing Cove is home to an abundance of colorful sea life, including California sea lions and harbor seals.

Lying the farthest west, San Miguel Island is known the world over for its caliche forest and pinniped breeding grounds. Four different pinniped species (sea lions and seals) frequent the island, and as many as 25,000 of them come here to Point Bennett each winter to mate and pup. The bizarre Caliche Forest, where gnarled sand casts are all that remain of ancient tree stumps and roots, is a favorite spot for photographers.

Santa Rosa Island has yielded a treasure trove of more than 500 archaeological sites, some dating back 10,000 years, while paleontologists have unearthed skeletons of the Pleistocene-era pygmy mammoths. A working cattle ranch, leased to the island's former owner until 2011, still employs horse-riding cowboys to manage the herd.

The largest island, Santa Cruz, is owned partly by the Nature Conservancy, partly by the National Park Service, and partly by a private individual, so regulations and access differ according to jurisdiction. Its diverse landscape of mountains, canyons, and central valley provides habitat for a wide range of plant and animal life. The deepest, largest sea cave yet discovered, Painted Cave, is located on Santa Cruz.

Primitive camping is allowed on Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands as long as you obtain a free permit from the park. You must bring in all your own gear and supplies, including a camp stove, fuel, and water, and you must take all gear and trash with you when you leave. Call the park permit number, 805-658-5711, to reserve a permit and to obtain additional information.


Death Valley National Park
Address: P.O. Box 579
Death Valley, CA 92328
Phone: 760-786-2331 or 800-365-2267
Fax: 760-786-3283

Overview. Death Valley, with its all-time-high of 134 degrees Fahrenheit and an average July temperature of 116 degrees Fahrenheit, is the hottest place in North America. Its salt desert also boasts the lowest elevation in the Western Hemisphere: 282 feet below sea level. But the Panamint and Amargosa ranges that rise on either side of the valley sport peaks that are over 11,000 feet in elevation. Death Valley is a land of contrasts. Even though its average annual rainfall is under two inches, the desert blooms sometimes with a carpet of wildflowers. Some, like the Panamint Daisy and the Panamint Monkey Flower, are only found within the park's boundaries. Coyotes have been known to lounge on the outskirts of the lush oasis golf course at Furnace Creek, while the Devil's Golf Course, a stretch of craggy, sharp salt crystals blanketing the valley floor, is as inhospitable to duffers as level land can get. Lush resorts, seasonal brackish lakes, lofty peaks, shifting sand dunes, colorful canyons, and the ruins of mining operations are all part of the Death Valley experience.

What to see and do. Resorts at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells provide good staging areas for desert exploration. Both have lodges, campgrounds, restaurants, gas stations, swimming pools, and air strips. A resort at Panamint Springs has a motel, restaurant, RV camp, and gas station.The Furnace Creek Visitor Center offers park information and posts scheduled events. Also at Furnace Creek, the Death Valley Museum's interpretive exhibits acquaint visitors with the natural and human history of the park, while the Borax Museum presents the mining history of Death Valley, including the famous 20-mule teams that brought borax out of Death Valley and hauled it over the Panamint Mountains 165 miles to the railroad depot at Mojave. A short trail leads from Furnace Creek Campground to the Harmony Borax Works, a stabilized mining operation. Other amenities at Furnace Creek include a golf course and riding stables where you can arrange horseback riding trips or carriage rides.

At Badwater, a brackish pond along the main park road, you can stand 282 feet below sea level and marvel at 11,049-foot Telescope Peak towering above you. If you're hardy, you can climb to its summit from the western part of the park.

Be sure to stop by Scotty's Castle near the park's northern entrance. Here, would-be prospector Death Valley Scotty got his pal, Chicago millionaire Albert M. Johnson, to build a palatial desert vacation home. Scotty was a frequent house guest of Johnson and his wife Bessie, and, after Johnson's death, lived there full time until his own demise in 1954. Today you can tour the castle and eat at the snack bar there.

Death Valley offers many more attractions for adventurous visitors, from the mysterious sliding rocks of Racetrack Playa to the gorgeous, multihued canyons along Artists Drive and up Furnace Creek Wash to Zabriskie Point. Aside from the main road, there are many jeep trails with some tracks accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Bicyclists are welcome to use these sparsely traveled backroads as well. There are nine campgrounds in Death Valley, with more than 1,500 sites available, and they range from luxurious RV parks to primitive sites with only pit toilets. Permits are not required for backcountry hiking, but rangers recommend that you register your route with them before you set out. There are few established trails, with cross-country desert hiking the norm. Birdwatchers will want to explore the Salt Creek marsh, where you can often see killdeer, ravens, and great blue herons; more than 300 bird species have been observed in Death Valley.

Please note that Death Valley National Park is larger that the state of Connecticut. Points of interest are widespread, temperatures, especially in summer, are intense, and fresh water is practically nonexistent. Before you set out, be sure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of water for both your passengers and your car. Gas and water are available at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Scotty's Castle, and Panamint Springs.


Devils Postpile National Monument
Address: Devils Postpile National Monument c/o Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Three Rivers, CA 93546
Phone: 760-934-2289 or 760-872-4881
Fax: 760-872-2894

Overview. Approximately 100,000 years ago, a volcanic eruption occurred near what is now Mammoth Lakes, CA, filling the valley of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River with a layer of basalt lava 400 feet thick. As the lava cooled it began to crack vertically, eventually forming hexagonal columns. During the last ice age, 10,000 years ago, glaciation carved away most of the basalt, exposing a wall of columns 60 feet high and polishing the top of the formation, approximating the look of hexagonal tiling. Although basalt columns occur elsewhere in the world, the Devils Postpile is considered one of the finest examples of this geological phenomenon.
Near the postpile, the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin plunges 101 feet over a lava cliff of rhyodacite and andesite, forming Rainbow Falls. The surging white water presents a striking contrast to the black backdrop of the cliff, and the midday sun adds to the effect, creating rainbows in the falls' mist.
What to see and do. Buses shuttle day-use visitors from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the Reds Meadows area from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. From there, hike along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin to see the Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls, which lie about two miles from one another. There is a $5 access fee for campers and day-users of these areas. Short trails lead to the top of the postpile, where you can see the polished, tile-like tops of the basalt columns, and to the foot of Rainbow Falls, where a garden of ferns and wildflowers blooms in the mist. Once you've explored the postpile, cross over the river to see Soda Springs. The carbonated mineral water is evidence of volcanic activity deep below the monument.
Both the John Muir Trail, which connects Yosemite and Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks, and the King Creek Trail pass through the monument, if you are interested in a more lengthy hike. If you have a valid California fishing license, you may try for trout along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River.
There is a campground near the ranger station, operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers may drive into the monument and do not need to rely on the shuttle bus. Food, gas, and lodging are available in Mammoth Lakes and Reds Meadow. Dates of operation are provisional; the opening and closing of the season are dependent on weather conditions.


Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site
PO Box 280
Danville, CA 94526
Phone: 925-838-0249
Fax: 925-838-9471

Overview. Nobel-prize-winning playwright Eugene O'Neill lived at secluded Tao House with his wife, Carlotta, from 1937 to 1944. Here, in a study overlooking the San Ramon Valley, he wrote three of his finest plays: A Moon for the Misbegotten, Long Day's Journey into Night, and The Iceman Cometh. Tao House rests at an elevation of 700 feet along the Las Trampas Ridge near Danville, CA, and reservations are required to tour the 14-acre estate. In addition to O'Neill's study with its stunning view, the tour includes the courtyard, landscaped grounds, and several rooms of the house. One of the rooms which gives insight to O'Neill's personal interests is "Rosie's Room," built specifically for the O'Neills' player piano--which was decorated with painted roses.

What to see and do. First, you must make a reservation to tour the property by calling the park. You will be given directions to the parking lot in Danville. From there, a park van will drive you into the hills for a tour by a ranger or docent, who will discuss the artistic career of O'Neill. After your tour of the house, you may stroll through the landscaped grounds and orchard. The site is open year-round, Wednesday through Sunday with two tours a day at 10 AM and 12:30 PM. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Exhibits at the visitor center change periodically, and the Southwest Parks and Monuments Association operates a small bookstore at the site.


Fort Point National Historic Site
PO Box 29333
Presidio of San Francisco, CA 94129-0333
Phone: 415-556-1693 or 415-556-0505
Fax: 415-556-8474

Overview. This 19th-century fort is located near the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was built between 1853 and 1861, and is located at the site of an old Spanish fort. The U.S. Army occupied the fort until the turn of the century to prevent the intrusion of hostile forces into the San Francisco Bay. No invasion was ever attempted and no fighting occurred.
Constructed of brick and granite, Fort Point's design was influenced by French engineer Simon Bernard and U.S. Army engineer Joseph Totten. Fort Point is similar to Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC, Fort Pulaski in Savannah, GA, and about thirty other forts on the East Coast.
Fort Point became technically obsolete during the Civil War with the development of rifled artillery and ironclad ships. It was disarmed at the turn of the century and the troops were moved out after the 1906 earthquake. It was used for various purposes after that, including headquarters for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. In World War II, it served another military purpose, when the Army used it as part of an antisubmarine defense post. Rapid-fire guns were mounted on top of the fort to guard against submarine entry.
What to see and do. You can take a self-guided tour of the fort's four levels: the Sally Port, the Second and Third Tiers, and the Barbette Tier. A point of interest is the former officers' quarters on the Second Tier, which is now dedicated to two memorial exhibits. "Ready and Forward" offers a history of the African-American soldier from the Revolutionary War to Vietnam. "Women at War" presents a history of women's contributions during wartime.
You can also view the Fort Point Lighthouse on the upper level, which was no longer used after the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge interfered with the light, which could at one time be seen from ten to 12 miles at sea. Other exhibits include displays of soldiers' uniforms and gear, artillery, and a restored powder magazine. Programs are given throughout the day and include a video on the fort's history, cannon drill demonstrations, and tours of the fort. Also available is an audio tour on "The Life of a Soldier at Fort Point." Program times are posted at the fort's entrance.
A bookstore is located at the site and offers a selection of publications about the fort's history. Anglers are welcome to crab and fish in the Bay.
Some activities held at the fort are cannon drills and candlelight tours. The park is open daily, 10 AM to 5 PM. Exit Highway 101 at the bridge, turn left on Lincoln Boulevard, then turn left on Long Ave. Travel one-third of a mile to the site. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.


Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Address: Fort Mason Building 201
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-561-4700
Fax: 415-561-4750

Overview. Spectacular ocean views, precipitous headlands, sandy beaches, the isolation of the rugged Pacific coastline, and the urban buzz of San Francisco are all a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The most extensive urban park in the world, Golden Gate NRA covers over 75,000 acres of land and water, and protects over 28 miles of coastline spanning three counties: Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo. The towering coastal redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument lie within its jurisdiction, as does Fort Point National Historic Site, in the very shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. Likewise, infamous Alcatraz Island and the Presidio of San Francisco, established in 1776, are also a part of this vast recreation area. Here, you can get away from it all or enjoy being right in the midst of a bustling city.

What to see and do. Visitor centers are located at Muir Woods, Marin Headlands, Alcatraz Island, Fort Point, the Presidio, and Fort Mason, which is also park headquarters. In addition, the visitor center at Fort Funston serves the GGNRA locations of Sweeney Ridge, Phleger Estate, and Milagra Ridge in San Mateo County. All are open daily year-round. All visitor centers close for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Contact the park for specific hours of operation. All visitor centers offer interpretive exhibits and park information.

Recreational activities vary from location to location. Hardy swimmers may choose to brave the waters off Aquatic Park, Phelan Beach, or China Beach, but keep in mind that currents are swift and tricky, the water is cold year-round, and there are no lifeguards; swimming is not encouraged. The waters of San Francisco Bay off the Presidio's Crissy Field attract boardsailers from all parts of the world. Hiking park trails and strolling through the park's urban portions is a popular pastime, and bicycles are allowed on fire roads in Marin County and on Presidio roadways. Hike-in campsites are available in the Marin Headlands; reservations are a must as these sites are very popular.

One of the most-visited sites in the GGNRA is Alcatraz Island, once a maximum-security prison known by inmates as "The Rock." Originally constructed as a military facility, Alcatraz was first used as a prison during the Civil War. Its reputation as a federal prison rested on its boast that no one ever escaped successfully, although some say the three men who made it off the island in 1962 beat the odds. No one has seen or heard from them since. Some of the bay's most beautiful views of San Francisco are to be savored from Alcatraz, but that was said to be part of the punishment. In 1963, the prison was closed. Native Americans claimed it and lived there in protest from 1969 to 1971 before it became part of the national park system. In 1973 Alcatraz was opened to the public. Today, tour boats ferry thousands of visitors to and from "The Rock" daily, but if you want to see it you should make reservations well in advance; phone 415-705-5555.

Other facilities that operate in conjunction with the GGNRA are Fort Mason Center, with its theaters, museums, art and environmental classes, and renowned Greens vegetarian restaurant; Marin County's Headlands Center for the Arts; the Bay Area Discovery Museum, offering scientific exploration and fun for children two years and older, and the Marine Mammal Center, which attempts to save sick, injured, or abandoned marine mammals. Park headquarters can offer more information on scheduled programs and activities.


John Muir National Historic Site
Address: 4202 Alhambra Ave
Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: 925-228-8860
Fax: 925-228-8192

Overview. Because of his love for nature and his efforts to preserve it, John Muir is known as the father of the national park system and one of the founders of the modern conservation movement. His writings convinced government leaders to establish Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Mt. Rainier, and Sequoia as protected parks. In 1892, Muir co-founded the Sierra Club, a conservation and nature group that is still active today.

Muir was born in Scotland in 1838. At age 11, he moved with his family to what was then Wisconsin frontier. As a young man, Muir walked from Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico, and explored such places as Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Nevada, and the Yosemite Valley. His travels inspired him to write magazine articles and books on the wonders of nature, including Travels in Alaska and Our National Parks.

In 1880, Muir married Dr. John Strentzel's daughter Louie and moved to Martinez. The house he and Louie lived in from 1880 to 1890 has been demolished. The home we identify as the Muir house was built in 1882 by Dr. Strentzel. Muir and his wife did not move in until 1890, following Dr. Strentzel's death. Profits from the fruit-growing business provided Muir with a comfortable income that allowed him to continue to travel and write at his leisure. He died in 1914 at the age of 76.

The 14-room Italianate mansion on the property has been preserved to look as it did while Muir lived there. It is filled with antique furniture and some original pieces. A portrait of Muir, painted by his sister, hangs in the second floor study that Muir called her "scribble den."

The house offers exhibits about the Sierra Club and features the "scribble den." Papers still clutter the original oak desk and the floor around it. Back porches and bay windows look out over the orchard and the Martinez adobe, where one of Muir's two daughters lived.

What to see and do. Visitors can view a video about Muir's life and philosophy, and take a self-guided tour of the house and estate. Guided tours are also offered daily at 2 PM; special tours are available for groups of 10 or more. A picnic area is offered, and visitors can join special events such as Muir's commemorative birthday celebration. This event features bagpipe music and traditional dancing from Muir's homeland. In December, a Victorian Christmas celebration is held, offering caroling and cookies. Call ahead for information. The site is open from Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4:30 PM, and is closed Monday and Tuesday. Muir's estate is located near the Mt. Wanda Natural Area. Take Highway 4 to the Alhambra Avenue Exit.


Joshua Tree National Park
Address: 74485 National Park Dr
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Phone: 760-362-4367 or 800-365-2267
Fax: 760-367-7289

Encompassing two desert environments, six mountain ranges, and five fan palm oases, Joshua Tree National Park offers visitors a host of scenic and recreational opportunities. Both the low country of the Colorado Desert and the higher, moister land of the Mojave Desert provide the park with a wealth of flora and fauna. In addition to the Joshua Tree, a yucca plant that grows in the Mojave, you will find 17 species of cactus and a number of mammals and reptiles that have adapted to cope with their harsh desert existence. The forbidding, fascinating landscape is known the world over for its boulder gardens and outcroppings of ancient rock. Any day of the week, even in the hottest dog days of summer, you can observe an international array of climbers pitting themselves against the boulders of Joshua Tree National Park.
The human legacy in these deserts goes back to ancient Pinto culture, which relied upon hunting and gathering food along the Pinto Basin, then a verdant river valley. Even after the desert took over, Native Americans came through periodically in search of nuts and cactus fruit. With the westward expansion, miners, ranchers, and homesteaders discovered the area, and the remnants of their attempts at taming it may still be seen in the park. Mormon settlers travelling through the Mojave named the Joshua Tree, saying it resembled the biblical prophet, his hands raised to the heavens.
Initially a national monument, Joshua Tree was established in 1936 to protect the desert environment. Struggles with mining interests created a tug-of-war for its mineral-rich mountains, and over 200,000 acres of land were relinquished to private use in the 1950s. In 1994, President Clinton signed the California Desert Protection Act, which returned this land to the monument and upgraded it to national park status. It has also been designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.
<P>There are three visitor centers at Joshua Tree: Oasis, Cottonwood, and Black Rock Canyon. Stop by the one nearest your entrance to the park to acquaint yourself with the park's history and geology. Pick up a free copy of the Joshua Tree Guide for information on park regulations and planned activities.
The main park road permits access to many of its scenic attractions, but you'll want to stop and explore on your own as your interest dictates. There are many short nature trails that originate at overlooks and turnouts. Among the best are the Barker Dam Trail at the Jumbo Rocks area, the Cholla Cactus Garden nature trail, the Hidden Valley Loop, and the paved Oasis of Mara trail. Longer trails lead to abandoned gold mines, lush palm oases, colorful canyons, and lofty mountain summits. Backcountry camping is permitted at Joshua Tree, but overnight hikers must self-register and park at one of 12 boards along park trails, and must pack in their own water and campstoves. Fires are not permitted in the backcountry. Contact the park for more details.
There are no formal bike trails at Joshua Tree, but mountain bikers are free to ride on the sparsely traveled jeep and four-wheel-drive roads that crisscross the park.
On any given day, you can watch climbers tackling Joshua Tree's abundant rock formations. While rock climbing is permitted, visitors do so at their own risk.
Guided tours of the Keys Ranch, also known as the Desert Queen Ranch, are offered every day during the fall, winter, and spring. One of the few successful homesteaders in the area, Bill Keys dug his wells by hand and developed an irrigation system that helped him grow vegetables, wheat, and fruit trees out of the arid soil. Call 760-367-5500 for further information.
There are nine campgrounds, most operated on a first-come, first-served basis, in Joshua Tree. Most sites have no water and are available free of charge. The more developed sites have water and flush toilets, but no hookups. Food, lodging, and other amenities are available in nearby communities. Pets are not permitted on trails and must be leashed elsewhere at all times.


Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
Address: 600 Harrison Street, Suite 600 National Park Service, Pacific West Region
San Francisco, CA 94107-1372
Phone: 415-744-1438
Fax: 415-744-4043

Overview. The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail stretches 1,200 miles from the Arizona-Mexico border at Nogales to San Francisco, California. It commemorates the route of Lieutenant Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza, a soldier of the Spanish frontier in New Spain, who in September 1775 set out from Horcasitas, Mexico to establish a Spanish hold on the bay of San Francisco. For three months his party, consisting of families, soldiers and 1,000 head of cattle, horses and mules made their way northwestward until they reached Alta (Upper) California and the safety of the missions already established there. The settlers arrived at their final stopping point, the Presidio of Monterey, in March 1776. There they waited while Anza traveled to the bay of San Francisco to select sites for a presidio and mission. The Presidio, established June 1776, is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The trail first-used by this expedition became the route along which countless others followed.
What to see and do. The end of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail forms a loop around the east bay of San Francisco. Portions of the trail available for hiking or horseback riding can be found along the route in Arizona and California. Dozens of historic sites, associated with the trail and available to public visits, interpret Spanish colonial history and American Indian cultures. Contact the National Park Service Pacific Great Basin System Support Office for information about historic sites and auto routes associated with the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.


Kings Canyon National Park
Address: 47050 Generals Hwy PO Box 926 East on CA 180 from CA 99
Three Rivers, CA 93271-9651
Phone: 559-565-3341

Overview. A spectacular V-shaped canyon of granite and blue marble, even deeper than the Grand Canyon, gives this park its name. Kings Canyon, carved by the South Fork of the Kings River, is, at 6,600 feet, one of the deepest canyons in North America. Add to that the stands of Giant Sequoia in Grant Grove and the tens of thousands of acres of backcountry spanning the lofty crest of the Sierra Nevada, and you have one of the most beautiful and wild parks in the nation.
Administered jointly with Sequoia National Park, directly to the south, the two parks offer visitors a wide range of outdoor activities and facilities, from comfortable driving tours to over 800 miles of rugged high-mountain trails. Grant Grove, home to General Grant, the "Nation's Christmas Tree," was established as General Grant National Park in 1890, mere days after its neighbor Sequoia was designated as America's second national park. Like Sequoia, it was formed to protect what remained of the stately groves of Giant Sequoia, threatened by logging operations. In 1940, the area was renamed Kings Canyon National Park with the Cedar Grove and surrounding Sierra wilderness portions added in 1965.
What to see and do. Begin your visit at the Grant Grove Visitor Center, where you'll find interpretive displays and a fifteen-minute slide presentation on the natural and cultural history of the area. Be sure to pick up a copy of The Visitor Guide, the park newspaper. Then go out and explore. The General Grant Tree, only slightly smaller than the massive General Sherman Tree in Sequoia (the earth's largest living tree, in terms of sheer volume), is one mile northwest of the visitor center. The General Grant is a living shrine, dedicated to all Americans who have died in the cause of freedom. Trails lead from here to the North Grove, Sequoia Lake Overlook, and the Dead Giant. Be sure to visit Big Stump Basin where the forest is regenerating after devastating logging operations in the late 19th century claimed an ancient Sequoia grove. Before continuing to the canyon, drive up to Panoramic Point for breathtaking views of the high Sierra. Lodging, campgrounds, stables, and food services are located in and around Grant Grove Village.
Kings Canyon reaches its deepest point at the foot of Spanish Mountain in the Sequoia National Forest north of Grant Grove and west of the national park. The Kings Canyon Highway passes through the canyon, which in spring adds the vivid yellow of wildflowers to the blue marble of its walls. The route, closed by the threat of rock slides from November to April, leads to Cedar Grove, a glaciated valley surrounded by the canyon's lofty granite walls. The Cedar Grove Visitor Center, situated within convenient distance of lodging, campgrounds, and food services, is the information center for this part of the park. You can find maps and trail guides there, and rangers are on hand to answer questions.
Along the park road, which ends at a loop called, appropriately, "Roads End," you can take advantage of pullouts with breathtaking views of the canyon. Easy hikes to Roaring River Falls and around Zumwalt Meadow offer glimpses into the canyon's unparalleled beauty. Roads End is the jumping-off point for many of the trails that lead into the eastern park wilderness and the high Sierra crests. From here, you can follow several paths that intersect with the popular and strenuous Pacific Crest Trail. If you don't want to trek overnight into the backcountry, you can still choose from a wide variety of day hikes, some easy and less than a mile long, and some, like the Don Cecil Trail to Lookout Peak, a strenuous 13-mile round-trip.
Although the road into Cedar Grove is closed in winter, Grant Grove remains open and available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Snowshoes and ski equipment can be rented at the Grant Grove market. In winter, the great trees are draped in a heavy mantle of snow, and a quiet, lovely scene awaits the visitor. The Azalea Campground is open year-round. Contact the park for more information on winter accommodations and road conditions.
Don't miss Kings Canyon's sister park, Sequoia, directly to the south. There, in the Giant Forest, you can see General Sherman, the largest living tree on earth, and stands of sequoias that are almost as massive. A climb up the steep stair-trail to the summit of Moro Rock is rewarded by a breathtaking panorama, from the chaparral-covered Sierra foothills to the Great Western Divide. The Mineral King Valley, added to Sequoia in 1978, is a lovely alpine region of lakes, meadows, and mountains, and, if you're hardy enough, you may wish to tackle Mt. Whitney. At 14,494 feet, it is the highest peak in the lower 48 states. Take a challenging route through Sequoia's miles of mountain trails, or approach from the Inyo National Forest in the east, an easier, but still lengthy, hike.
For more information on either park, call 559-335-5500 or toll-free 866-522-6966. For lodging reservations at Grant Grove all year and Cedar Grove in summer, call 559-335-5500.
There are no gasoline stations located in either Kings Canyon or Sequoia National Parks.


Lassen Volcanic National Park
PO Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063-0100
Phone: 530-595-4444
Fax: 530-595-3262

Overview.0 Lassen Peak began erupting in 1914. In May of 1915, the mountain exploded, sending a plume of steam and ash 30,000 feet into the air and gouging a three-mile-long swath out of the surrounding forest. Lesser eruptions continued until 1921, but volcanic activity continues in the vicinity of the mountain. In 1916, the area was designated as a national park and has served as a living volcanic laboratory ever since.
Four tribes, the Yana, Yahi, Maidu, and Atsugewi, all basketweavers, met to hunt in the area near Lassen during the summer months. Peter Lassen guided overland travelers bound for the golden west along a major trail near the park. The park and mountain now bear his name.
What to see and do. You can see examples of almost every volcanic feature here at Lassen, including cinder cones, sulfur vents, lava flows and pinnacles, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. Stop by park headquarters in Mineral or one of the two visitor contact stations inside the park to acquaint yourself with its volcanic features and check out the daily activity schedule in the summer. Pick up a guide for the main park road. Along the way, take time to stop and wander amid the thermal features of Bumpass Hell, or view the Devastated Area from one of the many turnouts.
There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails winding through Lassen's volcanic landscape. Some are lengthy and strenuous, others are relatively short and easy. You can hike to the summit of Lassen Peak or climb up Cinder Cone. Trails lead to various thermal areas such as Devils Kitchen and Boiling Springs Lake. A free backcountry permit is required for all overnight hikes. Pack animals are allowed in the park as long as they use designated corrals, which must be reserved in advance. Contact the park for more information. There are eight campgrounds in the park that offer varying amenities; some of them accept reservations with one week's notice (877-444-6777), while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Although the Lassen Park Road is closed during the winter, visitors can still enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking in the park. Contact park headquarters for more details on winter activities.


Lava Beds National Monument
PO Box 867
Tulelake, CA 96134
Phone: 530-667-2282
Fax: 530-667-2737

Overview. For half a million years or so, eruptions from Medicine Lake volcano have shaped a rugged, otherworldly landscape in the northernmost part of California. This is a world of bizarre and rugged volcanic formations, from spatter and cinder cones to flows of pahoehoe (smooth) and 'a'a (sharp and rugged) lava. Beneath the ground, hundreds of lava tube caves wind through the volcanic deposits.

During the westward expansion, the native Modoc were relocated to a nearby reservation and forced to live with the Klamath. The Modoc were not content living on another tribe's spiritual land. The Modoc left the reservation and returned to their home, only to face the wrath of the U.S. Army. Under the leadership of "Captain Jack," a small band of Modoc retreated to the rugged lava beds and stood off U.S. troops for five months, despite being outnumbered ten to one. Eventually, the long, bloody encounter ended in defeat for the Modoc. Captain Jack and three others were hanged and the rest of the band exiled to a reservation in Oklahoma. Today, visitors can see the army encampment and "Captain Jack's Stronghold." Each July, the local Modoc gather to feast, dance, and share their culture with visitors to the monument.

What to see and do. Start your trip at the visitor center, where exhibits on the human and natural history of the region will introduce you to the features in the monument. You'll also find a schedule of activities posted here. Mushpot Cave, adjacent to the visitor center, is the only lighted lava tube in the monument, and a good way to begin your cave explorations. At the visitor center, you can get maps of cave entrances, borrow flashlights free of charge, and purchase protective headgear for your foray into the caves. In summer, rangers lead tours into the most popular lava tubes, but you're free to explore on your own, too.

There are short hikes and nature trails available at Lava Beds, as well as longer, backcountry wilderness trails where solitude reigns. Trails lead to spatter cones such as Fleener Chimneys, charming Hidden Valley near Mammoth Crater, and to more remote lava tube caves, some painted with ancient Indian symbols. A short hike to the summit of Schonchin Butte will reward you with a panoramic view of Tule Lake and Mount Shasta, and interpretive trails at Captain Jack's Stronghold tell the story of the ill-fated Modoc War.

Lava Beds is an unlikely paradise for bird-watchers, but it is the habitat for a large number of raptors, including the American Bald Eagle. The monument lies along the Pacific Flyway, and during spring and autumn it is not unusual for the skies to darken with flocks of geese and hundreds of other migrating bird species.

A 40-site campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with water and flush toilets available during the summer. In winter, water must be hauled from the nearby visitor center. Lava Beds National Monument is open year-round. The visitor center is open from 8 AM to 6 PM during the summer, and to 5 PM the rest of the year. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Pets: Leashed pets are permitted. Pets are not permitted in caves or the backcountry.

Reservations, restrictions, and fees: All individual campsites are first-come, first-served. A nominal entrance fee is charged. No alcohol is allowed.


Manzanar National Historic Site
PO Box 426
Independence, CA 93526
Phone: 760-786-2331

Overview. Worried that Americans of Japanese descent would sympathize with the enemy, the U.S. government interned thousands of citizens in ten "War Relocation Centers" between 1942 and 1945. Manzanar, in eastern California's arid Owens Valley, was typical of these internment camps. This site, recently acquired by the Park Service, includes three of the camp's buildings, the remnants of Native American campsites, and the vestiges of an early-20th-century farming community.

What to see and do. The site has not yet been developed, so there are no facilities or rangers there, but you may visit during the daylight hours. Manzanar is located off Highway 395, approximately five miles south of Independence and twelve miles north of Lone Pine. The road to the site is undeveloped; access is possible, but difficult.

For more information on the history of Manzanar and the Japanese-American internment, visit the Eastern California Museum in Independence.


Mojave National Preserve
Address: 222 East Main St Suite 202 Superintendent Mojave National Preserve
Barstow, CA 92311
Phone: 760-255-8800 or 877-444-6777
Fax: 760-255-8809

Overview. Mojave National Preserve was established to protect over 1.4 million acres of desert land and ecosystems in southern California. The preserve is located along the California-Nevada border between I-40 and I-15. It is the only site in the National Park Service which includes parts of the Mojave, Great Basin and Sonoran deserts, and comprises a spectacular array of flora and fauna in a variety of connected ecosystems.

What to see and do. You will find two campgrounds located in Mojave National Preserve. Mojave also has an equestrian camp complete with corrals if you're interested in riding in the preserve. The Providence Mountains State Recreation Area also lies within the boundaries of the preserve and offers campsites. Backcountry camping is permitted as long as you set up camp more than a half-mile from any roads and water sources.

Mojave National Preserve is home to bighorn sheep, coyotes, tortoises, hawks and mule deer. Desert plants such as yucca, creosote bushes and Joshua trees grow here in the seemingly waterless land, and wildflowers sometimes bloom in abundance in springtime, depending on the amount of winter rain. Three information centers will provide you with any information you'll need during your visit: the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center, located within the preserve, Needles Visitor Center in Needles, and the Mojave Desert Information Center in Baker, along I-15. There you will find trail maps, campground information and information about the various interpretive programs offered by the preserve.

The best way to explore Mojave National Preserve is to hike through it. Be careful though -- this is one hot region of the country, and in the summer months especially, the desert bakes like a potter's kiln in daytime. Visitors should bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to go hiking. Developed trails lead through the preserve, and one runs between the preserve's two campgrounds. Hiking off the trails is allowed; keep your eyes open for the region's unique and hearty vegetation. Native American peoples once made Mojave National Preserve their home, and evidence of their residence can be seen in petroglyphs carved on rock faces. Sand dunes and scenic canyons make the landscape here stunning.

Call the Mojave National Preserve for information about campsite availability and other information. Reservations are recommended for all campsites, and can be made by calling 877-444-6777. Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center is open seasonally; Mojave Desert Information Center is open daily year-round, as is the Needles Visitor Center in Needles off I-40.


Muir Woods National Monument

Mill Valley, CA 94941-2696
Phone: 415-388-2595 or 415-388-2596
Fax: 415-389-6957

Overview. In the early 1800s, the coastal valleys of Northern California were filled with lofty redwoods. By the turn of the century, most forests had been logged. In the vicinity of San Francisco Bay, a single stand of coast redwoods still grew beside Redwood Creek on the southern slopes of Mount Tamalpais. Congressman William Kent, worried that plans for a dam and reservoir would destroy what the loggers couldn't reach, bought the land and donated it to the federal government. It was declared a National Monument in 1908, and named for John Muir, noted nature writer and conservationist.
What to see and do. The monument is open every day from 8 AM to sunset. A loop trail, paved and fairly level, leads through the deep valley, past groups of towering redwoods. There are informational markers along the trail, and a plant and wildlife pamphlet, available at the visitor center, identifies points of interest. It also contains maps of the rest of the park's six miles of hiking trails. At intervals along the loop trail, bridges span Redwood Creek, allowing you to shorten your walk, if you wish.
A visitor center near the entrance houses a bookstore. Junior Ranger Discovery Packs for children are available there, as well as wheelchairs and strollers, which can be used at no charge within the monument. Ranger programs are offered daily near the visitor center. A cafe and gift shop are located close to the visitor center.
Camping, picnicking, biking, and pets are prohibited at Muir Woods, but Mount Tamalpais State Park, which surrounds the monument, provides plenty of sites for these activities.
Note: Muir Woods is only twelve miles north of San Francisco, and is visited by over 1.6 million people a year. Parking spaces are used up quickly. Rangers suggest visiting before 10 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the crowds. If you plan your visit between October and April, or during the week, you'll find the monument less crowded throughout the day. A nominal entrance fee is charged.


Pinnacles National Monument
Address: 5000 Hwy 146
Paicines, CA 95043
Phone: 831-389-4485
Fax: 831-389-4489

Overview. The craggy remnants of an ancient volcano tower up to 1,200 feet above the rolling chaparral at aptly named Pinnacles National Monument. The lofty spires and ridges of the monument are only a portion of what remains of the original volcanic mountain, however. The rest lies 195 miles southeast of Pinnacles, separated by the sometimes subtle, sometimes violent movement of the San Andreas Fault. In addition to the spectacular spires, which attract technical rock climbers and day hikers alike, Pinnacles National Monument preserves the delicate and threatened chaparral ecosystem. The monument is divided into east and west districts, each accessible by state roads, but no road passes through the park from one district to the other.

What to see and do. Spring and autumn are the most friendly seasons at Pinnacles, and the weekend crowds bear this out. Begin your visit to the east district at the Bear Gulch Visitor Center or, if you're staging your tour of Pinnacles from the west district, stop by the Chaparral Ranger Station. There are geological exhibits and bookstores at both locations. Check the posted activity schedule for ranger-led hikes and talks.

Hikers have roughly 30 miles of trails to choose from, with eleven different trails ranging from long and strenuous to short and leisurely. You can hike to talus caves from either side of the monument, but be sure to bring a flashlight if you plan to explore them.

Technical rock climbers come to Pinnacles to test their mettle on the craggy spires. Stop at the ranger station or the visitor center for information. Some areas are restricted and novices should not, under any circumstances, attempt to climb here.

Pinnacles is a day-use area only, opening at 7:30 AM and closing between 7 PM and 9 PM, depending on the season. Due to the threat of fire and the delicate balance of the chaparral ecosystem, camping and overnight hikes are not allowed. There is a privately owned campground just outside the east entrance of the monument; it offers showers, a swimming pool, a camp store, and electrical hookups for an additional charge. Food and lodging are available in Hollister and King City, 32 miles from the east entrance, and in Soledad, 12 miles from the west entrance.

If you visit during the summer, be aware that temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and take proper precautions.

Fees: A nominal entrance fee is charged.


Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes Station, CA 94956-9799
Phone: 415-663-1092 or 415-663-8522
Fax: 415-663-8132

Overview. Sir Francis Drake first made landfall along Point Reyes at Drake's Estero in 1579. Over 20 years later, Spaniard Don Sebastian Vizcaino dubbed the triangular spit of coastline "La Punta de Los Reyes" in honor of the Feast of the Three Kings. Although Europeans didn't settle the area for another 200 years, the Coast Miwok Native Americans had lived off the seashore's bounty for centuries before Drake set eyes on California. Today, Point Reyes National Seashore preserves the spectacular coastline, ocean-carved beaches, estuaries and salt marshes teeming with birds, deep forests of Douglas fir and Bishop pine, and lush meadows blanketed with wildflowers. Along the migratory paths of the gray whale and hundreds of birds, Point Reyes is also the habitat of sea lions, harbor seals, two herds of tule elk and several species of deer. Visit the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, decommissioned in 1975, that protected this treacherous section of Pacific coastline, the windiest on the west coast, for over a hundred years before it was replaced by an automated system.
Although Point Reyes is only a few miles north of San Francisco in scenic western Marin County, it is accessible by CA 1, 40 miles of twisting mountain road, making its windswept beauty seem a haven for solitude.
What to see and do. Begin your visit at the Bear Valley Visitor Center near Olema where a film, slide presentation, exhibits, and dioramas introduce you to the natural and cultural history of the park. Hike the half-mile Earthquake Trail loop that passes along the infamous San Andreas Fault to learn how the 1906 earthquake altered the peninsula. Kule Loklo, a half-mile from the Bear Valley Visitor Center, is a recreated Coast Miwok village where you can wander through kotcas (Miwok family homes), a sweat lodge, and other religious structures. If you're lucky, native Coast Miwoks will be on site, demonstrating crafts and presenting living history programs. The Morgan Horse Ranch, also near Bear Valley, is a working horse farm where the National Park Service breeds and trains horses for use in their facilities. Visitors are welcome. Other visitor centers are located at the Point Reyes Lighthouse (a prime location for whale watching during the winter and spring) and at Drake's Bay, where there is also an aquarium and a cafe. To get the most from your visit to Point Reyes, however, you must get out of your car and into the open air, even if only to stroll along a windswept beach.
There are over 140 miles of hiking trails though the Point Reyes Peninsula; about 100 miles of these are open to horse travel and close to 40 allow mountain bikes as well. Trails vary in length and difficulty, but many are relatively flat and reward the hiker with glimpses of wildlife and coastal beauty. Bear Valley Trail, one of the most popular, begins at the Bear Valley Visitor Center and winds a little over four miles to Arch Rock and the ocean. Other trails lead to the top of Mt. Wittenberg, the highest point in the park with an elevation of over 1400 feet; to Pierce Point Ranch, a historic dairy farm; and to beaches and estuaries all along the coast. There are four hike-in campgrounds available, but reservations should be made with the park by calling 415-663-8054 (Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 2 PM) in advance of your trip because these sites are very popular. Hostelling International operates a dormitory-style hostel near Limantour Beach; call 415-663-8811 for more details. Fishing is allowed with a valid California license; contact the park for specific regulations. You can swim at your own risk at Limantour and Drakes Beaches, but keep in mind that the water is always cold and there are no lifeguards on duty. Do not attempt to swim at any other park beaches, as undertow and surf are treacherous at all times.
Concessionaires near the seashore provide horseback riding tours. Lodging, restaurants, and private campgrounds are available in nearby communities.


Redwood National & State Parks
Address: 1111 Second St
Crescent City, CA 95531
Phone: 880-464-6101
Fax: 707-464-1812

Overview. Even before the California goldfields played out, western fortune seekers were "mining" red gold, the lumber of the lofty coastal redwood. These giants, the tallest trees on earth, once covered over two million acres of the northern California coast. When the Save-the-Redwoods League was formed in 1918, concerned citizens were already aware that this natural treasure was threatened with extinction and they succeeded in establishing state parks to protect some of the old-growth forests, but logging continued outside the parklands. By 1965, only 300,000 acres of coastal redwoods remained, and public outcry prompted federal intervention. In 1968, land surrounding three California state parks, Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods, was declared Redwood National Park. The park's area was expanded in 1978 to reclaim logged forests and further protect the existing groves.

In addition to the tall trees (and Redwood is home to the tallest tree on earth), the park preserves miles of rugged Pacific coastline and a buffer zone of bald hill prairieland where wildlife abounds. The state and national parks together have been designated as a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, protecting the coastal redwood forest ecosystem for people the world over.

What to see and do. Visitor centers in Crescent City (Park Headquarters) and Orick are open year-round, and the visitor center in Hiouchi is open from spring through autumn. In addition, there are information centers in Prairie Creek and Jedediah Smith State Parks that are open seasonally. Stop by one of these sites to see park exhibits and obtain information about trails, park regulations, and special events.

Visit one or more of the redwood groves to experience their towering beauty firsthand. If you yearn to gaze up at the world's tallest tree, almost 370 feet tall and 600 years old, you'll have to hike a steep trail, two-and-two-thirds miles round trip, to Tall Trees Grove. Private vehicles are allowed on the road to the trailhead, but a permit must be obtained at the Redwood Information Center.

Drive along the coast and marvel at the rugged Pacific shore. Watch for whales and other sea mammals from overlooks and beaches. One of the nation's four major migration routes, the Pacific Flyway, passes directly over the park, and birdwatchers have spotted over 370 different species here. Redwood National Park's coastal tidal pools are among the finest anywhere, and are your best bet for wildlife viewing. Roosevelt Elk can often be seen at Gold Bluffs Beach.

Kayak or swim at your own risk in the park's rivers, which also offer superlative salmon and trout fishing. There are numerous hiking and bike trails and five backcountry campsites in the park; primitive campsites with chemical toilets are available for tents, RVs and trailers at Freshwater Lagoon, but there are no hookups and no water available. The state parks offer more developed campgrounds, and food and accommodations are readily available in nearby communities. The Redwood Hostel, operated by AYH, is located in the park near Wilson Creek overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Horseback riding and other tours can be arranged through local concessionaires.


San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Address: Bldg E Fort Mason Center Room 265
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-556-3002 or 415-556-1659
Fax: 415-556-1624

Overview. Dedicated to West Coast maritime history, this park consists of seven floating ships and a maritime museum. The ships include the schooners Alma, Wapama, and C.A. Thayer, and steam and paddle-wheel tugs Hercules and Eppleton Hall. The square-rigged sailing ship Balclutha and walking-beam ferry Eureka are said to be the most beautiful of all the crafts.

The Balclutha was first launched from the shores of Scotland in the late 19th century and was used to transport wine, coal, and manufactured goods from Europe, and to carry grain from the States.

The Eureka was also built near the turn of the century by the North Pacific Railroad Company. It was used to ferry both people and train cars across San Francisco Bay, and was later rebuilt to carry auto cars as well.

Nearby, the National Maritime Museum contains nautical exhibits, reprints of over 250,000 historic photographs, models of ships, as well as artifacts from the old whaling industry, the gold rush, and other maritime industries important to the West Coast. A special feature of the museum is a 14,000-volume library collection of maritime history. The museum looks out over San Francisco Bay, including Alcatraz Island.

What to see and do. The Balclutha, C.A Thayer, and Eureka are available for boarding; guided tours are conducted on the Hercules. You can schedule a celebration or reception for up to 250 on any one of the Balclutha's three decks. The museum can also accommodate receptions and other events: 350 guests for a stand-up function and 150 for a seated event. The museum space is available from 5 PM until midnight.

Daily events are offered with music and traditional maritime crafts. You can also watch marine life and view San Francisco Bay from the picnic area. The maritime library contains a reading room and research facilities. Call for a free copy of a quarterly calendar of events. There is no entrance fee for the museum or library; a small fee is charged for entrance to Hyde Street Pier. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. The park is at the west end of Fisherman's Wharf between Hyde and Polk streets.


Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Address: 30401 Agoura Rd Suite 100
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Phone: 248-597-9192 or 248-597-1036
Fax: 248-597-8357

Overview. Covering 155,000 acres near Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area comprises rolling terrain, canyons, beaches, streams, and waterfalls. This region is the home of Native American Indians, including the Chumash and Gabrielino/Tongva. Often called "L.A.'s backyard," the territory was in danger of being swallowed by the adjacent metropolitan area. A federal, state, and local effort to preserve the natural resources of the Santa Monica Mountain range resulted in its designation as a National Recreation Area in 1978. That same year an uncontrollable fire set the woods and brush along the top of the mountain range ablaze. The recreation area has since recovered and refoliated, and offers both Los Angelenos and out-of-state visitors a variety of opportunities for exploration and play.

What to see and do. Call the Recreation Area before your visit for details concerning reservations, fees, and permit information. A useful program and activity guide titled Outdoors is available through the National Park Service and can be ordered by telephone. The National Park Service Visitors Center is also an option if you're looking for information. The center is open weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM and weekends from 9 AM to 5 PM, closed during all major holidays.

If you're planning to spend the day in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, you can go hiking, biking, horseback riding, or picnicking. Trails range from the scenic to the densely forested. The beaches that form the southern edge of the recreation area have lifeguards on duty in the summer months. Nature walks allow visitors to appreciate the Santa Monica Mountains' Mediterranean-type ecosystem up close. Some of the area is a wildlife refuge for such animals as cougars, bobcats, and eagles. Bird and whale watching are also popular recreation area activities. Inquire about optimal seasons for these activities.

Campers can reserve sites at Leo Carrillo State Beach or Point Mugu State Park, both within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area boundary. State beaches, including Dan Blocker State Beach, Las Tunas State Beach, and Topanga State Beach dot the Pacific edge of the Santa Monica Recreation Area. Visitors are advised to call ahead for details, as there are hundreds of campsites and RV sites in the recreation area.

The J. Paul Getty Museum of Fine Art lies within the Recreation Area. A replica of a Roman villa, the Getty Museum houses the oil baron's fine collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. Other sites of note include: Will Rogers State Historic Park, Sooky Goldman Nature Center, and Charmlee Nature Center.

Mulholland Drive, a winding road that cuts along the ridge of the Santa Monica Mountain range, is a scenic option for those visitors interested in driving through the area. The Pacific Coast Highway cuts across the southern edge of the recreation area and allows for beautiful ocean views. Adventurous visitors might also want to hop over to the Channel Islands National Park, islands off the coast north of the Santa Monica National Recreation Area. Again, contact the National Park Service for information on transportation to and from the islands.


Sequoia National Park
Address: 47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271
Phone: 559-565-3341 or 559-565-3134
Fax: 559-565-3797

Overview. Towering giant sequoia, lyrically beautiful alpine meadows, and the breathtaking crest of the Sierra Nevada define Sequoia National Park. Sequoia is home to the largest living thing on earth, the massive General Sherman Tree, and to the highest mountain in the lower 48 states, Mt. Whitney. In between these two landmarks are spectacular snowcapped peaks and deeply carved canyons, wildflower-strewn alpine glades and crystalline mountain lakes. The wonders extend even beneath the earth where, by touring Crystal Cave, you can see stalactites and stalagmites formed of shimmering calcite.
Sequoia was California's first national park and the nation's second. It has grown through the years and now stretches from the western foothills of the Sierra to its highest crest. The latest addition was made in 1978, when the remote alpine wonderland of the Mineral King Valley was annexed to save it from commercial development. Whether you want to stay close to your car or embark on a hiking or pack trip into the high Sierran wilderness, Sequoia will present you with gorgeous Sierra vistas and breathtaking scenery.
What to see and do. You'll probably enter Sequoia National Park at Ash Mountain near the Foothills Visitor Center or at Grant Grove. Then travel along Generals Highway to the Giant Forest Museum and the Lodgepole Visitor Center. Stop by one of these centers to take in the exhibits and pick up a copy of The Visitor Guide, the park newspaper. It contains important park information.
The Giant Forest is the main attraction in Sequoia; the largest living thing on earth resides here. The gigantic General Sherman Tree, 275 feet tall with a base circumference of 103 feet, weighs in at an estimated 1,385 tons. Other trees may be taller than General Sherman, but none exceed it in sheer volume. The Congress Trail winds for two miles through the Giant Forest, thick with these huge conifers that grow taller than 300 feet and live for more than 3,000 years.
Nearby Moro Rock overlooks Giant Forest and the canyon carved by the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River. From its 6,725-foot summit, over 4,000 feet above the valley floor, you may be able to see over a hundred miles, from the California coastal ranges to the 13,000-foot-plus crest of the Great Western Divide. Alas, you can't see Mt. Whitney from here. It's obscured by the mountains between it and Moro Rock. Don't despair -- the view is without peer, especially if you're there at sunset.
Attractions near Moro Rock include the Auto Log and the Tunnel Log, where you can motor through a fallen giant.
Most of the park is spectacular backcountry, accessible only on foot or by pack animal. Horses, burros, and llamas are allowed on designated trails; check with the park for details. Mineral King Valley, open only in the summer, is the latest addition to this mountainous park. It is a lovely sub-alpine region full of lakes, meadows, and mountain peaks. A rough road, closed in winter, leads into this area of the park. From there you're on your own. All overnight hikes require backcountry permits. Backcountry camping permits are issued on a quota system and cost $15 per permit or $30 for stock users. This fee includes the cost of reservations made in advance. If you choose to climb Mt. Whitney, you'll need to secure a special permit, even if you're only making a day hike from Inyo National Forest to the east of Sequoia. These special permits are obtained from the Inyo National Forest and require a small fee. If you approach Mt. Whitney from the west through Sequoia National Park, no special permit is required, however, a Backcountry Camping Permit is required from Sequoia National Park.
Winter is a special time at Sequoia. The big trees are cloaked in a thick mantle of snow, and the park is uncrowded and quiet. Trails around the Giant Forest are marked for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with a trail suitable to every level of expertise. The park is open year-round, but certain roads are closed in winter. Main roads are kept plowed, but may be closed temporarily by winter storms. Campgrounds are located throughout the western area of the park, but not all of these are open year-round. Call the park for more information on winter services.
While visiting Sequoia, be sure to extend your exploration north to adjacent Kings Canyon National Park. Stop by Grant Grove to see the "Nation's Christmas Tree," the massive General Grant, then continue on along Kings Canyon Highway to scenic Cedar Grove where there is ample trail access to the high Sierran backcountry. Cedar Grove is only open during the summer.
Please note: All overnight facilities in Giant Forest are closed. Services are located in Lodgepole and Wuksachi, four miles north of Giant Forest.
There are no gasoline stations in either Sequoia Naitonal Park or Kings Canyon National Park.


Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Address: 8 miles west of Redding, California on State Route 299 West PO Box 188 CA 299 and Kennedy Memorial Drive
Whiskeytown, CA 96095
Phone: 530-241-6584 or 530-365-2267
Fax: 530-246-5154

Overview. Legend has it that a broken barrel of whiskey spilling its bounty into a high country stream gave Whiskey Creek its name. The creek still flows into Whiskeytown Lake, created in the early 1960s when the damming of Clear Creek impounded more water for California's Central Valley Project. The area includes 42,000 acres of surrounding backcountry managed by the National Park Service. The other units of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area (which includes Shasta and Trinity-Lewiston lakes and covers over 200,000 acres of the southern Klamath Mountains) are administered by the National Forest Service.

What to see and do. In addition to a wide range of water activities, hiking, horseback riding, camping, and some of the nation's most challenging mountain bike trails, the area surrounding Whiskeytown Lake is also rich in gold rush history. Water recreation enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, water-skiing, sailing, scuba diving, and almost every type of boating.The lakes are stocked year-round with kokanee salmon, large- and smallmouth bass, and both rainbow and brown trout; anglers with a valid state license can expect to come home with a full creel. Hunting is also permitted in season with a valid state license.

Hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers will find a variety of trails in all lengths and ranges of difficulty. Backcountry camping is allowed with a proper permit; consult rangers to find the best locations. Some backcountry sites have restroom facilities and grills. You'll also need a nominally-priced permit to pan for gold along the streams feeding Whiskeytown Lake. If you're interested in the gold rush era, be sure to visit the Tower House Historic District at the western end of the Whiskeytown unit where you can see Camden House, built in 1852.

Campers can reserve sites at Whiskeytown Lake through the National Park Reservation System (800-365-CAMP); many sites are restricted to hard-sided RVs. The visitor information center at Whiskeytown Lake is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, year-round. Contact the Forest Service for information regarding camping and visitor services at Shasta and Trinity-Lewiston lakes.


Yosemite National Park
Address: P.O. Box 577
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone: 209-372-0265 or 209-372-0200
Fax: 209-448-4333

Overview. Sequoia groves, wildflower meadows, and towering granite peaks leave no doubt that nature reigns in Yosemite National Park. In springtime, brodiea and thimbleberries dot the valley floor, and snowmelt creates a torrent of waterfalls with poetic names such as "Bridalveil." The verdant summer meadows give way to crisp, autumn weather, perfect for hiking. In winter, the park is covered in a mantle of snow, and cross-country skiers and snowshoe hikers make their way along park trails to unparalleled views.
Yosemite Valley was an ancestral home to a large Miwok tribe, and is thought to have been inhabited by them for some 4,000 years before the Spanish arrived in California. When the first Europeans allegedly caught sight of the valley in 1833, Chief Tenaya and about 300 members of his tribe were living there. Territorial disputes brought about by the California Gold Rush destroyed the placid life of Tenaya's people and brought the military into the valley in the 1850s. Soldiers brought back tales of Yosemite's breathtaking beauty and, after Tenaya's death in 1853 ended the fight for his land, tourists began to venture in to see it for themselves. In 1864, Lincoln signed legislation to preserve Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove; on October 1, 1890, it became a national park. Today, millions of visitors come each year to see Yosemite Valley, but the park has much more to offer.
Yosemite's lowest terrain lies among the foothills below Arch Rock, 2,000 feet above sea level, while its highest point reaches the windy summit of 13,114-foot Mount Lyell. Located in the heart of eastern California's Sierra Nevada, it is home to a vast array of plants and animals. Through most of the park, great forests of pine, fir, and incense cedar flourish; below Yosemite Valley you'll encounter brushy chaparral, while the high elevations yield flower-strewn alpine meadows. Bears, mule deer, Steller's jays and many other small animals and birds are among the park's year-round inhabitants.
What to see and do. Connoisseurs of the park say that visits during the off-season are a real treat. By this time, summer crowds have long gone and snow cover has transformed domes, trees, and foothills into a winter wonderland. The valley remains relatively temperate in winter, so hiking there is usually possible; most of the time the snow is limited to the park's upper reaches where cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking become favorite activities. Badger Pass Ski Area, on the road to Glacier Point, is a popular winter destination in Yosemite, and offers nine downhill ski runs as well.
Over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the John Muir and Pacific Crest National Scenic trails, lead you through meadows, along the Merced River, past waterfalls, or to the base of any one of the mountain lookout areas. Hiking is relatively easy along the flat floor of Yosemite Valley; hardier individuals venture into the foothills and backcountry where terrain is more rugged.
Climbing enthusiasts flock to the park each year to take advantage of the sheer granite walls that characterize Yosemite's peaks. Half Dome, El Capitan, and Washington Column are among the most popular.
Individual and group campgrounds are located throughout the park. Several are open year-round and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most Yosemite Valley campgrounds take reservations only. Wawona and Bridalveil group campgrounds are also available only by reservation; a maximum of 30 people is allowed at each group campsite. Campsites are limited in winter and many are booked well in advance, especially during the holidays. All facilities along the Tioga Road (SR 120--usually closed from November to late May or early June) are closed in winter. For campground reservations or additional information, call 800-436-7275. Occasional spots can be found by calling after April for same season openings.
If you'd like to experience the high country without roughing it completely, try to book a space at one of the park's five High Sierra Camps. You must hike into these locations, which offer tent-cabins, but once you're there, breakfast and dinner are provided. High Sierra Camps are open from late June until Labor Day, and are so popular that you must win a lottery to reserve a spot at one. Contact Yosemite Reservations' High Sierra Desk, 209-454-2088, for more information. You'll find these camps marked with maroon tent/white background camping icons on the interactive map.
The park offers four visitor centers: the Valley Visitor Center, the Big Oak Flat Information Station, Wawona Information Station, and Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. Additional concessions and facilities include the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Valley and the Yosemite Association Bookstore at the Valley Visitor Center. Other valley amenities include a grocery store, a mountain gear shop, and a children's store.
Yosemite has four entrances. The south entrance is off of Highway 41, the Arch Rock entrance is near Highway 140, and the Tioga Pass and Big Oak Flat entrances are located off of Highway 120. All entrances may have weather related delays and closures in the winter.
Yosemite is one of the most popular national park destinations, with over four million people now visiting every year. The summer crowds, especially in the valley, far exceed what the park can actually handle. Your best bet is to visit in the fall, winter, or spring, when visitation is lower and you can actually enjoy the landscape without being jostled by crowds. If you must visit in summer, please park your car and walk or use the network of shuttle buses. Tourists and motorists are encouraged to see Yosemite via shuttle buses. You'll find your visit is more leisurely and more rewarding when you don't have to contend with traffic jams. Some of the trails are wheelchair accessible. Bus transportation is available from gateway communites. Contact Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) at 877-98-YARTS or 877-989-2787.
It is recommended calling to obtain updated information regarding road closures, shuttle availability, events, permits, etc., as this changes frequently.


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