Santa Monica Mountains rise above Los Angeles, widen to meet the curve of Santa Monica Bay and reach their highest peaks facing the ocean, forming a beautiful and multi-faceted landscape.
Hottest, Driest, Lowest: Death Valley is a land of extremes. It is one of the hottest places on the surface of the Earth with summer temperatures averaging well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is one of the largest urban national parks in the world. The total park area is 75, 398 acres of land and water. Approximately 28 miles of coastline lie within its boundaries.
Beneath Lassen Volcanic's peaceful forests and gem-like lakes lies evidence of a turbulent and fiery past. 600, 000 years ago, the collision and warping of continental plates led to violent eruptions and the formation of lofty Mt.
Point Reyes National Seashore contains unique elements of biological and historical interest in a spectacularly scenic panorama of thunderous ocean breakers, open grasslands, bushy hillsides and forested ridges.
The Presidio preserves an astonishingly complex cultural and natural heritage within its 1480 acres. For details, select the "In Depth" link to the right.
"This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world, " declared conservationist John Muir when describing the majestic coast redwoods of Muir Woods.
LAND OF GIANTS These parks are home to giants: immense mountains, deep canyons, and huge trees. Thanks to their huge elevational range, 1, 500' to 14, 491', these parks protect stunningly diverse habitats.
Of the three parts of the Whiskeytown - Shasta - Trinity National Recreation Area, the Whiskeytown Unit (authorized Nov. 8, 1965 and established October 21, 1972), is the only unit administered by the National Park Service.
Yosemite National Park embraces a spectacular tract of mountain-and-valley scenery in the Sierra Nevada, which was set aside as a national park in 1890.
This is a popular area for camping, fishing, desert exploring and river running. The area also has a group camping area (50 person), a group boat-in area (50 person), and three individual boat-in camp areas.
Surronded by the stark beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Lake Cahuilla (pronounced Kah-wee-ah) is a favorite recreation area in the Coachella Valley.
The Salton Sea is the largest inland surface water body in California, and is a very productive sport fishery. The sea is also a major stop on the Pacific Flyway and supports one of the most diverse bird populations in the United States.
Recreation at Folsom Reservoir is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Central California Area Office. The reservoir was created by Folsom Dam across the American River.
This State Scenic Highway crosses the sculptured landscape of Death Valley National Monument, a stark setting which contrasts the lowest elevation in North America with mountain ridges along the valley.
Travel the route that provides access to the austere, windswept cypress trees, fog-shrouded cliffs, and crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean as it traverses the California coast.
Observe a great diversity of flora and fauna as well as craggy mountains and ruffling meadows crossing the Yosemite National Park valley and ridges for 64 miles from east to west.
Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool. It is located in a highly developed industrial, agricultural, and residential area of Los Angeles County's San Gabriel Valley.
The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.
One hour SE of Fresno in the rugged foothills of the Sierra Nevada. High mountains provide an exciting background for fishing and boating at this popular park, located on the main southern route into Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park.
Lake Sonoma is located in the wine-growing region of Sonoma County, CA. A picturesque lake with secluded vehicle and boat-in camping available for the fishing and boating enthusiast.
Lake Mendocino is located in the midst of wine country and near the gateway to the Redwoods. It is two hours north of the Bay area in central Mendocino County, near the city of Ukiah. The lake was created dam in 1958.
This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.
The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks. The site has no permanent pool, but the sports facilities, including golf and tennis, draw many to this urban project in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles.
About an hour east of Stockton near historic gold rush towns of the California Mother Lode. This scenic setting in the Sierra Nevada foothills boasts exciting fishing, waterskiing, and hiking.