Visit California released on Apr. 8 a list of eight notable facts about the state’s national parks in recognition of National Park Week. The organization encourages residents and visitors to explore the unique features and history of these parks, from record-breaking trees to volcanic landscapes.
National Park Week is an annual event that celebrates the beauty and cultural significance of public lands across the United States. According to Visit California, activities during this week include free guided hikes in Channel Islands National Park and evening programs at Joshua Tree National Park.
Among the highlights, Yosemite National Park was designated as America’s first government-protected park by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864. Death Valley National Park stands out as both the largest national park in the contiguous United States and one of its lowest points at 279 feet below sea level. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to over 200 caves, including Crystal Cave—the state’s longest cavern—and feature some of the world’s largest living trees such as General Sherman Tree.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is described as unique for containing all four types of volcanoes: shield, plug dome, cinder cone, and composite. Mount Lassen last erupted in 1915 before Mount St. Helens’ eruption decades later. Joshua Tree National Park offers more than 8,000 rock climbing routes along with opportunities for hiking and stargazing workshops scheduled around new moons.
The article also notes that Santa Cruz Island within Channel Islands National Park is nearly three times larger than Manhattan and accessible by boat or plane from Ventura Harbor or Oxnard Harbor. Redwood National and State Parks are recognized for Hyperion—the tallest known coastal redwood tree at nearly 380 feet—and wildlife such as Roosevelt elk.
Pinnacles National Park is identified as California’s youngest national park after being designated in 2013 despite its ancient volcanic origins dating back over twenty million years.
