California national park. California State. Information about the park and its location
Almost on the border of the United States and Mexico lies the Anza Borrego National Park. Its territory covers 2,400 square kilometers and is part of the Sonoran Desert, stretching in the southwestern part of the North American continent. Anza Borrego Park is the second largest nature reserve in the United States.
Every year, in the spring, the desert is transformed, and numerous types of flowers bloom here. Thousands of people from all over America come to the park to admire this amazing spectacle. The degree of lushness and strength of flowering in this desert is directly related to the amount of precipitation that fell during the winter. After heavy rains, the desert blooms profusely and for a long time, completely covered with colorful meadows of flowers. Well, if there was little precipitation or it fell late, the flowering is not too strong, and in some places the desert does not bloom at all.
The blooming desert consists of three parts, in each of which you can find different types of plants. For example, in the lower, sandy part of the desert, desert lilies and verbena, evening primrose and other herbaceous plants bloom. In the middle, rocky desert there are numerous flowering cacti, and if you climb to the highest mountainous part, you can see blooming yucca and agave.
Universal Studios Hollywood
One of the most interesting places in Los Angeles is the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. The park is entirely dedicated to feature and animated films created by the film studio of the same name.
The main pride of the park is its stunning shows. For example, a show dedicated to the film “Waterworld” offers to watch the battles of jet skiers, accompanied by shootouts, extreme stunts and a series of explosions, which by the end of the show destroy a good half of the scenery.
There are also many attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood. The pavilion, dedicated to the film "Earthquake", offers its visitors to experience real underground points with a force of 8 points. The Jurassic Park pavilion allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the film and see walking dinosaurs.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is located in the western Sierra Nevada, in the state of California. The magnificent landscapes here with a huge number of lakes, forests, meadows and mountains are somewhat reminiscent of the panoramas of the Alpine mountains.
The picturesque valley is divided into two parts by the Merced River, whose magnificent banks have inspired many artists and photographers. And in the very center of the valley there are quarries up to half a mile deep, at the bottom of which thousand-year-old glaciers sparkle.
It is believed that the first Europeans appeared in the western Sierra Nevada in the 1830s, and more detailed study of these territories began 20 years later. The excitement erupted in the mid-19th century when gold was discovered at the foot of the Sierra Nevada hills. Many thousands of gold miners poured here in an endless stream in pursuit of profit and in search of luck. As a result, a war broke out with local Indian tribes, which, however, was stopped after a few years. Gradually, the economic development of the valley and the development of tourism infrastructure began.
Inspired by the incredible beauty of Yosemite and alarmed by the powerful pressure of industrial development of the valley, politicians and public figures approached the US Congress with a proposal to give it official status.
And on June 30, 1864, President Lincoln signed a decree conferring the status of a national treasure not only on Yosemite Valley, but also on the Mariposa Grove with its unique giant sequoias.
Highland Park Police Station
The Highland Park Police Station is located on York Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. The site is the oldest in the entire city - it operated from 1926 to 1983, and now operates as a museum. The site is listed on the National Register of Cultural and Historic Places.
The Highland Park site building was built in 1926 at a cost of $100,000 thousand. Throughout his tenure, his staff solved many high-profile cases, such as the capture of Robert Grogan, Angelo Buono and Kenneth Bianchi. All of them were dangerous criminals and repeat offenders, which is why such high-profile cases are still depicted in the station museum.
The station now houses the Los Angeles Police Museum. There are exhibits here that are directly related to police work. These are photographs, uniforms, badges, patrol cars, paddy wagons, cartridges and shell casings.
Pacific Park Amusement and Amusement Park
Pacific Park is located on the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California. This is the only amusement park on the West Coast of the United States that is located directly on the pier.
With all the variety of attractions presented in Pacific Park, its main attraction is the 45-meter Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel, powered by solar energy, which offers beautiful views of Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean.
Construction of the park began in 1916, and at that time it was called Pleasure Pier. The park quickly became one of the main attractions of Santa Monica, but several decades later, due to lack of funding, it became quite dilapidated, and the city authorities were already seriously thinking about demolishing it. However, the city community opposed this decision, as a result of which a campaign was launched in the mid-seventies to return the park to its former glory. At first, concerts were held here to attract the public, then several nightclubs and restaurants were built, and only in 1996, when the old attractions were restored and several new ones were built, the park was again ready to welcome everyone.
Six Flags Magic Mountain Amusement Park
Six Flags Magic Mountain is one of the largest amusement parks in the United States, located in Valencia, Santa Clarita, north of Los Angeles. It is named after the company that owns the park, whose name, in turn, reflects the history of Texas and the six states that ruled this state (Confederate States of America, United States of America, Republic of Texas, Spain, France, Mexico).
The park has been operating since 1971. Here, on the territory of one square kilometer, there are more than forty attractions, about half of which are roller coasters (which the Americans themselves call “Russian coasters”). Depending on the steepness of the climb, they are divided into red, yellow and green. As you might guess, red ones are the most extreme, and green ones are the simplest ones, which are suitable even for children. For the most experienced thrill-seekers there is a special surprise: the new generation X2 coasters, such as Goliath or Deja Vu - the seats here rotate around their axis, while visual, sound and tactile effects are added.
The number of attractions is growing every year, and a new coaster called Full Throttle (loosely translated means something like “Full Extreme”) is scheduled to open in mid-2013, which, according to the administration, will become the highlight of the Six Flags Magic Mountain park.
Sequoia National Park
Every year, Sequoia National Park welcomes more than a million tourists from around the world who want to see the giant forest of centuries-old redwoods with their own eyes. In the specially protected area of the park, you can see for yourself how big the trees really are and even try with a group of friends to grasp the eight-meter diameter trunk.
The Forest of Giants is the most accessible area of the park. You can climb to a height of 1800 meters by jeep, bus or on foot along convenient walking paths. Five of the largest trees on the planet grow here. The most famous of them is the General Sherman Tree at its base with a diameter of 11.1 meters. The bark of sequoias is fibrous and very unusual to the touch: when touched, the palm seems to sink inward, remaining dense and solid. Some trees have been living here for one and a half thousand years, and this is absolutely not the limit; the average age of the giants is about four thousand years.
Another interesting attraction of the park, which uses an example to compare the insignificance of man in front of nature, is the Log Tunnel. Once upon a time, one of the sequoias fell in the arch and blocked the road. It was completely impossible to remove it due to its enormous size, so it was decided to make a tunnel directly through it. The passage, three meters high and five meters wide, has become a favorite adventure for motorists who guide their vehicles through such an unusual obstacle.
Knott's Berry Farm Amusement Park
Knott's Berry Farm is an amusement park in California, owned by the food production company of the same name. It covers an area of 65 hectares and is one of the most visited parks in California - with 3.5 million people a year.
At one time, the site of this park was home to Knott's Berry Farm, which translates as Knott's Berry Factory, owned by American farmer and entrepreneur Walter Knott. Starting around 1920, his family sold berries, fruits, canned goods and pies on the side of the 39th highway - much the same as they do in our villages. Probably, Walter’s wife turned out the pies just right, because over time this small business began to expand, and in 1934 the Knott family opened a roadside cafe, where the specialty was fried chicken legs. Soon the cafe turned into a fairly large restaurant, which became so popular among tourists that it simply could not always accommodate everyone, so that the visitors waiting in line would not get bored, the enterprising Walter Knott built a small amusement park next to his restaurant. He could hardly have imagined it then. that this park will grow to such a scale.
Now the popularity of Knott's Berry Farm is in many ways comparable to Disneyland - here you can find a lot of attractions and entertainment for every taste. In addition to all kinds of entertainment for children, events for adults are also held here - corporate events, private anniversaries and wedding ceremonies.
Beverly Gardens
Beverly Gardens is a beautiful city park that stretches along Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Its length is 3.1 km. It was opened in 1911 as a green space separating the residential and commercial areas of the city. This place is famous for its diversity of vegetation - here you can find century-old cypresses, ficus trees, as well as a variety of succulents, roses, cacti and palm trees. Also in Beverly Gardens there are sculptures and gazebos for relaxation, equipped with benches.
The park is divided into 22 sections, each of which performs a specific function. City festivals and fairs are often held in the central part of the park; it is always crowded. You can often meet artists here who want to depict the beauty of Beverly Gardens on their canvases. The ancient historical fountains, dating back to the beginning of the 18th century, deserve special attention. According to statistics, about 50,000 tourists and locals visit this place on weekends.
Griffith Park
The largest park in Los Angeles is called Griffith Park. Its area is 1,722 hectares, which is why it is often called Central Park.
Griffith Park is located in the Los Feliz area, in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains. It includes a botanical garden, a zoo, attractions, a Greek amphitheater, museums, oak groves for horseback riding, hiking trails and 4 golf courses. The Griffith Observatory also operates here. The world's most famous "Hollywood" sign is located just outside the park fence. This place is one of the most heavily guarded sites in the city.
The park owes its existence to Griffith Jenkins from Wales. While still a teenager, he came to America and made a very successful investment in the mining industry. In 1882 he purchased Rancho Los Feliz. One day he decided that since Los Angeles was an outstanding city, it needed a decent park. On December 16, 1896, he allocated 3,015 acres of his land to the city, with the condition that a public park be built on it. This is how he gave back to the place where he flourished.
Scenes of The Birth of a Nation were filmed in Griffith Park in 1915, and many films have since been filmed here. The park has become a favorite vacation spot for tourists from all over the world and local residents.
Balboa Fun Zone
Balboa Fun Zone is a small amusement park located outside of Los Angeles, California. This park was created in 1936, now almost nothing remains of it. The attractions at Balboa Fun Zone have been rebuilt and updated several times. The old Ferris wheel was demolished, and in 1972 a new, more modernized one was erected not far from it.
In 2005, the Balboa Fun Zone park was acquired by Newport Harbor, after which the Maritime Museum was opened on its territory. Currently, the park continues to delight tourists and city guests. Here you can enjoy your favorite sweets, relax on the beach or play arcade games. If you wish, you can rent a bicycle or take a boat ride to the nearest Catalina Island.
Also on the territory of the Balboa Fun Zone there is a huge number of shops, restaurants and bars. If you and your family decide to relax, then you can’t imagine anything better and more varied than relaxing in this amazing park. This place is one of the few where you can relax in the coastal area. You can get here by boat or car.
Eco-park
Eco-Park is located near the center of Los Angeles, through which the road to Hollywood passes. Long before Hollywood became synonymous with the film industry, the Eco Park area known as Edendale was the center of film production on the West Coast, with good air and bright sun three hundred days a year - ideal conditions for the creation of beautiful films.
Eco Park is one of Los Angeles' oldest neighborhoods, incredibly diverse and culturally rich, dating back more than a century. The spirit of Eco-Park is imbued with the creativity of artists and meetings of representatives of modern subcultures.
The desire of Los Angeles to win the right to an environmentally friendly existence from the modern rhythm of life - this is the reality of everyday life in the metropolis. And today the city is famous for its Eco-Park with an azure lake and picturesque hills that it is surrounded by. Despite the proximity of Eco-Park to the noisy road to Hollywood, when you enter its territory, you can feel like a resident of a quiet town, and not part of a modern, rumbling metropolis.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It is located near the business center of San Diego in California. The park includes fifteen different museums, several picturesque gardens and many architectural monuments.
One of the most interesting places in Balboa is the Aerospace Museum, which houses a huge collection of aircraft (both replicas and originals). Walking among thousands of exhibits, you can trace the entire world history of the development of aircraft construction - from the Wright Brothers' bookcases to models of Mars rovers.
A must-see when visiting Balboa is the local zoo. Under ideal conditions, many species of animals are kept here.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in the most sparsely populated part of California. The territory of this significantly small reserve is represented by a mountainous volcanic landscape and several valleys. Among other US national parks, it stands out for its atypical landscapes and terrain.
The thousand-kilometer Cascade Mountain belt is remarkable for its dormant volcanoes. They are active and can wake up at any moment. Lassen Peak last erupted in May 1914. During the eruption, it completely changed the surrounding landscape for many kilometers around, completely destroying all vegetation. A mountain more than three thousand meters high actually tore apart from the inside, littering everything around with fragments of rock, ash and lava flows. Now the volcano is dormant and recovering, ready to wake up at the most unexpected moment.
In the valley of active volcanoes, the most popular place for camping and overnight stay is Summit Lake. All hiking trails and climbs originate here. After a cycle of eruptions, nature is gradually recovering, but always in the most unexpected and seemingly safe place you can stumble upon cracks and gaps from which hot sulfur vapors are escaping, frozen lava flows that incredibly preserve the imprints of human traces, old destroyed craters, at the bottom of which only ash. Near Emerald Lake and Bumps Health is a hot springs valley.
Redwood National Park
There are plenty of places in California that amaze tourists with their alien landscapes. And while Death Valley is the most popular, there is another national park that was the filming location for the final two Star Wars episodes. Redwood National Park attracted the director not with its desert landscapes and Martian mountains, but quite the opposite. The planet Endor appeared among the green forests of huge redwoods.
Redwood Park was established on an area of 23,500 hectares by decree of President Lyndon Johnson on October 2, 1968. To avoid intensive logging and protect ancient trees, three national parks were united - Jededee Smith, Del Norte and Prairie Creek. A little later, realizing that this was not enough and that erosive soil destruction was already beginning on private lands due to clearing, it was decided to add another 400 hectares of Redwood Creek to the park.
Sequoia is recognized as the tallest tree on Earth. Some specimens reach 150 meters in height and about 10 meters in diameter. They grow very slowly, and in some parts of the park there are groves that are more than 1,500 years old. But besides the giants, there is something to see in the park. It is home to 400 species of birds, including the incredibly rare bald eagles, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
MacArthur Park
MacArthur Park is located within the city and is surrounded by fragrant flowers and dense greenery of majestic trees. It is not difficult to get to it from anywhere in the city. The park is especially noteworthy and interesting because on its territory there are playgrounds and sports grounds for both children and adults. Tourists and townspeople have a fun time among the dense greenery, and in specially designated areas you can organize a picnic.
MacArthur Park is an area of entertainment and active recreation, where more than 80 species of shrubs and various plants grow. For lovers of romance, there is the opportunity to rent a boat and sail on the blue surface of the lake.
Despite the peace and tranquility that reigns in the Park, the history of the man after whom it is named is associated with participation in numerous military campaigns. Douglas MacArthur - American general, commander of the Philippine Campaign of 1942, commander in chief of the United States during the Korean War and during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The rich history of the name MacArthur Park and the harmony that reigns at the present time - this is what a novice traveler and history connoisseur can truly pamper himself with.
Joshua Trees National Park
Joshua Tree Park is located approximately two hours from Los Angeles. The park was founded in 1936 on the initiative of local Mormons. In their opinion, the rare trees growing there are similar to the image of Jesus Christ raising his hands. It took another 60 years for the park to receive national status.
However, the main attraction of the park is not the trees at all, but a chic desert complex where 700 species of plants grow, including dozens of varieties of cacti. Picturesque boulders are scattered throughout the park, which every self-respecting tourist tries to climb.
It is noteworthy that one of the albums of the famous rock band U2 is named after Joshua Tree Park.
Fort Ross State Historic Park
Fort Ross is located on the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Russian River. It is a national park that contains a preserved residential building and a reconstructed wooden fortress of Russian settlers who arrived here in 1812.
The fort was founded in northern California by the Russian-American Company for the extraction and trade of furs. It was the southernmost Russian settlement in America. The walls of the fort were built from solid logs, with watchtowers at the corners, following the example of Russian kremlins. In 1841, the fort and surrounding lands were sold to Mexican citizen and landowner John Sutter.
Yosemite Falls, California, USA
The stunning scenery encourages travelers from around the world to explore California's diverse national parks. It has absolutely everything - volcanic peaks, strange rock formations, lush meadows and dry deserts. The diversity of California's landscapes comes to life in these national preserves. A huge range of animals live within the parks' boundaries, providing incredible opportunities for visitors to see rare wildlife. I present to your attention the top 10 most beautiful national parks in California.
Devil's Pillars National Park
In the heart of California's Sierra Nevada mountain range lies the enchanting Devil's Pillars National Park. The park's main attraction is the impressive basalt rock columns that have fascinated people for generations. The strange structures were actually formed after an ancient volcanic eruption, when lava flowed down the mountain slopes. Icebergs helped form the hexagonal shape that now attracts so many people.
The Columns are the perfect place for adventure - tourists love to come here to explore the huge selection of hiking trails. The most interesting of them pass by the 30-meter Rainbow Falls or Mammoth Lakes. Natural geological formations, clean fresh air and incredible scenery make Devil's Pillars an ideal destination during the summer months, when it also hosts numerous festivals.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Discover the picturesque beachfront of Point Reyes with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The diversity of wildlife makes this place an ideal retreat for nature lovers. Along the coast you will find remote bays and wild meadows - home to wild elk and sparse vegetation. The national park is an ideal destination for children wanting to learn more about nature. Whale watching is particularly popular and usually occurs during the winter months, while wildflowers appear in the spring. Point Reyes National Seashore is ideal for romantic beach walks, where visitors can spot beautiful birds nesting along the long shoreline. Located at the westernmost tip of Marin County, this national park is a popular day trip from San Francisco.
Channel Islands National Park
Nicknamed "America's Galapagos," Channel Islands National Park is made up of five islands that are scattered along the coast of Santa Barbara. More than 2,000 species of plants and animals live here, 150 of which are found only on these islands. Whales and dolphins pass by the islands, and numerous birds nest here year-round. Each season offers visitors a different perspective of national park life: summer brings warm waters and humpback whales, while fall is ideal for kayaking and diving. The park is also known for its spectacular sunsets, when the falling sun illuminates the landscape and reveals the true beauty of the ocean views. In the selection with an overview of America's National Parks you will find many equally beautiful landscapes.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park attracts visitors year-round with its misty hot springs and bubbling mud puddles. The park's volcanic landscape includes many forests and crystal clear lakes. But don't worry—the volcano for which the park is named has not been active since its last eruption in 1914. Hike along the many hiking trails, and if you're brave enough, you can try to climb up to the volcano itself. Lake Helen, at the base of the volcano, is a spectacular place to view the surrounding scenery. The high altitude of the lake promotes freezing in the winter, but in the summer the ice melts and translucent turquoise waters appear.
Pinnacles National Park
The newest national park in California, Pinnacles is made up of rock formations and steep cliffs. The contrasting landscape was created by volcanic activity more than 23 million years ago, when a series of volcanoes erupted and their lava formed into a rocky form. The scenery changes frequently, including meadows of vibrant wildflowers under clear blue skies in the hot summer. Temperatures drop at night, creating ideal camping conditions as visitors bask in the charm of the stars. Pinnacles Park itself is actually made up of two parts, so you can hike from one side to the other. Rock climbing is another popular activity, along with exploring the many millennia-old limestone caves. This place definitely won’t get lost on the list of the best US National Parks.
Sequoia Park and Royal Canyon
Although Sequoia and Kings Canyon are technically two separate national parks, they are often presented as one, and one fee allows entry into both adjacent parks. Tall redwood forests soar above fast-flowing rivers. As the largest trees on the planet, giant redwoods grow alongside an extremely diverse range of other plant and animal species. The sun-soaked foothills and snow-capped hills are an amazing experience for all tourists. The park's underground cave networks are also extraordinary, and the glittering crystal caves are easy to explore with a guide.
Joshua Tree National Park
Massive mountains, large boulders and arid depressions form the strange setting of Joshua Tree National Park that has fascinated nature lovers, artists and other romantics for years. The park is located at the point where the peaks of the Mojave Desert meet the lowlands of the Colorado Desert. The park's diverse desert flora includes the strange tree from which the park takes its name. The Joshua trees that thrive in the area have strange and majestic shapes that change with the position of the sun. Here you'll have the opportunity to hike the Indian Cove Trail, or try rock climbing at Echo Cove. The park has also become synonymous with music, with many musicians spending time among the Joshua trees in search of inspiration.
Redwood National Park
Impressive and commanding redwood trees tower above the rest of the landscape like the tallest living thing on earth. Redwood National Park is located in the northern coastal region of California, home to an impressive 35 percent of the planet's coastal redwood forests. The park is a haven for wildlife and home to many animals, including owls, salmon and sea lions. Walking paths wind their way through ferns and open onto expansive meadows. If you're not yet convinced that this place has an otherworldly atmosphere, consider the fact that it was featured in Star Wars as the location of the Moon of Endor.
Death Valley National Park
Its name may seem a little creepy, but the stunning snow-capped mountain peaks and deserted fields make Death Valley an impressive attraction. One of the most unusual places on the planet, this park is truly incredible. The valley is known as the hottest and harshest place in North America, attracting constant streams of visitors to its surreal desert. The strange sand formations and layers of rocks create a fantastic playground for photographers. Hiking trails and lookout points provide a glimpse into an otherworldly landscape where most days are drenched in sunshine and nighttime brings fantastic stargazing opportunities.
Yosemite National Park
World-famous Yosemite National Park has become an iconic attraction for wildlife enthusiasts who enjoy spending weekends exploring the many trails that criss-cross the parks. Tourists are drawn to its dramatic scenery and beautiful wildlife, powerful waterfalls, impressive redwood trees and dramatic cliffs. This is a place for adventure and serenity. The park is also popular for skiing during the winter season. Many visitors stay in nearby towns, or come during the summer months and spend time camping. The views from above Glacier Point are impressive, as are the unusual rock formations of Half Dome and Sentinel Rocks.
The United States of America is an amazing country that combines a wide variety of ecosystems on its vast territory. From mighty glaciers to dry deserts, from high mountains to deep gorges, from endless plains to dense and impenetrable forests. All this can be seen on the territory of the country with an area of 9.5 million km2. Multimillion-dollar cities with constant smog alternate with deserted landscapes, and national parks and protected areas are found everywhere here. The total number of parks, reserves, wildlife refuges and other areas is more than 300, and 14 US national parks are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Be prepared to encounter bears in all US national parks
National parks are a source of special pride for the country, and they are treated accordingly, because they are home to numerous species of animals and birds. Not to mention the unique species of plants and trees that can only be found here. The Pacific coast stands out especially in this regard, where the temperate climate and fogs contribute to the fact that only in this corner of the earth the most amazing trees on the planet grow. You probably already guessed that we are talking about sequoias. They can be seen in several parks in California, and we headed to one of them to see this natural wonder with our own eyes.
Instructions on how to identify some birds in the endless sky Sequoia giant
These trees can be recognized by two characteristic features: they are the tallest and the heaviest. The average height of a sequoia is 60 meters, but some specimens have already exceeded 115 meters. And the trunk circumference of the widest sequoia is 31.5 meters. In addition, these are real long-living record holders, because the oldest existing sequoias are more than 3.5 thousand years old. Research scientists have proven that these giant trees existed during the Jurassic period, which is 200-150 million years ago.
This is the sign you will see long before entering the park itself. 
In the park you will be surrounded by giant trees The name of the tree comes from the name of the Cherokee Indian leader Sequo, who waged a war of liberation against foreigners for his territories. In addition, he invented Indian writing and is considered the first popular educator. In the end, the Indian tribes were forced out of their lands. But the sequoia became an eternal monument to the brave leader. Many times, Americans tried to rename the tree, either “California pine” or “mammoth tree,” but these names did not take root.
Get ready for a sore neck in this park. Sequoia National Park
You can look at these giants at Sequoia National Park, which is located in the southern Sierra Nevada of California. The park was founded in 1890 and annually welcomes more than a million tourists. It neighbors Kings Canyon Park, which also has giant sequoias.
Signs will lead you to the right place 
You will see many different pine cones in the park. In my left hand I have a redwood cone, and in my right hand I have a Lambert pine cone. Single admission ticket price
Before you can see the famous trees, you'll have to pay for an entrance ticket, which costs $30 per vehicle. I’m very pleased that this price includes visits to two national parks: Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Moreover, the entrance ticket will be valid for another 7 days. The entry permit is called a “permit” and is hung on the inside of the windshield so that it is visible. It will serve as your pass.
Prices can be seen near the checkpoint Cost of an annual subscription and its validity
You can also buy a special annual pass to visit all US national parks and reserves. It costs $80 and applies to the driver and all passengers in the car. You can buy it at the ticket office of any national park, or online.
Personally, we did not purchase it for ourselves, since according to the plan we had parks without national status, and this pass did not apply to visiting them. You can see the list of national parks where you can go with an annual pass.
The beauty of sequoias cannot be compared with any other tree. Weather conditions in Sequoia Park in winter
It is best to plan a visit in the summer, and if you come here in winter, be sure to look at the condition of the roads in advance on the national park website. Because in most cases, roads will be closed due to snowfall. Moreover, almost all US national parks are closed to vehicle travel in the winter and become accessible only for walking. Although we arrived at the park in early December, we were lucky that the roads were open, but there was already a thick layer of ice on the asphalt. This made driving along the narrow, winding roads of the park a dangerous adventure, because our car was shod with summer tires, which were completely unsuitable for these weather conditions. Braking on it turned into a prolonged slide, so maximum concentration was required from the driver. Special chains that fit on the wheels are best suited for such roads. The sign at the entrance will remind you of this once again. In any case, you are in the park at your own risk and are responsible for your actions.
There is solid ice on the road
Among other things, most of the roads leading to the upper parts of the park will also be closed, and you will have to get to them on foot. To do this, it is better to wear trekking shoes and take food with you for a couple of hours.
These are the prohibition signs that will greet you on many roads in winter. 
In addition to sequoias, other trees grow in the park 
It is very unusual to see small trees among such giants 
There are many fallen trunks in the park General Sherman
Even the very beginning of the park will immediately impress you with the size of the trees, and these are not even giant sequoias. To get to them, you need to get to the part of the park called Giant Forest (Giant Forest) . This is where the largest and heaviest sequoia on our planet grows. General Sherman. It was named in honor of the American Civil War general William Tecums Sherman and the height of this tree is 84 meters and every year it increases by 1.5 cm. The weight is estimated at 1900 tons, the circumference of the trunk near the ground is 32 meters, the crown span is 32.5 meters, maximum trunk diameter 11.1 m. These figures make General Sherman the largest and heaviest tree. In 2006, the largest branch fell off from its crown; its diameter was 2 meters and its length was 30 meters. And even after this “loss,” the tree retained its leading position in size.
General Sherman himself Up close it seems incredibly huge, and it is. The approach to it is prohibited, but despite this, everyone climbs over the fence to take pictures near the famous crack in the bark, which allows you to appreciate the scale of the tree.
So you can imagine the size of the tree 
Photo for memory 
Some useful facts
Looking up at it, you have to throw your head back very hard, and this is not the tallest sequoia yet. Superiority in height is given to the variety of evergreen sequoia (Sequoia sempervirens), which bears the name Hyperion. It 100% lives up to its name. It grows in Redwood National Park in northern California. Its dimensions are truly impressive: 115 meters in height, which is comparable to the size of a 42-story building. US authorities specifically do not disclose the exact coordinates of the location of this tree in order to curb the flow of tourists who could damage the fragile ecosystem formed around Hyperion.
Sentinel
There are more than 300 caves in Sequoia Park, but only one of them is accessible to tourists. And, unfortunately, it was also closed in winter. Having passed almost the entire Sequoia Park, we saw another tree, one of the ten largest in this park - sequoia Sentinel (The Sentinel) . Its height is 78.5 meters and it is located in the same part of the park as General Sherman - in the Giant Forest.
Another legendary giant sequoia 
This is what a sequoia uprooted by the wind looks like 
This 2 km long trail offers the opportunity to see many more beautiful redwoods. 
We wanted to go on a picnic, but everything was closed 
At the observation decks of Sequoia Park you can see the beautiful landscapes of the Sierra Nevada mountains Kings Canyon Park
After walking around Sequoia Park, we decided to take some time to visit Kings Canyon, which also contains many famous sequoias. The number of its visitors is 2 times less than that of Sequoia Park, but it is definitely worth a visit, especially since you have already purchased an entrance ticket, which is valid for both parks.
You need to walk here only on special paths 
You'll see tall beauties right near the parking lot in Kings Canyon The main place in Kings Canyon is Grant's Grove (Grant Grove) , around which you can walk along the paths and look at the second largest volume of wood, after General Sherman, General Grant Tree (The General Grant Tree) . He was named after Civil War General Ulysses Grant. Initially, it was believed that General Grant was the largest tree, but after measurements were taken, he had to give up his leadership to General Sherman. Its height is 81.5 meters, which means you will have to try hard to see its top.
General Grant can be seen from afar 
Sometimes the wind can cause redwood trees to break like this 
You can probably spend the night in these cracks if you have to. In addition, in the grove you can see a fallen sequoia, which is called "Fallen Monarch" (Fallen Monarch) . No one knows exactly when this giant fell, but from 1868 to 1876. this trunk served a variety of purposes: it housed a home, a hotel, a saloon and even a stable for 32 horses. Now the trunk is empty, and you can just walk inside it and feel the size of this huge tree. Also here you can see many cut down trees, as well as other fallen trunks that have been lying since the last century, and serve as a living reminder of man’s irresponsible activities in relation to nature.
Photo from the archive 
Entrance to The Fallen Monarch 
This is what a sequoia trunk looks like from the inside 
Exit from the opposite side After visiting these national parks, I was left with the regret that these incredible giant trees are on the verge of extinction, and soon we will only be able to see them in pictures from history. But we must pay tribute to the US authorities, who are taking all necessary measures to ensure that this does not happen.
I would like to hope that we will be able to contemplate these beautiful trees for a long time We were not able to visit the Canyon itself, due to the same closed roads due to heavy snowfall. But this will be a great reason to come here again. And we are leaving hospitable California and moving to the next national park. Stay with us!
California has such a huge number of national and state parks and recreation areas that, having lived here for 4 years, we still haven’t visited. In general, California is an amazing state, it has the most diverse nature: you can lie in the sun on the beach, or in an hour you can climb the mountains and already go skiing. Why isn't it heaven?
In California, they attach special importance to nature and take care of it. If you go to national parks like Yosemite, Sequoia, or any forests with hiking trails, you will see signs everywhere that you cannot leave the trail so that people do not trample down the plants. Everywhere you can find signs on the road that for throwing out garbage the fine is 500-1000 dollars. And they will definitely fine you if they catch you, so few people litter.
As a rule, no plants, flowers, or pine cones should be removed from parks or forests; this is also written about everywhere.
It is also prohibited to make fires in the forests, only in designated picnic areas; you cannot come with tents to the forests, unless it is a special tent site. In general, they make sure that the forests remain as they are now, and that people cause minimal damage to them.
I found some information about the parks on the Internet:
And all this, not counting the city parks, which you can’t even count here; probably, within a radius of 5-10 miles you can definitely meet a couple. And all these parks are equipped with free picnic areas with grills (in fact, I have never seen here where you have to pay for an equipped picnic area), water, toilets, there are lawns, flowers, and perfect cleanliness everywhere. Entrance to the parks is always free, sometimes you need to pay 3-5 dollars to enter the car. But if you don’t want to pay, you can always park your car behind the park and go there for free.
Here is a regular park (Craig Park in Brea), of which there are hundreds.
Another surprising thing is the huge number of ducks, geese and other birds in all parks where there are ponds, and there are ponds in 95% of all parks. And these are not just ducks or geese - these are huge, well-fed and very arrogant creatures. I don’t think that even in some villages it is possible to fatten such fat geese. I wonder if anyone has ever caught even one duck from the park to eat? It will probably never even occur to Americans. But, as a Ukrainian, of course, I was interested in this question, but hundreds of ducks and geese can’t just walk around the park unattended without anyone catching them, and I asked this question to my American friends (I think they laughed in their hearts) me), to which they responded calmly: “But that’s forbidden.” That says it all)))
Ducks even fly into the pools of ordinary houses and settle down there. What exactly is wrong with this? They are also citizens and can use all the resources) One such couple lives in our pool for the second spring.
In addition to ideal lawns, picnic areas, ponds and jogging paths, many city parks are also equipped, I repeat, with free sports facilities: tennis courts, fields for American football, European football, squash, basketball, there are a large number of turnstiles, etc. .d.
And again, this is all in perfect condition. Many, for example, paid Ukrainian courts do not reach the level of their free American brothers.
One such park (La Mirada Park), which is a couple of miles away from us and has 15 floodlit tennis courts that are open until 10 pm, is one that we often visit to enjoy a game of tennis.
National Park Redwood is that place on Earth that you want to visit again and again, no matter what the weather is like outside.
general description
(see photo below) has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1980, as well as one of the most famous nature reserves. Its size is 430 square kilometers. This amazing reserve is famous for its picturesque plantations of ancient redwood and mahogany forests. These trees are also known for their wear-resistant characteristics and durability. Their height reaches 115 meters, they grow for four thousand years, and their bark can withstand the effects of fire, wind and water.
In addition to the redwood forests, this park preserves pristine fauna and flora. About 75,000 rare species of mammals, birds and animals (for example, the western toad, California brown pelican, bald eagle, red deer, Roosevelt elk and others) found refuge here. Fans of the famous film epic “Star Wars” will undoubtedly recognize in the landscapes of the park the landscapes of the green planet Endor, since it was here that the final episode of the science-fiction film trilogy was filmed. Currently, the territory in which the Redwood National Park (California) is located is one of the most significant and protected in the United States.
History of origin
The first state reserves were organized back in the 16th century with the aim of preserving species of flora and fauna that were on the verge of extinction. It was forbidden to hunt, collect herbs, plants and their fruits on their territory. Later, the need arose to create not only protected areas, but also places for public leisure. Squares and parks began to appear in populated areas.
In 1848, with the beginning of the gold rush in Northern California, representatives of the lumber industry came to the territory that once belonged to the Cherokee Indians and began mercilessly and systematically cutting down the redwood forests. By 1918, a fund for the protection of redwood forests had been created. But by the time the state reserve was officially established on October 2, 1968, ninety percent of the redwood and mahogany forests had been destroyed. On this day, American President Lyndon Johnson signed an order to create the Redwood National Park (literally translated as “red forest”). It consisted of three combined parks: Del Norte Coast Redwoods, Jedediah Smith and Prairie Creek. Its total area at that time was 23,500 hectares. Later, in 1978, the territory of the reserve was expanded by another 19,400 hectares thanks to a decision of Congress.
In 1983, Redwood National Park was declared a biosphere reserve and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The forest area reached its current size in 1994 and is under government protection.
Vegetation
The rich plant life of "Redwood" is represented by 700 species of higher plants.
A significant and large part of the park is occupied by forests of the California red mammoth sequoia tree (lat. Sequoia sempervirens), which belongs to the monotypic genus of trees of the Cypress family. The crown has a conical shape, the bark thickness is 30 cm, the length of the leaves reaches 25 mm, the cones are 32 mm in length, the tree height is up to 130 m, the trunk diameter is 5 - 11 m.
Trees sempervirens, Sequoiadendron giganteum) - coastal subspecies of mahogany (S. mahagoni). They are the tallest living on Earth and grow on the Pacific coast of North America between Monterey Bay in Northern California and the Klamath Mountains in Southern Oregon.
Currently, the tallest sequoia in the world is Hyperion, its height is 115.5 meters. By 2017, according to scientists, the championship will be taken away by the Helios sequoia (which grows 2 inches annually), since the growth of Hyperion is suspended due to damage to the trunk caused by woodpeckers.
In addition to representatives of the mahogany tree, the territory of the Redwood National Park is inhabited by such rare and beautiful representatives of the flora as azalea, western trillium, wood sorrel, Douglas fir, California rhododendron, nephrolepis, etc.
What to do in the park?
Majestic sequoias, picturesque landscapes, well-equipped camping and other entertainment attract a constant flow of tourists at any time of the year.
Redwood National Park doesn't have to be explored on foot. An old railway runs through the reserve. Previously, cut down forest was transported along it, but now excursion trains run along it. By the way, railroad switches are still switched manually.
In addition to contemplating the majestic trees and excursions, visitors to the park are offered the following types of entertainment:
- horseback riding;
- cycling along specially laid routes;
- rafting;
- camping;
- cafe.
In what state is Redwood National Park located?
The reserve does not have a specific address.
Its location is northern California, an hour's drive from San Francisco towards Oregon. It's a coastal area between cities like Eureka and Crescent City.