14 Day California Park Road Trip Itinerary
Embark on a 14-day journey through the diverse and captivating national parks of California and Nevada. This ultimate road trip will take you from the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest to the rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and vast deserts of California, culminating in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Along the way, you’ll visit iconic national parks, including Redwood, Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, Pinnacles, Channel Islands, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley.
Total driving time: Approximately 57 hours
Estimated miles driven: 1,834 miles (2,950 km)
Day 1: Eugene, Oregon to Crescent City, California
Driving distance: 222 miles (357 km)
Estimated driving time: 4 hours
Begin your adventure in Eugene, Oregon, where you’ll pick up your rental car and head south towards California. As you drive, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest, making your way to Crescent City, California. Upon arrival, explore the picturesque coastline, including the Crescent City Harbor and Battery Point Lighthouse. Stay overnight in Crescent City to prepare for the next leg of your journey.
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Day 2: Crescent City to Redwood National and State Parks, California
Driving distance: 70 miles (113 km)
Estimated driving time: 1.5 hours
After breakfast, drive to Redwood National and State Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage site and International Biosphere Reserve that encompasses a vast forest of ancient redwood trees. Spend the day exploring the park’s majestic groves, taking in the towering trees that can reach heights of over 370 feet. Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, hike the Tall Trees Grove Trail, and walk through Fern Canyon, a lush, fern-lined canyon featured in the film Jurassic Park 2. Stay overnight in or near the park to maximize your time among the redwoods.
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Day 3: Redwood National and State Parks
Spend another day exploring Redwood National and State Parks, delving deeper into the park’s old-growth forests, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Consider hiking the James Irvine Trail to Gold Bluffs Beach, where you can enjoy coastal views and perhaps spot Roosevelt elk grazing in the meadows. Overnight accommodations can be the same as the previous day.
Day 4: Redwood National and State Parks to Yosemite National Park, California
Driving distance: 370 miles (595 km)
Estimated driving time: 8 hours
Start your day early and prepare for a long drive to Yosemite National Park, one of the most iconic and beloved national parks in the United States. Upon arrival, spend the evening taking in the park’s dramatic granite cliffs, powerful waterfalls, and serene meadows. Stay overnight in or near the park to prepare for a full day of exploration tomorrow.
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Day 5: Yosemite National Park
Spend the day exploring Yosemite’s natural wonders, including iconic landmarks such as Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Take a scenic drive through the park, stopping at Glacier Point for panoramic views of the valley below. For those interested in hiking, consider trekking the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall or the Mariposa Grove Trail to see the park’s giant sequoias. Overnight accommodations can be the same as the previous day.
Day 6: Yosemite National Park to Kings Canyon National Park, California
Driving distance: 93 miles (150 km)
Estimated driving time: 2.5 hours
After breakfast, leave Yosemite and drive south to Kings Canyon National Park, a lesser-known but equally stunning park. Spend the day exploring the park’s rugged landscapes, including the General Grant Tree, the second-largest tree in the world, and the dramatic Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in North America. Stay overnight in or near the park to prepare for your visit to Sequoia National Park the following day.
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Day 7: Kings Canyon National Park to Sequoia National Park, California
Driving distance: 40 miles (64 km)
Estimated driving time: 1 hour
Head to Sequoia National Park, home to the largest tree on Earth, the General Sherman Tree. Explore the park’s groves of massive sequoias, and hike the Congress Trail, where you can walk among some of the oldest and largest trees in the world. Don’t miss the dramatic view from Moro Rock, a granite dome with sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape. Stay overnight in or near the park.
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Day 8: Sequoia National Park to Pinnacles National Park, California
Driving distance: 249 miles (401 km)
Estimated driving time: 5 hours
Leave Sequoia National Park and head west towards Pinnacles National Park, a hidden gem known for its unique rock formations and extensive network of talus caves. Spend the afternoon exploring the park’s numerous trails, which offer opportunities to observe native wildlife, including the endangered California condor. Stay overnight in or near the park.
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Day 9: Pinnacles National Park to Channel Islands National Park, California
Driving distance: 253 miles (407 km)
Estimated driving time: 5 hours
Drive to the coast and make your way to Ventura, California, where you’ll catch a boat to Channel Islands National Park. Comprised of five distinct islands, this remote and undeveloped park is a haven for marine life, seabirds, and native plants. Depending on which island you choose to visit, you can spend the day hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the pristine beaches and rugged coastline. Stay overnight on the island or return to the mainland and spend the night in Ventura.
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Day 10: Channel Islands National Park
Spend another day exploring Channel Islands National Park, visiting a different island or participating in ranger-led programs to learn more about the park’s unique ecosystems and cultural history. Overnight accommodations can be the same as the previous day.
Day 11: Channel Islands National Park to Joshua Tree National Park, California
Driving distance: 193 miles (311 km)
Estimated driving time: 4 hours
Depart from Ventura and head east to Joshua Tree National Park, a desert wonderland known for its unusual rock formations, vast landscapes, and namesake Joshua trees. Spend the day exploring the park’s varied terrain, which includes two distinct desert ecosystems: the Mojave and the Colorado. Highlights include the Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, and Keys View. Stay overnight in or near the park.
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Day 12: Joshua Tree National Park
Spend another day exploring Joshua Tree National Park, venturing to areas like Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and the Arch Rock Nature Trail. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying your hand at rock climbing, an activity for which the park is famous. Overnight accommodations can be the same as the previous day.
Day 13: Joshua Tree National Park to Death Valley National Park, California
Driving distance: 218 miles (351 km)
Estimated driving time: 4.5 hours
Leave Joshua Tree and drive north to Death Valley National Park, the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States. Despite its harsh conditions, the park is home to diverse landscapes, including sand dunes, salt flats, and colorful badlands. Spend the afternoon exploring highlights like Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and Artist’s Drive. Stay overnight in or near the park.
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Day 14: Death Valley National Park to Las Vegas, Nevada
Driving distance: 126 miles (203 km)
Estimated driving time: 2 hours
After a final morning in Death Valley, depart for Las Vegas, Nevada. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy an evening in the city, taking in the dazzling lights, world-class entertainment, and renowned dining options. This marks the end of your incredible road trip, so be sure to celebrate and make lasting memories in this iconic city.
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Conclusion
This 14-day road trip through California and Nevada offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most captivating landscapes and national parks in the United States. From the ancient redwoods to the vast deserts and everything in between, this itinerary provides a diverse and enriching travel experience. With ample time for exploration, relaxation, and adventure, this road trip is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
