Visit California released on Apr. 8 a list of eight facts about the state’s national parks, in recognition of National Park Week. The organization encourages residents and visitors to explore these parks and learn more about their unique features.
National Park Week is an annual event held every April to celebrate the history, beauty, and culture of public lands across the United States. The National Park Service offers special events throughout the week, including free guided hikes in Channel Islands National Park and evening programs at Joshua Tree National Park.
The list shared by Visit California includes notable facts such as Yosemite National Park being America’s first government-protected park, designated as a public trust by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864. Death Valley National Park is recognized as the largest national park in the contiguous United States and sits 279 feet below sea level. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to 200 caves, including Crystal Cave—the state’s longest cavern—and feature some of the world’s largest trees like the General Sherman Tree.
Other highlights include Lassen Volcanic National Park being the only place on Earth with all four types of volcanoes: shield, plug dome, cinder cone, and composite; Joshua Tree National Park offering over 8,000 rock climbing routes; Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park being nearly three times larger than Manhattan; Redwood National and State Parks featuring Hyperion—the tallest known coastal redwood at nearly 380 feet; and Pinnacles National Park being California’s newest national park since its designation in 2013.
Visit California recommends checking out suggested activities for each park—such as hiking Yosemite Falls or exploring Fern Canyon—and encourages participation in ongoing events listed on the National Park Service’s calendar.
The organization aims to inspire greater appreciation for these natural resources during this year’s celebration.
