Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park preserves rocky canyons, Native American sites and an historic stagecoach route. Tongva, Chumash, and Tataviam Native Americans used this spot as a trading route and many remnants still remain. From 1861-76, it served as the Old Santa Susana Stage Road which connected travelers from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara & San Francisco. In the 1900's, it served as the backdrop of the old west for the adjacent RKO Studios.
#192 El Capitan
El Capitan is one of the most iconic rock formations at Yosemite National Park. This granite monolith rises 3,000 feet straight up from the valley floor. One look will leave you breathless.
#166 Shelter Valley
Directly along the historic Great Southern Overland Stage Route lies a magnificent valley known as Shelter Valley or geologically, Earthquake Valley. This desert valley, once home to the Kumeyaay Native Americans, is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Southern California. It is protected by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the Pacific Crest Trail passes through. Spring wildflowers dot the ground while mountains rise majestically in the background. With its clean air, light streams down and paints the ground and makes it the perfect spot for stargazing at night.
#29 Zumwalt Meadow
Deep in the heart of Kings Canyon National Park is Zumwalt Meadow. The winding trail takes you through tall grass and along the Kings River while the massive granite dome, Grand Sentinel, soars up out of the valley floor. This is the most popular hike in Kings Canyon. The trail is a mile and a half loop and can be done as a leisurely stroll through this alpine paradise. Take beautiful Highway 180, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Closed in Winter), to reach the meadows.
#19 Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall is a distinct year-round waterfall in Yosemite National Park with a plunge of 620 feet. The similarity to a bridal veil is striking. The Ahwahneechee Native Americans believed that being misted could improve one's chance of marriage. In the spring as the snow melts, the mist is a beautiful feeling and cleanses the soul.
