#234 Piedra Blanca

Piedra Blanca, meaning white rock in Spanish, are a series of geological rock formations in Los Padres National Forest. The Gene-Marshall Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail takes you just over a mile each way to the site. After crossing the Sespe Creek, the white rocks appear and create a stark contrast to the surrounding forest.

 

#230 Garnet Peak

Garnet Peak is the crown jewel of San Diego. Located along the Sunrise Highway in Cleveland National Forest, this 6,000 foot peak offers jaw-dropping 360 degree views of Anza Borrego Desert State Park, beautiful alpine forest mountain terrain and even the ocean 50 miles away on a clear day. A moderate 2.2 round trip hike take you to the top and past the Pacific Crest Trail.

 

#228 Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park preserves 2,500 acres of canyons, streams, coast live oaks, grasslands and chaparral in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. Red Rock Canyon is the most scenic feature of the park and provides striking contrast to the rolling green hills in the Spring. More than twenty trails of varying skill levels make this a park for everyone to enjoy.

 

#225 Sandstone Peak

At 3,111 feet, Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. A moderate-strenuous 3 mile round trip hike takes you to one of the best vistas in Southern California. Malibu, the Channel Islands, Ventura and Santa Barbara can all be seen on a clear day. Once at the top, do not forget to sign and enjoy the log.

 

#224 Wild Horse Canyon Road

Wild Horse Canyon Road is a scenic drive through the Mojave National Preserve. This dirt drive is a true experience of solitude as is winds along the secluded canyon. Beautiful mountains full of desert cacti reveal vista points of genuine Mojave desert terrain. *Watch for free roam cattle and 4 wheel drive strongly recommended

 

#223 Glacier Point

Glacier Point is probably the most beautiful spot in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 7,214 feet. Located more than 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, the vista provides jaw dropping views of the iconic sites including Yosemite, Vernal and Nevada Falls and the prominent Half Dome. Glacier Point Road takes you to the overlook and is a beautiful drive.

 

#220 Paramount Ranch

Paramount Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has been a Hollywood Movie Ranch since 1927. Paramount Studios purchased this 2,700 acre lot to recreate the old west as well as many foreign countries. Gary Cooper, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Marlene Dietrich are just a few of the Golden Age elite who have filmed here. Wander and listen to the echoes of the past at this living historical site.

 

#216 Palomar Mountain State Park

Palomar Mountain State Park is a beautiful conifer forest park high in the mountains of San Diego County. Pine trees soar among grassy meadows and provide sweeping overlooks of the valleys below. With peaks above 6,000 feet, it is a great place to escape the valley heat in summer and enjoy a chilly and sometimes snowy winter. Luiseño Native Americans lived and hunted here seasonally while gathering acorns. Many of the facilities were built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

 

#214 Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on Big Sur's Highway One is a jaw-dropping stretch of coastline. Julia Pfeiffer Burns was a pioneer woman of Big Sur and provided early tourists with food and lodging. The 80 foot McWay Falls drop directly to the beach and is one of the most photographed spots on the Pacific Coast. 

 

#212 Placerita Canyon State Park

Placerita Canyon State Park preserves an important transition zone between the San Gabriel Mountains and Mojave Desert ecosystems. Coast live oaks line winding trails through chaparral covered hills. One oak in particular, 'Oak of the Golden Dream', claims fame as the first location of gold discovery in 1842. The canyon has also been a favorite location for Hollywood films with its streams, trees and canyons.