#31 Devil's Golf Course
Devil's Golf Course is a large salt pan in Badwater Basin of Death Valley National Park. This salt pan is a modern variation of Lake Manly which existed here thousands of years ago. The dissolved minerals that were left behind when the lake dried have been sculpted into a series of fascinating shapes. In 1934, the National Park Service described this as a place where 'only the devil could play golf'. Use extreme caution while visiting as the formations are piercingly sharp and this is the hottest place on Earth.
#30 Rocky Oats
Rocky Oats is a small, yet secluded preserve in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Coast Live Oak trees over a century old can be seen along the trails. A seasonal pond is enjoyed by many bird species during the spring. Chumash Native Americans lived here for centuries and lived off the land. Easy to miss, this peaceful preserve is waiting for you to explore.
#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.
#25 Zzyzx
Zzyzx is the former site of Zzyzx Mineral Springs & Health Spa in the Mojave National Preserve. Curtis Howe Springer founded the spa in 1944 naming it Zzyzx so that it would become the very last word in the dictionary. He claimed his hot springs could heal all health problems. The springs were actually just faked by warming the water with a boiler and adding herbs! The government caught up with Springer in the 60's and the Resort was shut down. California State University built a Desert Studies Center here in the 70's while all that remains of the resort are ghostly ruins. A car graveyard is the highlight of the ruins.
#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.
#16 Arch Rock
Arch Rock is a beautiful natural arch in Joshua Tree National Park. It is only a half mile loop trail starting from White Tank Campground. Geology unfolds right in front of your eyes as the granite rock formations rise above the Mojave. The trail is a wonderland for the imagination.
#11 La Piedra State Beach
La Piedra State Beach is a beautiful secret beach in Malibu in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It is overshadowed by the popular El Matador State beach next door. La Piedra in Spanish means rock, a fitting name for this rocky shore. It is one of my favorite beaches ever because of its solitude as well as it was the first beach I explored when moving to California.
#10 Mosaic Canyon
Mosaic Canyon is a beautiful geologic wonderland in Death Valley National Park. Limestone rocks known as Noonday Dolomite were formed here 750 to 900 millions years ago. Over time, faults and running water sculpted the canyon into beautiful marble walls. This slot canyon is a joy to explore and is the perfect example of an outdoor museum. Mosaic Canyon is very steep and rugged and Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth. Please explore with extreme caution. *4 wheel drive is recommended to reach the trailhead.
#7 Mount Wilson
Mount Wilson is a grand peak in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument & Angeles National Forest. The summit is just over a mile high at 5,710 feet. From the Angeles Crest Highway, Mount Wilson Red Box Road beautifully winds up the range. Visit on a rainy day and soar above the bursting clouds. Snow is even common in the winter. This wonderland is unbelievably right above Los Angeles yet you will feel you've entered another land.
#5 General Sherman Tree - The World's Largest Tree
The General Sherman Tree, inside of the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park, is the World's Largest Tree. Estimated to be an age of 2,300-2,700 years old, it is also one of the longest lived trees on Earth. This Gigantic Sequoia Tree is 274.9 feet tall with a ground circumference of 102.6 feet. The diameter of its largest branch measures 6.8 feet. It is certainly one of the great wonders of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
