#75 Roaring River Falls
Roaring River Falls is a 40 foot fall in Kings Canyon National Park. This granite chute in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is a perfect example of how water has carved the surrounding land. This short and spectacular trail is a must for any visit.
#68 Corral Canyon
Corral Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area follows a natural creek flowing to the ocean. It is one of the last undeveloped stretches in Malibu. The Sara Wan Trail winds 2.5 miles through the canyon and has great views of the Coast and Point Dume. Wildlife includes Red-Tailed Hawks and Deer.
#67 Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are a highlight for any visit to Death Valley National Park. Before Sunrise and During Sunset are the best times to visit the Dunes as the shadows dance and the light paints the dunes. There are no designated trails due to shifting sand allowing the imagination to create its own trail. Watch for animal tracks from animals frolicking during the nighttime. *Use extreme caution in the heat as there is no shade and this is the hottest and driest place on Earth
#66 Glendora Mountain and Ridge Road
Glendora Mountain and Ridge Roads take you into Angeles National Forest into what is now the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. This winding road gives sweeping views of mountain peaks and valleys below and is a sure escape to the bustling city below.
#62 Wawona Hotel
The Wawona Hotel is a Victorian Wonderland in Yosemite National Park. Built in 1876, the Hotel has been hosting guests for more than a century. It is one of the oldest mountain resorts in the Sierra Nevada. The most famous site near the hotel is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, one of the treasures of Yosemite. President Theodore Roosevelt stayed here while touring Yosemite with John Muir which would lead to the federal protection of Yosemite.
#58 Hole In The Wall
Banshee Canyon at Hole-in-the-Wall in Mojave National Preserve is a beautiful canyon with endless exploration possibilities. The canyon was named after the sound of the wind as it blew across the canyon sounding to early settlers like a Banshee from Irish Mythology. The colorful rocks were formed by volcanic eruptions several million years ago. Adjacent is a great visitor center highlighting many sights of the Mojave. *Dirt road access
#52 Smuggler's Cove
Smuggler's Cove on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park is a premiere Hike in Southern California. The trail is 8 miles out and back making it a moderately strenuous hike. Carry lots of water and use caution in the summer heat. The trail crosses the beautiful island to a hidden cove which is perfect for relaxing and watching the waves roll in. Great views of Anacapa Island can also be seen. This trailhead can be reached by taking an Island Packers Cruise to Scorpion Ranch.
#51 Ryan Mountain
Ryan Mountain is an essential hike in Joshua Tree National Park. 3 miles out and back will have you climbing over 1,000 feet making this a moderate hike. The trail gives sweeping views of the park and the Wonderland of Rocks that rise from the ground. You will feel as if you are on the crown of the Mojave Desert.
#46 Cinder Cone National Natural Landmark
Cinder Cone National Natural Landmark is a series of lava flows in the Mojave National Preserve. Surrounded by 32 small volcanoes known as cinder cones, this natural landmark has been erupting for 7.6 million years with the most recent occurring only 10,000 years ago. The lava cooled and emptied leaving behind a cave called a Lava Tube.
Today, a stairwell descends into the tube allowing the visitor to explore this geologic wonderland. The Lava Tube can be accessed by a 5 mile drive on Aiken Mine Road. Use extreme caution as this is a rough gravel road. 4 wheel drive recommended.
#45 Tunnel Log
Tunnel Log is a fun attraction in Sequoia National Park along Crescent Meadow Road in the Giant Forest. After falling from natural causes in 1937, this Giant Sequoia was 21 feet wide by 275 feet tall and was estimated to be more than 2,000 years old. Today vehicles can drive through this gentle giant.