sierra nevada, mountains, desert Kyle Hanson sierra nevada, mountains, desert Kyle Hanson

#163 Fossil Falls

Fossil Falls Scenic Area along the beautiful Highway 395 contains volcanic lava flows up to half a million years old. Basalt lava was sculpted by rushing water creating the smooth formations seen today. Native American artifacts have been found here dating from 12,000 to 3,000 years ago when the area was a wonderful place to live for its plants, animals and once abundant water supply.

 
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san luis obispo, central coast, ocean Kyle Hanson san luis obispo, central coast, ocean Kyle Hanson

#162 Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve protects 430 acres of the gorgeous central coast in Cambria. Chumash and Salinan Native Americans have used the land for thousands of years while the Fiscalini family opened a cattle ranch in 1850's. Local community and conservancy efforts came together to purchase the land for a preserve in 2001. Beautiful coastal bluff trails wind through overlooks, grasslands and forest while 25 rare and endangered plant and animal species reside here.

 
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desert, national park, museum Kyle Hanson desert, national park, museum Kyle Hanson

#161 Kelso Depot

The Kelso Depot stands brilliantly in the middle of the Mojave National Preserve. Now a visitor center for the park, the depot has been a desert landmark since opening in 1923. It was an important railroad service stop for the Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad and was crucial during World War II for the war effort delivering key goods via Union Pacific. The National Park Service saved the depot from demolition when abandoned after passenger service ended in 1964 and restored it to its original glory.  It continues to be a beacon of light for travelers in the desolate, yet stunning Mojave Desert.

 
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los angeles, ocean, central coast, national park, state park Kyle Hanson los angeles, ocean, central coast, national park, state park Kyle Hanson

#160 Leo Carrillo State Park

Leo Carrillo State Park on the coast of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is one of the jewels of Malibu. With its secret rocky coves and white sandy beaches, the place has it all. Named after Leo Carrillo, famous actor on the State Park Board, this beach has also been featured in many movies and television shows. It is the perfect spot to catch a sunset.

 
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#159 Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel at Salt Creek Beach is a gorgeous stretch of Orange County Coastline. The rolling hills that drop to the sea as well as soft, sandy beach are perfect for everyone's visit. Landscaped gardens surround the luxury hotel and make for postcard-perfect views of the sea. Relaxation is the key to enjoying this spot.

 
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los angeles, foothills, museum Kyle Hanson los angeles, foothills, museum Kyle Hanson

#158 Griffith Observatory

At 1,135 ft high in the hills of Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory is the crown jewel of Los Angeles. On a clear day, gorgeous views of Los Angeles, Hollywood and the ocean are seen for miles. It has been free since opening its doors in 1935. Colonel Griffith J. Griffith donated his land to the city in what would become a great park as long as a planetarium was built. He wanted a place where all could explore and enjoy astronomy. The Observatory was made famous by its appearance in the iconic James Dean Film 'Rebel Without A Cause'.

 
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santa barbara, central coast, foothills Kyle Hanson santa barbara, central coast, foothills Kyle Hanson

#157 OstrichLand USA

OstrichLand USA is a must stop for any visit to the Danish Village of Solvang. Where else can you feed ostriches and emus and watch them live alongside beautiful rollings hills? Ostriches are the largest bird species and can run up to 43 mph making them one of the fastest animals on Earth.

 
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san diego, foothills Kyle Hanson san diego, foothills Kyle Hanson

#156 Daley Ranch Preserve

Daley Ranch Preserve is a 3,000 acre park with more than 25 miles of trails in Escondido. Robert Daley settled here to build a ranch in 1869 while Kumeyaay Native Americans have lived here for thousands of years. A 1.2 mile hike along the ranch house trail takes you to the ruins of the ranch property while winding through beautiful canyons of oak woodland.

 
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inland empire, scenic drives, palm springs, mountains, forest, desert Kyle Hanson inland empire, scenic drives, palm springs, mountains, forest, desert Kyle Hanson

#155 Palms to Pines National Scenic Byway

Palms to Pines National Scenic Byway is one of the most scenic drives in Southern California. From the desert ecosystem of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley to the snow-covered peaks of the San Bernardino National Forest, this winding road takes you from sea level to peaks more than a mile high in pristine wilderness. Beautiful overlooks offer dramatic views that soar for miles.

 
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desert, national park Kyle Hanson desert, national park Kyle Hanson

#154 Cholla Cactus Garden

The Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park is a strikingly beautiful natural garden that wraps a quarter mile. Nicknamed the 'teddy-bear' cholla, these cacti look soft and fuzzy but are extremely sharp and pointy. Cholla grow between 1 and 5 feet tall and bloom in the late spring.

 
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