California for Nature Lovers

Nature-lovers will feel at home in California. We've listed some of the state's most exciting natural destinations, but also check out the spots we rate tops for scenery in nearby states.

Underrated and Spectacular

They're listed first because under-visited spots are still the most pristine, and because they're personal favorites.

• East of Sierras: The fantastic landscape along US 395 is unmatched.
• Channel Islands: I call these isolated islands near Santa Barbara California's Galapagos, they've got so many endemic species.
• Lassen Volcanic National Park: It erupted in 1915 and has been recovering ever since.
• San Andreas Fault: The big crack in the middle of California holds unique geological features.

Coast

• Big Sur's Ventana Wilderness: The Santa Lucia Mountains draw hikers and animal inhabitants including California condors.

Desert

• Joshua Tree: Not really trees, they look kinda like them. Popular with rock climbers.
• Anza-Borrego: The largest desert state park in the U. S.
• Death Valley: Possibly the world's hottest place, it abounds with austere natural beauty.

Mountains

• Yosemite National Park: It's a victim of its own beauty, but still worth a stop off-season.
• Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: A less-crowded alternative to Yosemite.
• Mount Shasta: The country's tallest volcanic peak.

Lakes

• Lake Shasta: It can be crowded in summer, but in late fall or winter, you'll have it almost to yourself.
• Lake Tahoe: It's over-developed, but a list of California lakes seems incomplete without it.
• Mono Lake: Lowered water levels have created fantastic tufa towers and a unique ecosystem.

Animals

• Monarch Butterflies: These fragile creatures gather by the thousands in winter.
• Tule Elk: These once-endangered elk thrive in the central valley's Tule Elk State Reserve and around Point Reyes.
• Whale-Watching: Where to see them depends on the time of year.
• Elephant Seals: They winter at Ano Nuevo State Park near Santa Cruz and at Piedras Blancas near Hearst Castle.

Trees and Wildflowers

• The Big Trees: Giant sequioas grow in Sequoia National Park and Yosemite. For tall coastal redwoods, go to Muir Woods near San Francisco and or Redwood National Park.
• Hite Cove Trail: This moderate trail is one of California's best wildflower walks.

Birding

• Mono Lake: A major stop on the Pacific Flyway.
• Bolsa Chica: This coastal wetland is improbably located in Orange County.