10-Day California National Park Road Trip Itinerary

This 10-day California national park road trip itinerary takes you through six major US national parks, including redwood forests, granite peaks, desert valleys, and everything in between.

You’ll hike beneath the world’s tallest trees in Redwood National and State Parks, explore granite cliffs and waterfalls in Yosemite, and visit the largest trees on earth in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. The route also includes a full day in Death Valley, the lowest point in North America, before wrapping up in Joshua Tree National Park.

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to see California’s most scenic national parks in one ultimate California road trip. It follows a logical north-to-south route that begins in San Francisco and ends near Los Angeles, making it easy to fly in and out of different cities. You’ll drive through the Sierra Nevada, explore diverse ecosystems, and experience some of the best hikes, scenic drives, and visitor centers in the United States.

California National Park Road Trip Overview (10 Days)

Jump to each day:

Day 1: San Francisco to Redwood National and State Parks

The first day of your California national park road trip itinerary starts in San Francisco, a city known for its steep hills, historic neighborhoods, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. If you have extra time before you leave, it is worth making a quick stop at the bridge or visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium along the coast.

Once you are ready to head north, follow Highway 101 out of the city and begin one of the most scenic drives in the United States. The Pacific Coast Highway stretches for miles along the ocean, offering views of rugged cliffs and redwood groves that hint at what is waiting in northern California. This route is longer than the inland highway but is a great choice if you want a relaxed pace and more coastal stops.

Plan for several hours of driving today. The distance from San Francisco to Redwood National and State Parks is about 320 miles, depending on where you plan to spend the night. Crescent City is a convenient base with easy access to trailheads and visitor centers. If you prefer to split up the drive, overnight in Mendocino or Fort Bragg to enjoy small coastal towns and fresh seafood along the way.

Before you arrive at the park, consider a short detour through Humboldt Redwoods State Park to drive the Avenue of the Giants. This section of old highway passes some of the tallest trees in the world, with picnic tables and trailheads where you can stretch your legs after the long trip. Late spring through early fall is generally the best time to drive this route, since winter months can bring heavy rain and low visibility on the winding roads.

Top Things to See and Do

  • Cross the Golden Gate Bridge as you leave San Francisco
  • Stop for a walk along the Pacific Coast Highway viewpoints
  • Visit the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park
  • Take a short hike among the redwoods before sunset

Drive and Logistics

  • Estimated driving time: 6 to 7 hours without stops
  • Fuel up in Santa Rosa or Eureka to avoid limited gas stations near the parks
  • Parking is usually available at state park trailheads, though lots can fill in summer

Day 2: Explore Redwood National and State Parks

Spend your second day of the California national park road trip itinerary exploring the old-growth forests and coastal landscapes of Redwood National and State Parks. This region protects nearly half of the remaining ancient redwoods in the United States, with hiking trails, scenic drives, and plenty of short walks that showcase the tallest trees on earth.

Start early to make the most of your time. The main road through the park connects several visitor centers and trailheads, so you will have easy access to different sections without a lot of backtracking. Many travelers begin at the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center near Orick to pick up maps and talk with park rangers about trail conditions and recommended routes.

If you want a relaxed introduction to the park, drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. This ten-mile route winds through groves of giant sequoias and offers frequent pullouts where you can take photos or walk among the trees. The Big Tree Wayside is a popular stop that requires only a short walk to see one of the largest trees in the park.

For longer hikes, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is a good choice. It is about a mile and a half round trip, with interpretive signs explaining the ecosystem and conservation efforts that protect these ancient forests. Another option is the Tall Trees Grove Trail, which descends steep hills to a secluded grove along Redwood Creek. A permit is required for this hike, so plan ahead if you want to include it on your itinerary.

Late spring through early fall is usually the best time to visit, with mild temperatures and clear skies. In winter months, trails can be muddy and coastal fog often limits visibility.

Top Things to See and Do

  • Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
  • Walk the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
  • Stop at the Big Tree Wayside for a short walk to the viewpoint
  • Visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center for maps and trail updates

Drive and Logistics

  • Most trailheads are within a short drive of Crescent City and Orick
  • Parking lots can fill up by midmorning in summer
  • Pack food and water, as services are limited inside the park

Day 3: Drive from Redwood to Yosemite National Park

Day 3 of your California national park road trip itinerary is mostly a travel day as you cross northern California to reach Yosemite National Park. It is a long trip, but you will see a big change in scenery as you leave the coastal redwoods behind and approach the Sierra Nevada.

Plan for about eight hours of driving. If you start early, you will have enough time to make a few short stops along the way. Some travelers detour to Lassen Volcanic National Park or stop in the historic town of Redding for lunch. If you prefer to break up the trip, staying overnight near Sacramento is a good option before continuing into the mountains the next morning.

Before you enter Yosemite, fuel up and grab supplies in Groveland or Oakhurst. Services are limited once you pass the entrance stations, especially if you plan to stay in Yosemite Valley or at Curry Village.

Late spring through early fall is the best time for this drive, since winter months often bring snow and chain requirements on the main road. Check conditions with the National Park Service if you are traveling in early spring or late fall.

Top Things to See and Do

  • Stop in Redding or Sacramento for food and a short walk
  • Take a scenic drive through Gold Country on Highway 49
  • Visit a visitor center near Groveland to pick up park maps
  • Arrive at Yosemite Valley in time for sunset over El Capitan

Drive and Logistics

  • Estimated driving time: 8 to 9 hours without long stops
  • Fill your tank before entering Yosemite
  • Parking lots in Yosemite Valley can fill quickly in summer

Day 4: Yosemite National Park – Yosemite Valley

Spend your fourth day exploring Yosemite Valley, one of the most famous landscapes in California’s national parks. This area is home to El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, with hiking trails and viewpoints that showcase the granite cliffs and meadows.

Start early to find parking near Yosemite Valley Lodge or Curry Village. Many of the best hikes begin in this part of the park, and popular spots fill up by midmorning. If you want a short walk, the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is an easy loop with views of the tallest waterfall in North America. For a longer option, the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall is a classic hike that climbs steep hills along the Merced River.

Throughout the day, take time to stop at Tunnel View and Sentinel Bridge for photos of the valley floor. These spots are especially beautiful in late spring when waterfalls are at their peak. If you prefer to explore by bike, rentals are available near Curry Village and offer a good way to cover more ground without needing to move your car.

Top Things to See and Do

  • Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
  • Walk to Lower Yosemite Fall
  • Visit Tunnel View for sunrise or sunset
  • Stop by the visitor center for trail maps and information

Drive and Logistics

  • Parking is available near Yosemite Valley Lodge and Curry Village
  • Free shuttle buses run through Yosemite Valley all day
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan a longer hike

Day 5: Yosemite National Park – Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove

Today you will explore Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove, two of the best places in Yosemite National Park for views and giant trees. Start your morning by driving to Glacier Point Road, which usually opens in late spring and closes for winter months. From the parking lot, it is a short walk to the overlook with incredible views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

After Glacier Point, continue to Mariposa Grove near the park’s south entrance. This area is home to hundreds of giant sequoias, including the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree. The Big Trees Loop is an easy trail with interpretive signs, while the hike to the upper grove offers a quieter experience among some of the largest trees in California’s national parks.

If you have time, stop by Wawona to see the historic hotel and visitor center before heading back to your lodging.

Top Things to See and Do

  • Walk to Glacier Point for panoramic views
  • Hike the Big Trees Loop in Mariposa Grove
  • Visit the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree
  • Explore the Wawona area and Pioneer History Center

Drive and Logistics

  • Glacier Point Road is about an hour drive from Yosemite Valley
  • Parking lots at Mariposa Grove fill quickly in summer
  • A free shuttle runs from the welcome plaza to the grove trailheads

Day 6: Drive to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

On Day 6, leave Yosemite behind and head south to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This drive takes you through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and into an area known for the largest trees on earth and deep mountain canyons.

The distance is about 200 miles, so plan for a five-hour drive with stops. Many travelers break up the trip in Fresno to refuel and grab lunch. This is also a good place to stock up on groceries and supplies before you continue into the parks, since services are limited once you arrive.

As you enter Sequoia National Park, the main road winds past groves of giant sequoias and scenic overlooks. If you have enough time before sunset, stop at the General Sherman Tree parking lot and take the short walk to see the largest tree by volume in the world. Nearby Grant Grove in Kings Canyon is another great spot for a quick hike among old-growth trees.

Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit, as winter months often bring snow and road closures. Always check conditions with the National Park Service before you drive into higher elevations.

Top Things to See and Do

  • Stop in Fresno for fuel and supplies
  • Visit the General Sherman Tree near the main road
  • Walk the Grant Grove Trail in Kings Canyon National Park
  • Look for black bears and mule deer along the scenic drive

Drive and Logistics

  • Estimated driving time: 5 hours without long stops
  • Chains may be required in early spring or late fall
  • Parking lots near popular groves fill by midday in summer

Day 7: Explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon

Dedicate today to experiencing the best hikes and viewpoints in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Start early to have plenty of time to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Begin with a visit to the Giant Forest Museum to learn about the ecology and history of the sequoia groves. From there, take the short walk along the Big Trees Trail, an easy loop that circles a lush meadow surrounded by towering trees. This is a good place to look for wildlife and appreciate the scale of the forest.

Next, drive up to Moro Rock, a granite dome that rises above the valley floor. The stairway to the summit is steep but manageable for most visitors, and the views stretch across the Sierra Nevada on clear days. If you prefer a quieter spot, continue along Generals Highway to the Crescent Meadow area for a short hike among old-growth sequoias.

In the afternoon, consider exploring Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. This road drops into one of the deepest canyons in North America, with viewpoints, picnic areas, and trailheads. Popular stops include Grizzly Falls and Zumwalt Meadow, where you can take a short walk along the river.

Top Things to See and Do

  • Visit the Giant Forest Museum and Big Trees Trail
  • Climb the steps to the top of Moro Rock
  • Walk through Crescent Meadow
  • Drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to Zumwalt Meadow

Drive and Logistics

  • Generals Highway connects Sequoia and Kings Canyon with several parking areas
  • The climb to Moro Rock is about 400 steps
  • Scenic Byway usually closes in winter months due to snow

Day 8: Drive to Death Valley National Park

Today you will leave the forests behind and head into the desert landscapes of Death Valley National Park. This drive is one of the most varied of the trip, starting in the Sierra Nevada and ending below sea level among salt flats and rock formations.

The distance is about 300 miles, with an estimated six-hour drive. If you leave early, you will have time to stop in Bakersfield or Ridgecrest for fuel and lunch. As you get closer to the park, be sure to top off your gas tank since stations are limited and distances between services are long.

When you reach the park boundary, stop at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to pick up a map and check trail conditions. Death Valley holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on earth, so it is essential to carry plenty of water and avoid hiking in the heat of the day. Late fall through early spring is generally the best time to visit, as summer temperatures often reach dangerous levels.

If you have daylight left, drive out to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. The salt flats here stretch for miles and glow pink at sunset. Another good stop is Zabriskie Point, a viewpoint over eroded hills and canyons.

Top Things to See and Do

  • Stop at Furnace Creek Visitor Center for information
  • Walk onto the salt flats at Badwater Basin
  • Watch sunset from Zabriskie Point
  • Look for wildlife near the mesquite sand dunes

Drive and Logistics

  • Estimated driving time: 6 hours without stops
  • Fuel up before entering the park
  • Parking areas are paved but can be crowded during cooler months

Day 9: Death Valley National Park

Spend your ninth day exploring more of Death Valley National Park. With a full day here, you will have time to see both popular viewpoints and quieter areas off the main road.

Start early if you want to hike before temperatures rise. The Golden Canyon Trail is a good option for a morning walk. It is about three miles round trip and leads through colorful rock formations to the base of Red Cathedral. If you prefer a shorter route, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes near Stovepipe Wells are easy to access and especially beautiful in the soft light just after sunrise.

Later in the day, drive out to Dante’s View, a high overlook nearly a mile above the valley floor. From here you can see Badwater Basin far below and Telescope Peak rising in the distance. This is one of the best places in the park for panoramic views and photos.

If you have time, visit Artists Drive, a scenic loop known for hills tinted with minerals in shades of pink, purple, and green. The parking lot at Artists Palette is a good place to stop and take a short walk among the canyons.

Top Things to See and Do

  • Hike Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral
  • Walk the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
  • Drive to Dante’s View for sweeping views
  • Explore Artists Drive and Artists Palette

Drive and Logistics

  • Carry extra water and snacks
  • Start hikes early to avoid midday heat
  • Most roads are paved, but always check conditions before driving out to overlooks

Day 10: Joshua Tree National Park and Drive to Los Angeles

The last day of your California national park road trip itinerary takes you to Joshua Tree National Park before you continue west to Los Angeles. This area is famous for its namesake trees, massive boulders, and desert views.

Start early so you have enough time to explore before the drive into the city. Enter the park through the north entrance near Twentynine Palms or the west entrance near Joshua Tree town. Both areas have good access to short hikes and scenic spots.

One of the best ways to see the park is to drive the main road past Hidden Valley and Barker Dam. Hidden Valley has an easy loop trail surrounded by rock formations popular with climbers. If you want a longer walk, the trail to Ryan Mountain offers a steady climb and wide views of the Mojave Desert.

Before you leave, stop at Keys View for a final overlook across the Coachella Valley. On clear days, you can see all the way to Palm Springs and the Salton Sea.

From the park, it is about a two and a half hour drive to Los Angeles, depending on traffic. If you have extra time, consider a short stop in Palm Springs or a detour to Santa Barbara along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Top Things to See and Do

  • Hike the Hidden Valley Trail
  • Walk to Barker Dam for desert views and rock art
  • Climb Ryan Mountain for panoramic scenery
  • Stop at Keys View before you leave the park

Drive and Logistics

  • Estimated driving time to Los Angeles: 2.5 to 3 hours
  • Bring water and sunscreen for desert hikes
  • Parking areas can be busy in cooler months