There are certain trips that everyone should go on at least once in their lifetime. Everyone should go to visit the pacific coast, everyone should go on a cruise, and everyone should go on a National Park road trip. Whether that means a Utah trip from Zion to Arches or a California trip from Joshua Tree to Redwoods. A National Park road trip is the most mind blowing road trip you will ever go on!
I live in West Texas, home to 2 of the USA National Parks; Big Bend and Guadalupe. Ever since I was in 5th grade I have wanted to visit Yosemite National Park, so this last year we decided to make that wish come true. Not only did we visit Yosemite, but 8 other National Parks to get there!
While West Texas isn’t known for being the most desired place to visit, this National Park road trip from Texas to California is one you are not going to want to miss out on!
Tips For Making This Trip:
- Drive! This is a road trip! Emphasizing the road part! There is A TON of driving involved in this trip, but this is how you will see the most for time.
- Purchase a National Park Pass! National Parks on average cost an entry fee of $25 an adult. If you visit 9 National Parks you are going to be paying $225 per person! That is a heck of a lot of money! The National Park Pass is a annual fee of $80 and will get you into all the National Parks and most other National sites/monuments for FREE! That pass includes you vehicle of people, so instead of paying $225 per person, get the pass and only spend $80 in total!
- Book campgrounds months to a year in advance. Several of these National Parks are so popular that you have to book months to a year in advance to even go. We tried to book our Kings Canyon campground a year in advance and still didn’t get to stay here! Book as soon as you decide to go on this trip so you can actually get a campsite!
- Plan your route and trails before you go. Below I have listed the hikes and the routes that we took to accomplish this trip, obviously this is your trip so you do your thing; but feel free to use our National road trip itinerary. Just plan before you go so that you can see the most. Also a lot of these National Parks have very little cell service so plan before you go so you know the route without your phone.
- Stick to the shortest trails. If you want to see all of these National Parks and the most out of these parks, they hiking the smallest trails is the best time saver.
- Arrive to each park as early as possible. To see the most of each of these parks get here early so you have the most time to see as much as you can. Also National Parks are almost always busy so if you want to see things and find parking, get their early!
- Make reservations months to a year in advance. Some of these National Parks, like Carlsbad Caverns, require reservations to enter. If you want to visit the cave you have to reserve at least a day before you go or they will most likely not let you in. Some even require a reservation or you will not even be allowed to enter the park, like Yosemite National Park.
- Pack your meals! National Parks are usually a little bit out of town. So instead of leaving the park and driving hours just to eat, pack your meals and have picnics! Some National Parks have restaurants, but most don’t. Those that do have restaurants are very expensive.
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Big Bend National Park
We start our journey at Big Bend National Park. Prepare for an awe-inspiring adventure, where the rugged beauty of the Southwest unfolds across a vast expanse of desert and mountains. Encounter towering cliffs, winding canyons, and the majestic Chisos Mountains, offering endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploration.
Marvel at the vibrant desert flora and fauna, from blooming cacti to elusive wildlife like desert bighorn sheep and roadrunners. Whether you’re embarking on a scenic drive, floating down the Rio Grande, or stargazing beneath the expansive night sky, Big Bend promises a captivating journey into the heart of Texas wilderness.
Hikes:
Big Bend Hot Springs Trail (1.2 miles)
From the Persimmons Gap Entrance on the north side of Big Bend, The first leg of the journey will be to drive the scenic desert drive to Big Bend Hot Springs. You will want to get there early in the morning so that you can have the hot springs to yourself! It starts to get really busy after 10am and this is when parking gets to be a hassle as well.
The hike to the springs is super easy and you could even walk it barefoot because it is sandy and flat. The hot springs are contained in the foundation remnants of the historic bathhouse that was here. Great way to start the day!
Boquillas Canyon Trail (1.2 miles)
Drive 22 minutes south to hike Boquillas Canyon. This is one of the lowest points of the National Park and as such it is one of the hottest, so again this is one hike you are going to want to do early in the morning.
This short hike climbs over a low hill and drops down to the river. The river is a popular spot for spotting wild horses, burros, turtles, as well as free range cattle. It is an easy hike with a great view and swarming with wildlife.
Balanced Rock Trail (1.9 miles)
Big Bend National Park is GIANT. I mean it is Texas after all! To get from one end of the park to the next takes hours! So no surprise when I say the next trail is an hour and six minute drive to the Balanced Rock Trailhead. This trail is one of the top iconic trails of this National Park.
While the other 2 trails have been short and easy, Balanced Rock Trail requires a little more stamina and strength to conquer. The entire trail is just under 2 miles, but it is across challenging landscape. The trail is rocky, which is manageable, but towards the end becomes more of a rock scramble to the balanced rock itself. The rock formation is so cool to see, but the view is a must!
Window View Trail (0.3 miles)
After another 42 minute drive, you will come to the Window View Trail. Okay I wouldn’t even really consider this one a trail because it is SO short. This easy, paved trail is only 0.3 miles, but is has an incredible view that you will not want to miss!
Santa Elena Canyon (1.6 miles)
Its time for the big finale! Santa Elena Canyon is the number one hike in Big Bend National Park. If you have ever seen a picture of Big Bend I guarantee this was one of the pictures! After a scenic hour and 10 minute drive here, the short trail is very easy through towering cliffs and lush vegetation!
The trail will lead to where the canyon walls meet the river. Its at this point that you need to pray you don’t lose your shoes. I may be talking from several experiences! The mud by the river is no joke! It once went all the way up past my sisters knee!
As we hiked this area, right on the Mexican border, I will never forget the Hispanic singer on the other end of the border yodeling La Cucaracha and the gorgeous beaded animals draped across the rocks being sold by Mexican sellers. It is such a cultural experience!
Where to stay for the night?
After a day full of swimming, hiking, and the intense Texas heat it is time to head in for the night. Now normally I would just say camp in the National Park, but the town of Terlingua, Texas has such unique places to stay, that you can not pass up on trying their unique Airbnb’s!
An hour and 8 minutes from Santa Elena Canyon and outside of Big Bend National Park are the Bubble Terlingua. It is exactly what it says it is, you get to spend the night in a giant bubble! These stargazing bubbles are the most beautiful way to end your day in the Big Bend area. With beautiful views, you get to fall asleep under the stars, but still in comfort!
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Be sure to wake up early cause you have some driving to do to get to the next National Park. 4 hours and 9 minutes through absolutely nothing. This barren countryside will feel like it will never end, but once you get to the next National Park it will all be worth it!
Prepare for an enchanting encounter with nature at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, a hidden gem nestled in the rugged wilderness of West Texas. Towering above the Chihuahuan Desert, the iconic Guadalupe Peak stands as the highest point in Texas, offering exhilarating hiking trails and breathtaking panoramic views.
Whether you’re scaling rocky peaks, marveling at ancient rock formations, or simply reveling in the tranquility of the desert, Guadalupe Mountains National Park promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Lone Star State’s untamed wilderness.
Hikes:
McKittrick Canyon Nature Loop Trail (1 mile)
The majority of Guadalupe Mountains National Park is very strenuous and long trails. I have 4 kids and so hiking the 8 mile strenuous up mountain hike isn’t as fun as it could be. Lucky for us Guadalupe has a gem for families to still experience its beauty without the strenuous steep trails.
McKittrick Canyon is found on the southeast end of the National Park and it is breath taking! Not only do you get incredible views of the mountains, you also experience the diversity of this National Park. Trails of desert lining the rivers bringing lush trees and vegetation not often found in the desert.
The hike I suggest is the nature trail and this one trail will showcase the beauty that Guadalupe offers. This trail is a short 1 mile loop up and around a small hill for a scenic overlook of the canyon. The trail is rocky and mostly uphill, so I wouldn’t say super easy, but easy enough that my toddlers were able to do it with little help.
This trail offers a delightful experience adorned with vibrant desert vegetation, showcasing the rich variety of cacti species that thrive within the park. Walking along it feels akin to strolling through a natural desert garden, where the landscape comes alive with the colorful and diverse plant life native to this arid environment.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Did I forget to mention that you are visiting 2 National Parks in one day!? 43 minutes north of McKittrick Canyon is Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Prepare to be spellbound by the wonder of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a breathtaking labyrinth of underground chambers and formations nestled beneath the rugged landscape of southeastern New Mexico. Embark on a mesmerizing journey into the depths of the Earth as you explore vast caverns adorned with intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological marvels formed over millions of years.
Descend into the eerie darkness of the caverns, where hidden passages and colossal chambers unveil a surreal world of natural beauty and mystery. Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the earth’s hidden treasures?
Hikes:
Carlsbad Caverns Natural Entrance (1.2 miles)
Carlsbad Caverns has many trails outside of the caverns, but the caverns is the trail you simply can not skip. Descend down into the deep depths of this incredible cave, by taking an extremely steep and quick descent into its darkness. I suggest hiking down and then riding the elevator up do to the extremity of the steepness in hiking up.
When I say you descend quickly I mean within an hour you travel down 750 feet into the depths of the Earth! That is equivalent to walking down a 75-story building! Taking this entrance will take you to wonders you will never see otherwise!
Big Room Trail (1.25 miles)
The Natural Entrance trail will lead you to the Big Room at the base of the public area of the caverns. This room is the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America! The trail is flat and so easy to do. Along this trail you will see spectacular formations of all shapes and designs. It is my favorite caverns trail of all time!
Where to stay for the night?
The thing about road trips is if you have a break in time you are driving to the next destination. This drive is a 3 hour 11 minute drive up through the mountains in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Just past Cloudcroft is the town where the next National Park on our road trip is found.
Unfortunately they don’t allow camping in White Sands at this time, but there is a KOA in Alamogordo, New Mexico that is a great place to stay for the night.
White Sands National Park
Next stop is to the moon! Or some place similar! Prepare to be transported to a surreal landscape of shimmering white dunes at White Sands National Park. Here, endless waves of gypsum sand stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a view of what I imagine the moon would look like.
There are several hikes available, but honestly everywhere you look is magical. We didn’t even take a trail, just parked and explored the sands on foot. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this unique desert ecosystem by climbing the long shimmering dunes and sliding down them on sleds. This park is the most immersive and free range National Park I have ever been to. I have no trails that I suggest, what I do encourage is if you see a pretty section find the nearest parking area and go explore on your own!
Saguaro National Park:
From one desert extreme to the next. Trading rolling dunes of white sands to hills of iconic saguaro cacti standing tall against the backdrop of a vast desert landscape. Saguaro National Park is an enchanting park and sanctuary for the magnificent Arizona saguaro cacti. While visiting this park, prepare to experience leisurely hikes, panoramic views from scenic overlooks, and simply unforgettable immersion into the beauty and majesty of the Sonoran Desert.
This National Park is separated into a east and western park. On this particular journey we will be exploring the western section of Saguaro National Park. The drive to get here from White Sands is a long one, 5 hours and 21 minutes, but the experiences that you will have in this Saguaro ocean will be worth the long hours.
Hikes:
Cactus Garden Trail (0.2 miles)
The first 2 trails are located at the Red Hills Visitor Center. The first is a Cactus Garden and it is the easiest trail you will ever go on. It is more of a walk through a garden of assorted cacti and barely even a quarter of a mile.
Desert Wash Trail (0.2 miles)
From the Cactus Garden Trail, you will see stairs that lead downward towards another trail. This trail will taken you on a wider loop around the visitor center. The trail is flat and easy, the only difficult part about it is the loose pebbles you are hiking through will probably get in your shoes. This trail guides you through a maze of oddly shaped saguaro cacti and ends with a panoramic view of endless hills of saguaros.
Desert Discovery Nature Trail (0.4 miles)
Unlike Big Bend where you had to drive about an hour to each trail, this trail is only 5 minutes down the road from the last 2. To really get up close to the giant cacti, this is the perfect trail. It is an easy, paved loop around a forest of unique saguaros. My toddlers hiked the entire trail with no problems other than wanting a water break every 5 minutes. To say it is hot may be an understatement.
Along the hike are several plaques teaching about the desert and a couple shaded benches to sit and take in the beauty surrounding you.
Signal Hill Trail (0.3 miles)
My favorite trail in Saguaro National Park (western half) is Signal Hill Trail. This trail was short, but diverse. You climb down then across a flat plain, then up a rocky hill for an incredible 360 view of thousands of Saguaros.
At the top of the hill isn’t just a beautiful view, but a series of petroglyphs on the giant rocks. This is a very rocky area so beware of rattlesnakes basking on the rocks!
Where to stay for the night?
Just north of Tucson is a tiny town that you do not want to miss! After driving through flat desert you will see a large rocky mountain. This is where you should stay for the night! Picacho Peak State Park is located at the base of this giant mountain.
What a stunning state park! Positioned slightly elevated on the hillside, the campsites offer an endless vista of majestic Saguaro cacti stretching as far as one can see. The openness of the area is striking, and the campsites are impeccably maintained, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience amidst this breathtaking landscape.
Joshua Tree National Park
Prepare to be captivated by the otherworldly beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, because that is where you are headed today! A mesmerizing desert landscape where rugged rock formations and iconic Joshua trees create a surreal and enchanting environment is located in southeastern California, just 4 hours and 54 minutes from Picacho Peak State Park.
This unique park offers visitors the chance to explore a diverse array of ecosystems, from the barren Mojave Desert to the higher elevations of the Colorado Desert. Hike amidst towering rock formations, where petroglyphs, scale rocky peaks, marvel the serenity of the desert, and enjoy the unique Joshua Tree’s.
Hikes:
Cholla Cactus Garden (0.2 miles)
Entering the National Park from the southern Cottonwood Springs entrance, it will seem like the most barren National Park ever. Driving it, I kept thinking this was the lamest National Park ever, I can not even explain how wrong I was. The first trail is the Cholla Cactus Garden.
After about an hour of nothing, all the sudden you are in a sea of Cholla cacti! These are now my new favorite cacti because they are so unique, they look like hundreds of spiky bunny tails on a bush. The trail is flat is super easy. Just beware because there is nothing between you and the these deadly looking plants.
Discovery Trail (0.7 miles)
From barren desert, to fields of Cholla Cacti, another 19 minutes into the land of giant rocks. There are so many AMAZING trails that will take you through and around these giant rocks, but if you had to choose one, this is the one I would advise.
This short trail takes you to one of the most iconic rock formations in Joshua Tree and that is Skull rock. It is a GIANT rock that looks like a skull. To get to this incredible looking rock you have to climb up other rocks. Why stop there though, surrounding Skull Rock is a sea of giant rock formations, caves, tunnels, and so many other amazing rocks to climb. My kids were in absolute heaven climbing so many rocks!
Cap Rock (0.5 miles)
If you have time and if there is parking I do suggest you stop and walk through the Hall of Horrors which is a tight trail in a trench between gigantic boulders, but this is probably the most popular hike and parking is a battlefield.
So if you can not do Hall of Horrors, than stop 12 minutes from the Discovery Trail to Cap Rock! Cap Rock was my favorite trail in all of Joshua Tree due to the fact that it summed up Joshua Tree National Park all in one short and easy trail. This trail loops you through the forest of silly looking Joshua Trees, across the desert of cactus and next to giant rocks to admire the most giant rock of them all with a small cap rock on top.
The entire trail is paved and so easy, it is just a way to take in the beauty of Joshua Tree. My kids loved this trail because their were caves to explore, we found giant lizards basking on the rocks, and there were plenty of rocks to climb on. It was such an fun trail.
For more about visiting Joshua Tree National Park, be sure to check out my article: Essential Tips For Visiting Joshua Tree National Park With Kids
Where to stay for the night?
Tomorrow is an extremely busy day with visiting 2 National Parks in a day, so you are going to want to get pretty far to get to the next campground. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is 4 hours and 42 minutes north of Joshua Tree. It is kinda out in the middle of nowhere, but it is super cheap and such a nice place.
This state park is located in a large grassy field surrounded by old historic buildings. Kinda cool to camp back in time! My one piece of advice though, bring bug spray!
For more information about Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, read my article: The Unique Experience of Camping At Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Sequoia National Park
Wake up early! You will thank me later when this park is swarming with people and you are waiting in a line just to park. Also you do have a 2 hour and 27 minute drive to the first national park of the day.
If you ever wondered what an ant feels like when looking up, walking through Sequioa National Park will give you a pretty good idea! Prepare to be dwarfed by the monumental beauty of some of the largest trees on Earth, the towering sequoias.
Explore awe-inspiring landscapes dotted with granite peaks, deep canyons, and pristine alpine lakes, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration. Hike along scenic trails that wind through lush forests, marveling at the sheer magnitude and resilience of these ancient trees. Whether you’re standing beneath the towering canopy of a sequoia grove, gazing out over sweeping vistas from Moro Rock, or simply reveling in the tranquility of nature, Sequoia National Park promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the natural world.
Hikes:
Moro Rock (0.5 miles)
After driving through tunnel rock, be sure to make a quick pit stop at Hospital Rock to see some really cool petroglyphs right next to the parking lot. This is also a perfect stop for the back drop of our first stop of the day, Moro Rock.
Moro Rock stands as a guardian over the forest and it is truly magnificent. Moro Rock is an extension from the mountain that resembles a gigantic boulder and this hike will take you to the top! It is steep and has narrow steps, but it is short. The view at the top is just remarkable!
Crescent Meadow Loop (1.3 miles)
The next hike is just 6 minutes down the road, but it is the iconic drive through Sequoia you are looking for! Not only are you driving through the enormous sequoia forest, this where you can drive through the giant fallen sequoia tree.
After hiking the steep Moro Rock, this next trail will seem super easy. This hike around Crescent Meadow is so easy even my toddlers could do it. It is flat and paved for a good portion of it. The hike takes you around the most beautiful meadow ever! It is green and covered with wildflowers. A bubbling creek runs through the meadow and surrounding it are these giant trees!
This is the perfect spot to find wildlife as well. While we were visiting we even saw a bear!
General Sherman Tree Trail (1.2 miles)
Drive 15 minutes to the parking lot at the top of the trail to General Sherman Tree. If you can only pick one trail in Sequoia National Park, this is the one I suggest! This is where you will find the tallest tree in the WORLD!!! You simply cannot miss that!
The trail from the parking lot leads you down and down and down. This is the easy part! The trail is paved and there are stairs in several sections, but the trail itself is easy it is just down. Remember when you go down, you will be going up on the way back. Up and up and up!
Throughout this trail you will see several amazing sequoias and get right up close to them. Only problem is that this is the most popular trail here, so always expect crowds!
Kings Canyon National Park
You will be simply awestruck by the majestic grandeur of Kings Canyon National Park. This sister national park to Sequoia National Park is basically connected. It is a wilderness sanctuary nestled in the mountains, housing breathtaking views and the magnificent sequoia trees.
Here, towering granite cliffs and deep river canyons carve a dramatic landscape that rivals any other in North America. Marvel at the sheer magnitude of Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the United States. Explore ancient groves of giant sequoias, including the legendary General Grant Tree, the second-largest tree on Earth. Whether you’re embarking on a scenic drive along the breathtaking Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, hiking through towering forests, or simply basking in the serenity of the wilderness, Kings Canyon National Park will continue to consume your daydreams from now on.
Hikes:
Hume Lake Loop (2.9 mile)
Time for a long, but beautiful drive through both Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. I don’t blame you for stopping at every over look you see because that’s what I did! This drive is just incredible and you see the depths of the mountains.
After the long drive, you will come to what almost seems like a small town that is nestled around the sparkling Hume Lake. As you drive practically around the entire lake there will be a parking lot. From here is a trail that will lead you right down to the lake. The water is crystal clear and has a waterfall feeding the lake.
In the distance white capped mountains seem to be looming over the water. The trail will take you a good portion around the lake. It is super easy and goes from paved, to a bridge, to just dirt. The trail gradually changes from flat to up hill to down hill and flat. It is so easy!
General Grant Trail (0.7 miles)
We already saw the tallest tree in the world in Sequoia, Kings Canyon has the second tallest, General Grant! This trail is a 22 minute drive from Hume Lake. Again this is a very easy hike, but one you are not going to want to skip. This hike is right through a grove of giant Sequoia trees.
The entire time you are just surrounded by giant trees and you will probably get a kink in your neck from looking up! They are just amazing! This trail showcases some of these incredible trees. This is also the trail where you can walk through a fallen Sequoia. While were walking through this giant tree, there were probably about 20 other people! That is how giant these trees are that they can fit that many people in them!
The trail is paved and so flat, it is just the easiest hike.
North Grove and Sunset Loop (1.7 miles)
Connecting to the hike to General Grant’s trail is the North Grove and Sunset Loop. This trail is a simple one. Not difficult, not really showcasing many giant Sequoias, but it just shows the beauty of the simple tall pine trees in this forest.
The trail is easy and covered in pinecones and pine needles. It is a quiet and peaceful trail through the mountains! Simple yet beautiful!
Where to stay for the night?
Tomorrow is the National Park road trip finale, Yosemite National Park. If you want to spend hundreds of dollars to stay in Yosemite, be my guest, but Barrett Cove Recreational Area is just outside of Yosemite and it is the perfect spot to camp for the night.
It is 3 hours and 25 minutes from Kings Canyon National Park, but only a little over an hour to the entrance of Yosemite National Park. This rec area is located on the west side of the giant Lake McClure. Our campsite was right at the top of the cliff overlooking the lake! It was beautiful and we had the entire campground to ourselves!
We got to spend the evening a the lake shore throwing rocks in the water and soaking our hiking sore feet! What a wonderful way to end a remarkable day!
Yosemite National Park
I don’t think there is a way to prepare you for the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park, a true masterpiece of nature. Majestic incomprehensible cliffs rise to dizzying heights, framing lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and alpine meadows. Dazzling waterfalls are around every turn.
Each landmark offers awe-inspiring unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hike along scenic trails that wind through ancient groves of giant sequoias, marveling at the sheer magnificence of these towering trees. Whether you’re rock climbing, backpacking, or simply basking in the tranquility of the wilderness, Yosemite promises an unforgettable journey into the beauty and grandeur of the natural world.
Hikes:
Bridal Veil Falls (0.8 miles)
Reservations to Yosemite National Park are REQUIRED! Book as soon as you decide to make the trip and book a time as early as you can. We arrived at the park by 7am and a line was already formed at the gate! There is so much parking at this National Park, but there is even more people! Traffic can be a nightmare!
To spend a day in Yosemite National Park, your first stop should be Bridal Veil Falls. This hike is so short and so easy, and the waterfall is simply magical! You will see this waterfall practically all throughout Yosemite Valley, but trust me you will want to get the best view you can!
Lower Yosemite Falls Trail (1.2 miles)
As soon as you finished the Bridal Veil hike, start the drive over to Lower Yosemite Falls. Stop at the pull over look outs!! There are several view points along this drive of Lower Yosemite Falls that are just iconic!
Once you loop in the road towards the falls, park at the first parking lot you find on the right side of the road. There is a ton of parking on the left side further up the road, but the majority of it is for those who are staying in the park and not accessible for you. The walk from the first parking lot is less than the ones on the left side that are accessible for day use.
This trail is the most popular trail in Yosemite and it is so easy. My toddlers hiked the entire trail with no issues. The trail is either paved or a boardwalk bridge. It takes you so close to the Lower Falls that you will get soaked from the mist of the falls if you are there for longer than 5 minutes! It is a breathtaking trail!
Lower Chilnualna Falls Trail (0.4 miles)
Because you only have a day in Yosemite, you will really only get through 3 actual trails before you have to head out. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but fighting traffic and finding parking will take up more time than you think.
The next hike will take you out of Yosemite Valley, to the lower Yosemite area. On this drive when you get to the tunnel, go through the tunnel first before parking! At the end of the tunnel is a gravel pull off where you can turn around, because you can not miss driving through the tunnel then opening into that view!
After you drive through the tunnel, now you should park and admire the view! It is a huge panoramic view and I can not even count the number of waterfalls we saw from this overlook.
The drive down to the next hike is mostly just mountainside and through forest of sadly burned trees, but once you get towards the base of the Yosemite where the Se quoias grow it transforms back into the beauty you saw in the valley. Wildflowers color the hillsides with mountains in the backdrop. It is here you will find the short trail to Lower Chilnualna Falls.
The trail is a steady ascent up a rocky trail, but it is still not a super difficult trail. The falls at the end of the trail are huge with massive white water falling from beautiful boulders. It is incredible!
For more information about how to spend a day in Yosemite National Park, read my article: Yosemite In A Day: Maximizing Adventure In Minimal Time
Hope you enjoyed your trip! TIME TO HEAD HOME FROM THE MOST AMAZING NATIONAL PARK ROADTRIP EVER!
Cool Stops Along The Way:
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