Much of the American West prides itself on its diversity from forbidding deserts to breathtaking coastlines, from towering redwood forests to snow-capped mountains. But no state in the West has as much of it as California. The Golden State is a virtual cornucopia of natural wonders. From top to bottom, explore its amazingly beautiful coast to the deep woodlands and deserts found here as well. Stay at hundreds of fantastic California RV Camping Resorts along the way and you'll enjoy the best California has to offer in California Camping.
Sure, Californias fantastic coastlines and towering redwoods of the northern part of the state get all the attention, but in southern California, deserts dominate the landscape. Northeast of Los Angeles, the Mojave Desert encompasses more than 15,000 square miles. Although not every part of the Mojave is ideal for a leisurely picnic lunch (think hot), this "high" desert contains several mountain ranges and is located well above sea level. These two factors are what give the Mojave its unique ecosystem, allowing for a variety of wild inhabitants. Native birds such as the roadrunner and cactus wren often share space with exotic migratory birds like vireos and flycatchers. Coyotes and kit foxes prowl the desert hills, as do more docile creatures like bighorn sheep and wild boars. Like most deserts, the Mojave is susceptible to extreme weather. Bone-chilling during winter nights and sizzling during the hot summer months, the Mojave can also offer up a very enjoyable trip during the spring and fall months.
In the southern end of the region, right before the Mojave Desert becomes the Sonoran Desert, lies Joshua Tree National Park. This 734,000-acre desert sanctuary is home to some of the country's most unusual and photogenic plants. The Joshua tree is the largest of the yucca plants and has flourished in this region of the country. Some two dozen types of bird regularly make the Joshua tree home and the tree plays an intricate part in the ecology of this desert wildlife. The park itself offers a 40-mile driving tour where one can meander through the gentle desert landscape and find plenty of photo opportunities.
North, back across the Mojave Desert, lies Death Valley National Park. But don't let the name scare you off the place isnt out to get you. In fact, Death Valley is the most visited desert park in the nation. Although this 2.3 million-acre park certainly delivers its share of forbidding landscape and uninviting weather, these extreme conditions also create some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery in the entire American West. The valley's floor, which lies nearly 300 feet below sea level, eventually gives way to dazzling painted hills and 10,000-foot snow-capped peaks. Because of the enormity of the park, driving is essential and many of the park's attraction are spread out. But once a destination is picked and the rig is parked, Death Valley offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails for you to soak up the dramatic scenery. Be sure to visit Telescope Peak in the park's Emigrant Canyon. This peak is the park's highest, reaching more than 11,000 feet and offering some fantastic views.
As you head north and out of California's southern desert region, the Sierra Nevadas beckon visitors with its wide variety of activities and natural beauty. This 430-mile stretch of granite cliffs and snowy peaks delight visitors with numerous parks and attractions, including eight national forests, three national parks, and 14 wilderness areas. Any trip to the Sierra's would not be complete without visiting one or more of the region's other national parks: the Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and of course, Yosemite. These national parks are surrounded by California RV Camping Resorts and California Campgrounds.
