California National Parks

Sequoia National Park, famous for the giant Sequoia trees and California's oldest National Park, has year round activities. For those interested in camping, fishing, backpacking, hiking, free nature programs, a visit to Crystal Cave (best time to visit - late spring through early fall), Sequoia National Park is a family favorite. Beautiful at any time of the year, so choose your favorite activity and plan your trip accordingly. Plenty of lodging in the area.

While in the area, make it a point to visit Yosemite National Park. Bus Tours, train rides, and Model T rentals available, allowing you to enjoy the Yosemite experience to the fullest. Breathtaking scenery, stunning waterfalls, stretches of wilderness as far as the eye can see. Holidays (Memorial Weekend, 4th of July, Labor Day) bring more people to the area, so if you're not into crowds, try off-peak times. For Visitor Information, call (209) 372-0200

Death Valley, don't let the name scare you away. Over 500,000 people are drawn to the wonders of Death Valley annually. A fascinating vacation spot to visit 3 seasons of the year. Although open year round, summer brings temps of up to 120 degrees, so we encourage you to plan your visit during the mild winters and pleasant spring and autumn seasons, peak time for visitors. Death Valley is generally sunny, dry and clear year round, making it pleasurable for camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, carriage rides, visiting the many Death Valley ghost towns and legendary sites such as Scotty's Castle. Call (760) 786-3200 for more Visitor Information.

National Parks in the South West

Located in southeastern New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns is a National Park with 2/3 of the park designated as wilderness area. With many rooms to visit, you'll find The Big Room to be the largest - a 1 mile underground walk, approximately 1 hour long. Elevators are available and tour area is well lighted. No need to worry if you have walking difficulties. Those in wheelchairs are welcome; however, strollers are not allowed. Baby backpacks are recommended for small children. Also accessible by wheelchair is the Bat Flight Amphitheater.

Many self-guided tours are available as well as ranger-guided tours for the more experienced visitors willing to take on a little more adventure and excitement. So you will be able to choose what's right for your level of participation. For more General Park Information, write to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, 3225 National Parks Highway, Carlsbad, NM 88220 or call (505) 785-3012

Saguaro National Park in Tucson, AZ provides a great place for hiking with its 165 miles of trails, biking, camping, scenic drives, self-guided or ranger tours. Although open year round, the best time to visit is between November through April to avoid the extreme heat and rainy seasons. Enjoy the magnificent display of wildflowers, usually their best in the spring. Call (520) 733-5158 for further information. Park located at 3963 South Old Spanish Trail. See more Tucson Vacation Ideas