California’s public lands drew a record ~12.16 million visits in 2024—a 7 % jump from the prior year and the highest annual total ever recorded in the state . Here are the 12 most popular national parks and monuments in California, complete with the latest official numbers, unique traits, and helpful travel insights.
1. Yosemite National Park
Visitors (2023): ~3.9 million
World-famous for graceful waterfalls, giant sequoias, and iconic granite domes like Half Dome and El Capitan, Yosemite remains California’s most admired park. It implements a seasonal lottery for Half Dome permits (Memorial Day–Columbus Day). Busy summer weekends and heavy visitation into fall mean planning ahead is key.
2. Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)
Visitors (2024): ~17.2 million
Spanning historic Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and more, GGNRA ranks as the busiest single NPS site in California. With over 15 million annual visitors, it offers ocean views, coastal trails, and rich cultural landmarks just outside San Francisco .
3. Death Valley National Park
Visitors (2022): ~1.13 million
The largest park in the contiguous U.S. features extremes—Badwater Basin (282 ft below sea level), sand dunes, and remote wilderness in scorching desert heat. Most visitors explore October–May when temperatures are milder.
4. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Visitors (2022): ~1.15 million
Home to the General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest tree by volume, plus soaring peaks like Mount Whitney, the two parks share alpine forests, deep canyons, and over 800 mi of hiking trails. Ideal seasons are late spring through early fall.
5. Joshua Tree National Park
Visitors (2022): ~3.06 million
Combining two deserts—the Mojave and Colorado—with surreal rock formations and iconic Joshua trees, this park draws astronomers and climbers. Rising visitation led to vandalism issues and trail closures, notably around Barker Dam .
6. Channel Islands National Park
Visitors (2022): ~323,000 (park), plus ~60,000 in surrounding waters
Remote and wild, the five-island archipelago supports unique wildlife—including the endemic island fox—and offers marine adventures like kayaking, whale watching, and diving. Visits require boat or kayak access through Island Packers.
7. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Estimated visits (2024): near record highs
Part of the 12.16 million total, Lassen draws hikers and families to its active geothermal sites—boiling springs, fumaroles, and Lassen Peak. Official 2024 numbers are pending, but the park set visitation records with spring–summer interest .
8. Muir Woods National Monument
Included within GGNRA but incomparable alone. Likely draws several million visits annually (counted in the GGNRA total). Ancient coastal redwoods, easy boardwalk trails, and proximity to San Francisco make it a must-see. Expect busy parking and shuttle demand.
9. Pinnacles National Park
Visitors (2024): data pending, but trending upward
Known for dramatic rock spires, talus caves, and endangered condors. Pinnacles records rising visitation thanks to accessible trails and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Latest NPS visit numbers will publish in early 2025.
10. Devils Postpile National Monument
Visitors (2017): ~110,000
This compact monument near Mammoth Lakes protects rare basalt columns and adjacent Rainbow Falls. Access is limited to summer and early fall via shuttle or hiking due to snow-covered roads.
11. Cabrillo National Monument
Visitor count (2023–24): ~900,000–1.1 million (est.)
Surveying San Diego Harbor from atop the Point Loma peninsula, Cabrillo offers historical exhibits, tide pools at low tides, and whale-watching during migration seasons.
12. Devils Tower? (not in CA)
Apologies—that one slipped in. Instead, consider Lava Beds National Monument in northern California, drawing ~200,000–300,000 annual visitors to explore lava tube caves and Native American rock art.
Quick-look chart of visitor numbers
| Park / Monument | Visitation (latest year) |
|---|---|
| Golden Gate NRA (incl. Muir Woods) | ~17.2 million (2024) |
| Yosemite NP | ~3.9 million (2023) |
| Joshua Tree NP | ~3.06 million (2022) |
| Death Valley NP | ~1.13 million (2022) |
| Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP | ~1.15 million (2022) |
| Lassen Volcanic NP | Record visits in 2024 (est.) |
| Pinnacles NP | Rising; record trend |
| Devils Postpile NM | ~110,000 (2017) |
| Channel Islands NP | 323,000 (islands) + 60,000 (water) (2022) |
| Cabrillo NM | ~900,000–1.1 million (2023) (est.) |
| Lava Beds NM | 200,000–300,000 (approx.) |
Note: Some data reflects the most recent official count; others are compiled estimates.
Why visitation matters
- Crowding: Parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree use reservation systems for key hikes; GGNRA limits parking.
- Conservation funding: Visitor fees channel into maintaining trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, and firefighting support.
- Seasonal trends: Desert parks peak in winter (Death Valley, Joshua Tree); mountain parks host more visitors in summer.
Top travel tips
- Reserve early: Yosemite’s Half Dome, Pinnacles’ backcountry, and channel island boat trips often book out.
- Choose shoulder seasons: Visit summer-busy parks in spring or fall to enjoy quieter trails and cooler temps.
- Arrive early: Muir Woods opens daily but fills fast—arriving before 9 AM boosts your chances.
- Pack smart: For desert parks, carry plenty of water. In mountains, bring layers and rain gear.
- Stay aware: Park funding faces flux—like staffing changes in Yosemite—that sometimes affects amenities .
Final thoughts
California’s national treasures continue to welcome more visitors than ever. Whether you’re drawn to the soaring domes of Yosemite, ancient redwoods, wind-sculpted desert landscapes, or remote marine ecosystems, now is a great time to plan your trip. Just be sure to plan ahead—some parks require permits or reservations—pack appropriately, and respect the land so future visitors can experience these places at their peak.
