12. Death Valley

Death Valley National Park in eastern California offers a unique experience. This beautiful park provides a variety of activities, from hiking to sand-dune sledding.

I stood in the lowest and driest area in North America at Badwater Basin. The elevation is 282 feet below sea level, with an average of 2 inches of rainfall yearly. Summer temps often exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rise early in the morning to enjoy the dawn on the sand dunes. The stark light and shadow play on the dunes as you hike on the slippery sand. Death Valley’s spring wildflowers after heavy winter rains are a stunning sight.

Pro Tip: The sand will get into everything when the wind blows. Be prepared with protection for your face and devices.

13. Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is an unbelievable natural wonder. Home to some of the largest trees on the planet, the giant sequoias grow over 300 feet tall and are over 2,000 years old.

Don’t miss the General Sherman tree, Earth’s largest known living single-stem tree. There is a fence around General Sherman, but it is the perfect place for a selfie.