There are all kinds of “bucket list” themes you can come up with these days. These six natural wonders are truly unique to The Golden State, especially within the northern part.
- McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State ParkThe Falls are located within McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, about an hour drive northeast of Redding.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park/Facebook The entire park encompasses approximately 910 acres of spectacular, verdant forest, part of a lake—Lake Britton—and oodles of shoreline, both along the lake and stream.
An awe-inspiring sight is watching the water plunge 129-feet to a deep basin below.
Justin Kern/Flickr An astounding 100 million gallons of water flow through here every day, stemming from the many underground springs that merge here, forming the spectacular views and misty sprays that so many visitors enjoy year-round. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, 24898 CA-89, Burney, CA 96013, USA
- Zabriskie PointLocated in Death Valley National Park in Southern California, Zabriskie Point is one of the most photographed and most beautiful features.
Thank You (22 Millions+) Views/Flickr The highest point rises 823 feet and offers spectacular views of the surrounding Gower Wash badlands.
Sunrise and sunset are the most popular times to come, as the colors change dramatically.
Jeff Sullivan/Flickr You could just stand here for hours gawking at the miracle of nature. Zabriskie Point, CA-190, California, USA
- Humboldt Lagoons State Park Only a 30-minute drive north of Eureka in Northern California, Humboldt Lagoons State Park is comprised of three bodies of water: Big Lagoon, Freshwater Lagoon, and Stone Lagoon.
TravelingOtter/Flickr Visitors enjoy a wide array of recreational activities here including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Jutting up against the rugged California coastline offers dramatic vistas.
JasePhotos/Flickr Yes, you can often see whales here in season and there’s also lots of great bird watching. Humboldt Lagoons State Park, 15336 US-101, Trinidad, CA 95570, USA
- Slot Canyon at Anza-Borrego Desert State ParkThis beautiful narrow siltstone canyon in Southern California is one of the most visited aspects of the park.
Chris Hunkeler/Flickr A true natural wonder, it was formed as the result of hundreds, if not thousands, of years of erosion.
If you’re claustrophobic, the very narrow passages might not be your jam…
Chris Hunkeler/Flickr …but if you can stretch yourself a bit, the views and experience will be worth it. Slot Canyon Trail, CA-78, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, USA
- Devils PostpileLocated off Highway 203 about 12 miles from Mammoth Lakes, Devils Postpile began as a lava flow.
Michael Li/Flickr Hard freezes, earthquakes, and other natural occurrences over the past 100,000 years or so have resulted in the dramatic formation we see today.
The views here are striking.
wolf4max/Flickr No matter what time of year you visit, you can feel the immensity of it all. Devils Postpile, California, USA
- Mobius ArchStanding approximately 6 feet high and extending 17 feet wide, Mobius Arch is stunning.
Howard Ignatius/Flickr It is found along the Mobius Arch Loop Trail in the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, a little less than a two-hour drive from Mammoth Lakes.
Sunrise and sunset are wonderful times to watch the colors change
ka.hi/Flickr Looking through one side of the arch you can see Lone Pine Peak, from the other Mount Whitney. Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead, Movie Flat Rd, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA
Each of these six natural wonders offers its own unique flavor and flair, and should definitely be a part of any Golden State travel itinerary.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park/Facebook
The entire park encompasses approximately 910 acres of spectacular, verdant forest, part of a lake—Lake Britton—and oodles of shoreline, both along the lake and stream.
Justin Kern/Flickr
An astounding 100 million gallons of water flow through here every day, stemming from the many underground springs that merge here, forming the spectacular views and misty sprays that so many visitors enjoy year-round.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, 24898 CA-89, Burney, CA 96013, USA
Thank You (22 Millions+) Views/Flickr
The highest point rises 823 feet and offers spectacular views of the surrounding Gower Wash badlands.
Jeff Sullivan/Flickr
You could just stand here for hours gawking at the miracle of nature.
Zabriskie Point, CA-190, California, USA
TravelingOtter/Flickr
Visitors enjoy a wide array of recreational activities here including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
JasePhotos/Flickr
Yes, you can often see whales here in season and there’s also lots of great bird watching.
Humboldt Lagoons State Park, 15336 US-101, Trinidad, CA 95570, USA
Chris Hunkeler/Flickr
A true natural wonder, it was formed as the result of hundreds, if not thousands, of years of erosion.
…but if you can stretch yourself a bit, the views and experience will be worth it.
Slot Canyon Trail, CA-78, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, USA
Michael Li/Flickr
Hard freezes, earthquakes, and other natural occurrences over the past 100,000 years or so have resulted in the dramatic formation we see today.
wolf4max/Flickr
No matter what time of year you visit, you can feel the immensity of it all.
Devils Postpile, California, USA
Howard Ignatius/Flickr
It is found along the Mobius Arch Loop Trail in the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, a little less than a two-hour drive from Mammoth Lakes.
ka.hi/Flickr
Looking through one side of the arch you can see Lone Pine Peak, from the other Mount Whitney.
Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead, Movie Flat Rd, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA
Have you been to any of these California natural wonders? If so, we’d love to hear about your experiences.
If you’d like to experience other outdoor adventures, This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Northern California Like You’ve Never Seen It Before.
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