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.
1. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State ParkThe Falls are located within McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, about an hour drive northeast of Redding.
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.
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.
2. Zabriskie PointLocated in Death Valley National Park in Southern California, Zabriskie Point is one of the most photographed and most beautiful features.
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.
You could just stand here for hours gawking at the miracle of nature.
3. 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.
Visitors enjoy a wide array of recreational activities here including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Jutting up against the rugged California coastline offers dramatic vistas.
Yes, you can often see whales here in season and there’s also lots of great bird watching.
4. 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.
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...
...but if you can stretch yourself a bit, the views and experience will be worth it.
5. Devils PostpileLocated off Highway 203 about 12 miles from Mammoth Lakes, Devils Postpile began as a lava flow.
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.
No matter what time of year you visit, you can feel the immensity of it all.
6. Mobius ArchStanding approximately 6 feet high and extending 17 feet wide, Mobius Arch is stunning.
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
Looking through one side of the arch you can see Lone Pine Peak, from the other Mount Whitney.
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.
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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