We absolutely loved our road trip through California’s top national parks. From desert landscapes to giant sequoias to granite cliffs and alpine lakes, the variety was incredible. It was one of the most memorable trips we’ve taken as a couple.
But as with most trips, there are always a few things you learn along the way. There are small adjustments you’d make, places you’d spend more time, or experiences you’d approach a little differently.
The good news is that most of the changes we’d make are minor tweaks, not major overhauls. Here are the key things we’d think about on a future visit.
Joshua Tree National Park
We’d actually keep this chunk of the trip pretty much the same. Our time there felt just right.
The pacing was good, the hikes were manageable, even in the heat. The scenery was unique and memorable. We saw the highlights, revisited our favorite spots, and never felt rushed.
If we returned, we might try one new trail or add another sunset stop—but overall, this portion of the trip was very well balanced.
Sequoia National Park
Our experience here was also felt well planned and satisfying. We saw the iconic trees, explored quieter areas, and we immersed ourselves in the old forest growth. The mix of short and long hikes worked perfectly for our energy level and schedule.
On our next visit, we wouldn’t change much and keep the timeline and specific visits largely the same.
Kings Canyon National Park
Our visit to Kings Canyon National Park was limited by road closures, which meant we missed several places that were high on our list.
Next time, we would plan to visit:
- Zumwalt Meadow
- Roaring River Falls
- Grizzly Falls
- Mist Falls
These spots are known for beautiful scenery and relatively accessible hikes, and they would add a completely different dimension to the park experience.
We would also definitely revisit:
And if we returned to the Boole Tree, we’d simply be better prepared—with clearer directions, more time, and realistic expectations about the drive.
Yosemite National Park
Given how much we loved this park, it might surprise people to hear that we would have been happy with less time there. On our next trip, we’d plan to stay four nights instead of six.
Not because there isn’t enough to do—but because we intentionally paced ourselves conservatively while preparing for our Half Dome hike. Since we did our best to avoid overly strenuous hikes and include recovery time, by the end of our visit, we felt like we’d had too much downtime.
Next time, we’d streamline the schedule slightly and focus on a few specific experiences.
Pohono Trail
One hike that really stands out for a future visit is the Pohono Trail.
This trail follows the rim of Yosemite Valley and connects several iconic viewpoints, and the ending at Tunnel View looked particularly intriguing to me. It’s longer and more challenging than many of the short hikes we did, so maybe we’d do this on a non-Half Dome trip.
It’s the kind of hike that feels exciting rather than overwhelming, especially since most people do it one-way and get a ride back to their car at the end of the trail.
Tenaya Lake
If there’s one place we’d slow down and savor next time, it would be Tenaya Lake. We were blown away by its beauty and wished we’d known to plan for more time there.
Next time, we would plan ahead to rent some kayaks or paddleboards and really get to enjoy the beautiful scenery. It’s one of the most peaceful and beautiful spots in the park.
Areas We’d Skip Due to Time Constraints
If we shortened our stay, we would prioritize the highlights and skip a few stops that were enjoyable but not essential for us.
These would include:
I will say that Mariposa Grove did have my #1 favorite tree (Grizzly Giant), so I’d try to make the return trip. It’s just kind of far from everywhere else. So if time were tight, we would focus on Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and Tenaya Lake instead.
Lake Tahoe
Our time at Lake Tahoe was beautiful and relaxing, but next time we’d add one specific adventure.
We would love to kayak out to Fannette Island by Emerald Bay.
It’s the only island in Lake Tahoe, and the small stone structure on the island makes it feel unique and historic. Paddling across the clear blue water to reach it would turn a scenic stop into a truly memorable experience.
Even with the small adjustments we’d make, this trip was a smashing success. We explored deserts, walked among towering sequoias, climbed one of the most famous granite domes in the world, and ended our journey beside one of the most beautiful lakes in the country.
Next time, we’d make a few tweaks, add a couple new adventures, return to a few favorite places, and like always, immerse ourselves in nature’s grandeur.
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