Title	Five National Parks Near Los Angeles
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Description	All the destinations are beautiful and within a day’s drive.
Alt text	El Capitan, a granite monolith, dominates Yosemite valley.
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Five National Parks Near Los Angeles

El Capitan, a granite monolith, dominates Yosemite valley.

From left, Drew, Henry and Chas wait for their parents on the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon.

Story and photos by Susan Hegger

Susan is a world traveler and an avid photographer.

All the destinations are beautiful and within a day’s drive.

What could be more American than celebrating Thanksgiving in a national park? I’ve done that with my brother and his family for the past five years, ever since I was widowed. I’ve welcomed forging a new tradition for a new life; we’ve all embraced the closeness that comes from sharing adventures in some of the country’s most beautiful and iconic settings. As flexible as we are, we have one non-negotiable requirement: The park must be within a reasonable day’s drive of Los Angeles. (Think three kids, now 7, 9 and 11, in a minivan.)

We leave the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, giving us an early start. But, like the rest of the world, we return to LA on Sunday, braced for traffic.

The author celebrates Thanksgiving at Yosemite with her nephews in 2015. From left: Chas, Drew and Henry.

The Angels Landing trail may be the most difficult and most strenuous in Zion National Park.

In order nearest to farthest, here are estimated travel times, mileage and routes to five parks in easy reach of Los Angeles.

Joshua Tree National Park

2 hours, 20 minutes (131 miles) via Interstate 10 East

For starters, the park has no stores, restaurants or hotels. So unless you rough it, consider staying in Palm Springs, about 50 miles from the park. The popular town’s dose of mid-century modern sophistication is the perfect complement to a day hiking in the desert. If you have kids, make sure to see the aptly named Skull Rock, near Jumbo Rocks campground. Make an adventure out of it by taking the 1.7 mile trail from the campground instead of just parking in a nearby lot.

Sequoia National Park

3 hours, 33 minutes (203 miles) via Interstate 5 North and CA-65 North

Sequoia is officially Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, although we never quite made it into Kings Canyon. If you have time, consider completing the beautiful Majestic Mountain Loop drive, which includes Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite national parks. We found plenty to see in Sequoia, including the General Sherman Tree, reportedly the world’s largest tree. In the gateway town of Three Rivers, we discovered the Ol’ Buckaroo, a food truck with picnic tables, fire pit and plenty of space for kids to run around. The food was so good we kept coming back. Now, apparently, there’s an actual indoor restaurant.

Yosemite National Park

4 hours, 45 minutes (281 miles) via CA-99 North and Interstate 5 North

Yosemite, one of the most beautiful places in the world, was especially magical in early winter, with snow and diminished crowds. We stayed inside the park at a Yosemite West loft condo. (Be forewarned: The development is at a higher elevation than Yosemite Valley, and the snow that year was quite deep; chains were required for the car.) This is where we perfected our slow cooker dinner routines.

Zion National Park

6 hours, 35 minutes (433 miles) via Interstate 15 North

Normally, I prefer, if possible, staying within the national park. But not at Zion. The charming town of Springdale is right smack at the park’s entrance. If possible, drop by the Bit and Spur restaurant for tasty Southwestern fare. A convenient shuttle from Springdale takes visitors into and around the park, where they can hike everything from the easy Emerald Pools Trail to the difficult Angels Landing Trail.

Grand Canyon National Park

7 hours, 10 minutes (486 miles) via Interstate 40 West

Our group expanded this year, with my sister and brother-in-law joining in. We rented a house in Williams, about an hour’s straight shot south of the Grand Canyon. Williams is an appealing Route 66 town, with a retro main street, full of neon signs, classic cars and souvenir shops.

Next year? Who knows? We may push the limits. We’re talking Bryce Canyon. That’s 7 hours and 42 minutes, 527 miles. But who’s counting?

Mormon immigrants gave the Joshua tree, a member of the agave family, its name, according to Western lore.

National Park Tradition Renews Family Ties

After suffering loss, a lifelong traveler reconnects with relatives and creates lasting memories.

Great Smoky Mountains Waterfalls

A loose travel itinerary allows discoveries around every turn.

Grand Teton National Park

Sharing one of Wyoming’s scenic gems is particularly satisfying.

Road Trip to Five National Parks Near Los Angeles

All the destinations are beautiful and within a day’s drive.

Yellowstone National Park in Winter

During the cold-weather months, the park offers spectacular scenes of wildlife.

Washington’s North Cascades National Park

Outdoor enthusiasts revel in this remote park’s opportunities for adventure.

Things to Do in Hot Springs, AR on Your Next Getaway

Hot Springs National Park features Bathhouse Row and the first brewery in a national park.

Road Trip on Utah's Scenic Byway 12

The All-American road traverses slickrock and features a petrified forest, a beautiful waterfall and gourmet dining.

Grand Canyon Hike

Six family members immerse themselves in nature and attempt to bond.

Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoeing

The Love family embraces winter in Colorado to experience a new adventure.

Road Trips to National Parks in Winter

From A (Acadia) to Z (Zion), national parks offer ideal destinations for a weekend trip or longer vacation.

Visiting Glacier National Park in Winter

Want Glacier National Park to yourself? Rent a car from Enterprise for a winter road trip to Montana’s gem during the season of stillness. Lake McDonald, the Lewis Range and the Going-to-the-Sun-Road all inspire contemplation when summer crowds are absent.

Mount Rainier National Park

Pick up an Enterprise rental car in Seattle and you’re within 60 miles of Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park, where you can explore hiking trails, fields of wildflowers and the mighty mountain itself.

Road Trip to Acadia National Park

A road trip to Maine’s Acadia National Park offers carriage rides, autumn foliage and spectacular ocean views. Rent a car from Enterprise in Bar Harbor and drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain to capture beautiful photos at sunrise, sunset or any time in between.

Majestic Mountain Loop Family Fun

Pile the family into an Enterprise rental car and drive California’s 150-mile Majestic Mountain Loop to Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks. Our tips reveal how to make your road trip to especially memorable.

Cades Cove Scenic Drive is a Trip Back in Time

An Enterprise rental car provides a glimpse into the past in Great Smoky Mountains National Park when your road trip includes a drive to Tennessee’s scenic Cades Cove. See historic buildings, watch for bears and just enjoy the leisurely ride.

Majestic Mountain Loop

Three national parks in one California road trip? Sure! Steer your Enterprise rental car along the 150-mile-long Majestic Mountain Loop and visit Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia, all of which boast granite monoliths, towering trees and thundering waterfalls.

Driving Through The Smoky Mountains: Planning Your Road Trip

Leisurely journeys appeal? A rental car from Enterprise will take you along scenic roadways on a getaway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina and beyond to Virginia on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Loneliest Road in America

The 409-mile drive across Nevada on Highway 50 features sand dunes, hot springs and plenty of social distancing

Plan a Road Trip to a National Park Near You

Taking a road trip to wide-open spaces in national parks now makes perfect sense.

Isle Royale National Park

An Enterprise rental car delivers you to the passenger ferry for Minnesota’s Isle Royal National Park, where hikers and campers revel in the uncrowded verdant wilderness. The 300-mile road trip from Minneapolis takes you along North Shore All-American Scenic Drive.

New River Gorge National Park

The iconic bridge is stunning, and our newest national park offers much more.

Weekend Getaway in Joshua Tree National Park

College friends reunite in a desert wonderland with a deepened appreciation for each other.

Road Trip Through Northern California

A world traveler reconnects with her California roots.

Fall Foliage Road Trip in Road Trip From San Francisco to Yosemite

An easy road trip takes you from a world-class city to a top national park.

Road Trip to White Sands National Park

Visit the Southwest’s most otherworldly natural attraction.

Road Trip to Indiana Dunes National Park

Just a 50-mile road trip from Chicago, America’s 61st National Park has much to offer, including sweeping views of the lake, breathtaking sunsets, plentiful birds, abundant wildlife and some of the world’s largest lakeside dunes.

Road Trip from Olympic National Park to San Francisco

Celebrate trees on a leisurely road trip through Washington to Oregon to California. Drive your Enterprise rental car through towering forests in national parks and forests and state reserves, with additional stops at Crater Lake — the deepest lake in the U.S. — and the primeval forest of coastal redwoods that is Muir Woods National Monument.

Road Trip Through Central Oregon

A road trip in an Enterprise rental car through central Oregon features Mount Hood, high desert and dazzling Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the country. Hiking and climbing opportunities abound, and you can book a boat ride on the lake.

Road Trip from Denver to Glacier National Park

Denver is the ideal gateway to Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, so rent a car from Enterprise and plan your road trip through Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. The parks offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

Mountain Road Trips

Drive scenic routes to snowy slopes and popular peaks.

Petrified Forest National Park

Geologists, paleontologists and other riddle-solvers will enjoy spending time at this Arizona treasure.

Visiting Washington's Olympic National Park in the Offseason

Drive an Enterprise rental car on the 329-mile loop around Washington’s Olympic National Park, and you won’t miss any of this verdant retreat situated three hours from Seattle. This scenic road trip takes you to waterfalls, beaches and a lush rainforest, and mountain vistas are part of the package too.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

You haven’t seen all Colorado has to offer until you steer your Enterprise rental car to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. A road trip from Denver to the western part of the state reveals a 2,722-foot-deep canyon and a river boasting an abundance of trout.

Cascades Loop Road Trip

The 440-mile drive pays homage to the state’s diverse landscape.

Road Trip to Saguaro National Park

The iconic saguaro cactus is a symbol of the Southwest.

Road Trip to Big Bend National Park, Texas

Solitude and stunning vistas prevail in one of America’s least visited parks.

Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park

On a road trip to Florida’s Key West, park your Enterprise rental car and board a boat for Dry Tortugas National Park, which spreads across seven small islands in the Gulf of Mexico. Explore an historic fort, snorkel, fish or go kayaking. Camping also is available.

Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park

On a road trip from Denver through Colorado’s San Luis Valley, an Enterprise rental car takes you to an alligator farm, an elevated UFO lookout and on to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where you can camp, ride horses or try sand boarding.