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Southern California National Park Roadtrip Itinerary

If you’re looking to visit a bunch of California’s gorgeous national parks on one roadtrip, then look no further than this 7 day California national park itinerary. On this trip, you’ll visit Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park (and the Mojave Desert), and Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Park over the course of a week.

If you want to extend the roadtrip to more national parks, be sure to check out my itineraries for Yosemite National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Channel Islands National Park.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Palm Springs

Days 2-5: Joshua Tree National Park

Days 6: Death Valley National Park

Day 7: Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Park

National Park Accommodation Recommendations

A patio with two chairs, a round charcoal grill, and a red outdoor fireplace in front of a small house with sliding glass doors.

Find a cozy rental in Joshua Tree.

Things to do in Palm Springs

In Palm Springs, you must…

  • Take a walking tour of the neighborhoods and take in the 1950s architecture
  • Enjoy some ice cream at Great Shakes
  • Stroll down Main Street and take in the cute cafes and art galleries
A statue of Marilyn Monroe in a white dress stands on a sidewalk, recreating her iconic pose from The Seven Year Itch.
A wide road lined with palm trees under a clear blue sky, with cars driving toward distant mountains.
Two milkshakes with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, cookies, and large straws on a black table with a chair in the background.

 Things to do in Joshua Tree

  • Do a walk in session at Instant Karma Yoga. I did a yoga + sound bath and it was just the most calming thing.
  • Grab a drink at the Joshua Tree Saloon and do some people watching.
  • Hunt for some antiques in Yucca Valley – we brought home a hollowed out Chola cactus to hang on out wall
  • Wander through Pioneertown and pretend you are in WestWorld
  • Hiking and climbing, of course! Scramble some rocks in Joshua Tree National Park, hike around Barker Dam, and climb in Hidden Valley campground.
Desert landscape with Joshua trees, scattered shrubs, large rocks, and a partly cloudy sky.
Large rock formations and sparse desert vegetation are reflected in a calm body of water under a partly cloudy sky.
Large rock formation and Joshua trees in a desert landscape at sunset, with a pastel sky in the background.
Old western-style wooden buildings with a dirt street, wooden fences, and a clear blue sky.

Things to do in Death Valley

  • Badwater Basin – tourist filled but worth it to say you’ve been to the lowest point in North America! Salt flats go for as far as the eye can see, up until they reach the Eastern Sierras
  • Do Artist’s Drive to see Artist’s Palette – here’s a trick, it is about halfway through the driving trail, not the first turnoff that everyone goes to!
  • Visit the Mesquite Flat sand dunes

Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

  • In the winter, your activities are a bit limited, but you can snow shoe or cross country ski. We opted for some cross country skiing, renting at Grant Grove, taking a photo of the ski trail map and hitting the snow!
  • You also can’t leave Sequoia without a photo by General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world.
  • Remember to always carry chains with you in winter – they are legally required in the park and you can be asked to put them on at any time. Fortunately we didn’t have to!
Person wearing winter clothing stands on skis with poles on a snowy trail in a forested area.
A tall sequoia tree stands in a forest with other sequoias and a small building visible below under a partly cloudy sky.

I hope this itinerary helps you see the best of some of California’s National Parks. Don’t forget when you are hiking in the backcountry to bring the 10 essentials. Plus, check out my gear guide for day hiking to make sure you’re all set before you head out!

Rebecca runs The Adventure Beckons, a travel and outdoor adventure blog based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As an experienced traveler to over 40 countries and counting, she provides her readers with practical travel itineraries from day trips to multi-week adventures. She strives to balance nature and hiking with the must-see tourist highlights that are genuinely worth your time and money.

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