California Dreamin’: 7 Days, 5 National Parks

#postandearn From granite peaks to ancient trees and desert skies, California’s national parks offer incredible diversity — and yes, you can see the best in just one epic week. 🚗✨ ⸻ 🗓️ Day 1 – Yosemite National Park 📍 Stay: Yosemite Valley • See El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls • Easy walk: Lower Yosemite Falls Trail • Sunset at Tunnel View = magic 🌟 Tip: Book entrance reservations early! ⸻ 🗓️ Day 2 – Yosemite (Glacier Point + Mariposa Grove) • Drive to Glacier Point for jaw-dropping views • Visit Mariposa Grove to walk among giant sequoias 🌟 Early morning = fewer crowds & golden light ⸻ 🗓️ Day 3 – Sequoia National Park 📍 Drive: ~3.5 hrs south • Visit General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth • Hike Moro Rock for 360° Sierra views 🌟 Stay overnight in nearby Three Rivers or camp in the park ⸻ 🗓️ Day 4 – Kings Canyon National Park 📍 Right next to Sequoia • Scenic drive along Kings Canyon Scenic Byway • Hike to Zumwalt Meadow or Roaring River Falls 🌟 Less crowded than Sequoia, just as stunning ⸻ 🗓️ Day 5 – Drive to Death Valley 📍 Drive: ~6 hrs • Scenic stops en route • Sunset at Zabriskie Point or Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes 🌟 Stay at Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells ⸻ 🗓️ Day 6 – Death Valley National Park • Sunrise at Dante’s View • Visit Badwater Basin (lowest point in North America!) • Explore Artist’s Palette for surreal desert colors 🌟 Start early — it gets HOT ⸻ 🗓️ Day 7 – Joshua Tree National Park 📍 Drive: ~4 hrs south • See the unique Joshua Trees & boulders • Hike Hidden Valley or Barker Dam • Sunset at Keys View 🌟 Finish your trip with desert serenity ⸻ 🚗 Quick Tips • Get the America the Beautiful Pass 🎟️ • Bring lots of water, snacks, sun protection, and layers • Book lodging or campsites early, especially in summer • Use offline maps (some parks have no service) ⸻ 💬 Final Thought In just 7 days, you’ll experience alpine cliffs, ancient forests, desert sunrises, and stargazing dreams. California’s parks are wild, wide, and waiting — and this is the road trip of a lifetime. 🌄🌴💫