I'm a California Native and I Believe This Is One of the Most Underrated National Parks in the State

"A dramatic collection of spire-like, craggy stones formed from a decomposing Miocene volcano, with rock believed to have originated at the Neenach Volcano about 195 miles south and carried north along the San Andreas Fault; the result is an otherworldly landscape best experienced on foot. Protected since 1908 and elevated from national monument to national park in 2013, the formations cannot be driven through, so visitors explore roughly 30 miles of trails—including steep, narrow sections like the High Peaks Trail—and descend into talus caves such as Bear Gulch Cave to the east and Balconies Cave to the west. The area is a haven for rock climbers, offering hundreds of routes, and for bird watchers, who may spot species from California condors to acorn woodpeckers; campers can now reserve sites inside the park limits. Many visitors describe the experience as immersive and transformative, feeling both awed by the scenery and connected to the long geological history of the place." - Rachel Chang Rachel Chang Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines