The Greatest Park System You’ve Never Explored
Try this: Name five California state parks.
Almost nobody can.
That’s surprising because California’s state park system is widely regarded as the finest in the nation. Together these 280 parks preserve the very best of California—from giant redwoods and rugged coastlines to deserts, alpine peaks, Gold Rush towns, and places where history comes alive.
I’ve spent years visiting, hiking, and writing about all 280 of ’em. Much to my delight I found that more than half are true “hiker parks,” filled with thousands of miles of trails and countless opportunities for exploration of California’s matchless natural treasures—from remote palm oases to the tallest trees on earth.
Along the way, I’ll share some of my favorite discoveries: hidden gems that even longtime Californians overlook, surprising stories about the development of our park system, and the extraordinary people who fought to preserve these places for future generations. We’ll also watch short films, revisit favorite trails, and celebrate California’s extraordinary park system hiding in plain sight.
For me, California’s state parks have been far more than places on a map. They’ve been a lifetime of discovery. One of the great joys of my life has been sharing them with others—and I hope you’ll be inspired to discover a few favorites of your own.
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I’d love to share these stories with your audience.