Wonder & Inspiration
Marvel at our state parks scenes — from dramatic surf to faraway treetops to battling elephant seals to endangered birds to insects scurrying along a grass blade.
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Species & Habitat Protection | |
Unique Natural Wonders | |
Fire and Consequences |
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Changing Landscapes | |
Invasion! |
Species & Habitat Protection
California State Parks conserves the state's diverse biological and geological areas, their plant and animal inhabitants, and the conditions in which they thrive. Read more to learn about species and environments that have come under our protection.
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Northern Elephant Seals | |
Marvelous Marbled Murrelets | |
Bringing Back the Tule Elk |
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California State Wildernesses | |
Snowy Plover and Least Tern |
Bringing Back the Tule Elk
Tule (too-lee) elk herds once roamed the central valley from Shasta to the Tehachapis. Learn more about this endemic member of the deer family and California State Parks' efforts to protect the species. |
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Unique Natural Wonders
Currently, 280 park units preserve the geological remnants of eons of glacial movement, volcanic eruptions, and tectonic clashes. Read more to learn about just a few of the outstanding natural wonders under the care of California State Parks.
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Ahjumawi Lava Springs | |
Exploring Mitchell's Caverns | |
The Lake of the Sky |
Exploring Mitchell's Caverns
A would-be silver miner named Jack Mitchell staked his claim on these amazing limestone caverns, which are now part of California State Parks. Learn more about these fascinating geological wonders. |
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Fire and Consequences
Fire is a complex natural phenomenon. California State Parks environmental scientists and resource managers use fire to fight fire with planned burns when possible. Read more to learn about how we use fire to our benefit, and about our efforts to regenerate lands that have suffered from uncontrolled firestorms.
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Fire with a Purpose | |
Regenerating Cuyamaca | |
Fire and the Giant Sequoia |
Regenerating CuyamacaFire is a part of nature, but sometimes a blistering inferno can truly damage an environment. A raging fire devastated much of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in 2003. Learn more about how California State Parks and CAL FIRE are trying to restore what was lost. |
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Changing Landscapes
Our physical environment is always in flux, whether from natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, or from human and animal impact on the environment. Read more to learn about some of the most significant changes to the landscape and California State Parks' response.
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Flooding at Humboldt Redwoods | |
Restoring Malibu Lagoon | ||
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Shifting Sands |
Flooding at Humboldt RedwoodsIn 1964 a particularly severe winter brought what is still called the "greatest natural disaster" to the northwest. Learn more about the effects of the flood on this redwood habitat. |
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Invasion!
Human and animal movement through California can introduce a host of problems when seeds of unwanted species come along for the ride. Read more to learn about specific non-native species and our attempts to eradicate them.
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Hungry Valley Native Grasslands | ||||
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Invasive Species in California State Parks |
Invasive Species in California State Parks
California has many different ecosystems, but all have one thing in common: invasive species threaten their delicate balance. From bullfrogs to pampas grass, plants and animals released into established habitats can wreak havoc in nature. Learn more about California State Parks' efforts to manage these areas. |
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- Ahjumawi Lava Springs
- Bringing Back the Tule Elk
- California Forever!
- California State Wildernesses
- Exploring Mitchell's Caverns
- Fire and the Giant Sequoia
- Fire with a Purpose
- Flooding at Humboldt Redwoods
- Invasive Species in California State Parks
- Marvelous Marbled Murrelets
- Northern Elephant Seals
- Regenerating Cuyamaca
- Shifting Sands
- Snowy Plover and Least Tern Protection
- The Lake of the Sky
Adventure & Excitement
Wind down from the plethora of recreational adventures in our state parks with a serene night sleeping under the stars after a campfire program
Click here for more activities and interpretative programs in California State Parks
Vision & Dedication
Farsighted groups and partners join committed employees and generous volunteers to move each of our state parks from concept to reality.
Click here to discover the pioneers, founders, volunteers and staff of California State Parks
History & Heritage
Irreplaceable cultural landmarks — from Native California Indian grinding rocks to forts and missions to mansions — are preserved for posterity in our state parks.
Click here to learn more about the treasures preserved and interpreted by California State Parks.
A Promise to the Future
"In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations."
—Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy
Click here to learn more about California State Parks' promises to the future.
The story of California State Parks dramatically comes to life in "California Forever," a powerful and moving two-part television program composed of stunning cinematography and rare archival imagery. Click here to learn more about "California Forever."