Meet the Team: Our Favorite California Parks

There are so many beautiful parks in the golden state, from grand national parks like Yosemite, to iconic city parks like Griffith Park. In honor of our newest California-themed collection, we asked members of our staff what their favorite park is. Be sure to add these road trip worthy parks to your next trip! 

Ambika Rajyagor: Wholesale Account Manager

Yosemite National Park

My favorite park in California is Yosemite National Park—it's my favorite because it's the first park I remember visiting with my parents and sisters! It's also the first national park that I push-hiked in with my sister and her wheelchair, so it's home to some of my favorite trail memories. 

Christina Holzmann: Director of Sales

Joshua Tree National Park 

Joshua Tree National Park is my favorite because despite its proximity to major SoCal cities, it transports you to another world the minute you drive in. With oddly shaped trees, expanses of desert, and unique local shops means it’s the perfect place to escape to when you need some breathing room!

Jenna McLoughlin: Social Media Specialist 

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

There are a lot of parks that I love in California, but my favorite right now is Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It’s a nice escape from the busyness of San Diego (about 20-30 minutes away from the city—perfect for a day trip), there’s a beautiful beach, and the park is one of the last places to find the rarest pine in the United States, the critically endangered Torrey Pine! The pinecones are the size of softballs, and the trees themselves grow wide and low with twisted, bonsai-like branches.

Keith Eshelman: Cofounder of Parks Project

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area 

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area is a favorite park because it’s where the mountains meet the sea and city. There’s a lot to do within the park, including hiking, Mtn bike riding, surfing, rock climbing, and more. I’ve spent hundreds of hours doing habitat work, trail maintenance, and volunteer projects in the park, and it was where the idea of Parks Project came about! 

Olivia Lemley: Product Development and Production Manager for Accessories

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is the small but mighty park in California that I can't stop dreaming about. You can roam through caves, climb some routes, and hike with views that make you feel as tiny as an ant all in one fun-packed day. It's also a great area to spot the California Condor—I couldn't believe my eyes as I watched one fly over the trail & land on a nearby ridge.

Sevag Kazanci: Cofounder & Chief Impact Officer

Anza Borrego State Park

Anza Borrego State Park is awesome. There's slot canyons, stargazing, lots of great trails, metal sculpture art (yup) and Fonts Point at sunrise is a must see!
 

Tyler Prone: Director of eCommerce 

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
 

Camping at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has been unmatched. Time and time again, it’s been the combination of being engulfed in the redwood forest with a group of friends around a campfire, and going on post-sunset adventures through the forest to a little bar called Fernwood—it’s perched up in the redwood canopy that comes outfitted with board games, a fireplace and often live music. Every time we've done the adventure walk at night to the bar through the redwood forest we're always somehow on the brink of getting lost on the way, adding that extra element of adventure.