4 Stunning National Parks Near Fresno

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Are you looking for National Parks near Fresno? I’ve got you covered.

Here in my hometown of Fresno, we have a saying that we are three hours from everything. And it’s true! Fresno is the perfect launching pad for some unforgettable adventures.

Because we are situated in the heart of California, we have a unique geographical advantage with close proximity to four awe-inspiring National Parks.

In this guide, I am sharing how to reach Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Pinnacles National Parks from Fresno. Plus, I have a comprehensive list of the nearby State Parks.

The average fee to get into a National Park is $30 per vehicle, which can really add up if you’re visiting nine! I invested in the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. For $80, you get access to all United States National Parks plus more than 2,000 federal recreation sites.

Get the America the Beautiful Parks Pass to access any park for a full year!

What National Parks are in Fresno County?

Despite Fresno’s close proximity to four National Parks, only one falls within the Fresno County boundary.

Because Fresno is home to the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, you might think that Yosemite would be the natural choice.

However, Kings Canyon National Park is the only National Park that falls within the Fresno County boundary.

Yosemite is located in Madera and Mariposa Counties, and Sequoia is in Tulare County.

National Parks Near Fresno

1. Yosemite National Park

89 Miles from Fresno | 2.25 Hour Drive

Yosemite is California’s most visited National Park and the fifth most visited National Park in the United States.

I have also visited Yosemite more than any other National Park. Since it draws me back the most, I have to admit that Yosemite is my personal favorite out of all California National Parks.

On your first visit, I recommend at least a full weekend in Yosemite, especially if you want to try one of its many world-class hikes. However, if you are short on time, make sure you experience both the valley floor and the upper rim.

The best thing about living in Fresno is that you can complete some of the world’s most iconic hikes, like Half Dome, in just one day. No matter which hike you choose, you will want to leave early to beat the traffic into the park.

Some of my favorite Yosemite hikes are Vernal Falls, Lower Yosemite Falls, and Four Mile Hike. Tunnel View and Glacier Point are can’t-miss vistas you can drive up to. (Find an extensive list on my Day Hikes from Fresno Map.)

2. Sequoia National Park

85 Miles from Fresno | 2 Hour Drive

Sequoia is another one of California’s most iconic parks. Where else can you put your arms around the largest living organism in the world?

The sequoias are the largest trees in the world by volume. In addition to being home to the highest concentration of these groves, Sequoia National Park also has some diverse terrain, like glacier-carved valleys and caves.

I often get asked if I prefer the giant redwoods or the giant sequoia trees. They are both stunning, but the giant sequoia has always impressed me more. While the redwoods are technically taller, the sequoias feel bigger when standing next to them.

Don’t miss Moro Rock and the Soldier’s Loop Trail.

3. Pinnacles National Park

150 Miles from Fresno | 2.5 Hour Drive

Pinnacles National Park is one of America’s newest National Parks, officially designated in 2013. In my opinion, it is also one of the most underrated.

Known for its stunning rock formations, including talus caves and the pinnacles themselves, this park is not talked about enough. But what makes Pinnacles special is its easy access to unique geology.

Hike through talus caves, over huge boulders, and see stunning vistas. It was mind-boggling standing next to giant rocks that look so precariously balanced. You can’t appreciate the size of these boulders until you see a human standing next to them. 

Plus, Pinnacles was my first time wandering through a cave. It was so cool walking along a scenic mountain path, crouching through a cave, crawling over boulders, and climbing a ladder up to a reservoir all in one hike! For a complete itinerary, check out why Pinnacles National Park is definitely worth visiting.

4. Kings Canyon National Park

56 Miles from Fresno | 1 Hour Drive

Kings Canyon National Park is sometimes viewed as a stopover between Sequoia and Yosemite.

It is also often lumped together with Sequoia National Park. Although they share a border and administration services, Kings Canyon and Sequoia are two different National Parks.

However, the incredible views and majestic mountain layers are worth a visit in their own right if you have the time. With its distinctive granite mountains and its own sequoia groves, Kings Canyon is often referred to as the perfect combination of Yosemite and Sequoia National Park.

A little-known fact is that Kings Canyon is actually home to the deepest canyon in the United States. It is also one of the few places you can horseback ride through sequoia groves!

Kings Canyon offers amazing hikes and tons of waterfalls like Grizzly Falls and Roaring River Falls.

Other California National Parks

California is home to nine National Parks. That is more than any other state!

The other five California National Parks are Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Channel Islands, Lassen, and Redwoods. However, these are not Fresno day trips, requiring a bit more drive time.

Death Valley National Park	330 miles from Fresno	5.5 hour drive
Joshua Tree National Park	326 miles from Fresno	5 hour drive
Channel Islands National Park	227 miles from Fresno	3 hour drive + 2 hour ferry
Lassen Volcanic National Park	360 miles from Fresno	5.5 hour drive
Redwoods National Park	490 miles from Fresno	7 hour drive

State Parks Near Fresno

In addition to being home to the most National Parks in America, California is also home to the most State Parks.

While both State and National Parks are protected lands with natural beauty, as the name suggests, a State Park is governed and managed by the state, whereas the National Parks federal government.

With 270 State Parks, there are naturally quite a few that are in proximity to Fresno and the Central Valley. Here are the ten closest state parks to Fresno.

Millerton Lake State Recreation Area	22 miles from Fresno	0.5 hour drive
Colonel Allensworth State Park	77 miles from Fresno	1.25 hour drive
George J Hatfield State Recreation Area	85 miles from Fresno	1.5 hour drive
Pacheco State Park	95 miles from Fresno	1.5 hour drive
Hollister Hills State Recreation Area	125 miles from Fresno	2 hour drive
Fort Tejon State Park	125 miles from Fresno	2 hour drive
Columbia State Park	115 miles from Fresno	2 hour drive
Morro Bay State Beach	137 miles from Fresno	2.5 hour drive
Los Osos State Park	145 miles from Fresno	2.5 hour drive
Oceano Nipomo Dunes State Park	152 miles from Fresno	2.5 hour drive

Fresno Parks Map

National Parks Near Fresno FAQ

If you loved this list, check out even more Fresno day trips on my Fresno & Surrounding Day Trips Map. I have over 200 pins, all under three hours from downtown Fresno.

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