The Top Choices Feature a Wildflower Paradise, the Home of Elephant Seals, and Old Growth Redwoods.
California's state park system includes a number of areas that offer opportunities for winter sports such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, but then, so do other state park systems. The three parks that were selected as the best of the best winter parks in California, however, offer unique opportunities not found elsewhere.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Located in San Diego County, this 600,000-acre park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States. The main winter attraction here is the desert wildflowers, which usually start blooming in force in late February or early March. Visitors who want to be sure to visit Anza-Borrego at the best time for flower viewing can send a self-addressed stamped postcard in an envelope addressed to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, 200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, and mail it. The people at Anza-Borrego will mail the card back at just the right time. Their phone number is (760) 767-5311. For a special wildflower recorded message, call (760) 767-4684.
Año Nuevo State Reserve
Located 55 miles south of San Francisco, this 4,000-acre reserve is the site of the largest mainland breeding colony in the world for the northern elephant seal. The males battle for mates on the beaches and the females give birth to their pups on the dunes. The interpretive program has attracted increasing interest every winter for a number of years, and during the breeding season (December-March), daily access to the reserve is available via guided walks only. Tours may be reserved through ReserveAmerica by calling (800) 444-4445.
Prairie Creek Redwood State Park
Set aside in the 1920's, this 14,000-acre sanctuary of old growth coast redwoods includes 70 miles of hiking trails through verdant forests and along wild and scenic beaches. Prairie Creek offers hiking, nature study, wildlife viewing, beach combing, picnicking, and a visitor center with exhibits and a nature store. During the winter, the park offers a great opportunity to view native Roosevelt elk.
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