National Parks Near Pasadena, California

Plan your next outdoor adventure with our complete guide to 53 national parks near Pasadena. The closest park is just 36 miles away—perfect for a quick day trip.

53
Parks Within Range
3
Within 100 Miles
36
Miles to Closest

Closest Parks (Within 100 Miles)

Perfect for day trips from Pasadena

⭐ Closest
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
36 mi (~43 min)

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Calabasas, California
National Recreation Area
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
56 mi (~1 hr 7 min)

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Richmond, Arizona
National Historic Trail
César E. Chávez National Monument
78.3 mi (~1 hr 34 min)

César E. Chávez National Monument

Keene, California
National Monument

Weekend Getaways (100-200 Miles)

Great for weekend trips from Pasadena

Channel Islands National Park
101.7 mi (~2 hr 2 min)

Channel Islands National Park

Ventura, California
National Park
Cabrillo National Monument
114.5 mi (~2 hr 17 min)

Cabrillo National Monument

San Diego, California
National Monument
Joshua Tree National Park
133 mi (~2 hr 40 min)

Joshua Tree National Park

Twentynine Palms, California
National Park
Mojave National Preserve
163.9 mi (~3 hr 17 min)

Mojave National Preserve

Kelso, California
National Preserve
Death Valley National Park
171.4 mi (~3 hr 26 min)

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley, California
National Park
Manzanar National Historic Site
178.1 mi (~3 hr 34 min)

Manzanar National Historic Site

Independence, California
National Historic Site
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
179 mi (~3 hr 35 min)

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Three Rivers, California
National Parks
Castle Mountains National Monument
190.4 mi (~3 hr 48 min)

Castle Mountains National Monument

Barstow, California
National Monument

Extended Adventures (200-300 Miles)

Perfect for long weekend adventures from Pasadena

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
222.2 mi (~4 hr 27 min)

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Nevada
National Monument
Pinnacles National Park
235.6 mi (~4 hr 43 min)

Pinnacles National Park

California
National Park
Devils Postpile National Monument
245.3 mi (~4 hr 54 min)

Devils Postpile National Monument

California
National Monument
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
248.8 mi (~4 hr 59 min)

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Arizona
National Recreation Area
Yosemite National Park
267.6 mi (~5 hr 21 min)

Yosemite National Park

California
National Park
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
297.1 mi (~5 hr 57 min)

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument

Arizona
National Monument

Planning Your Visit from Pasadena

Pasadena is perfectly positioned for exploring national parks across the region. With 3 parks within 100 miles, you can enjoy incredible outdoor adventures without extensive travel. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is your closest option at just 36 miles—approximately 43 min by car.

Best practices: Check individual park pages for current conditions, entrance fees, and reservation requirements. Many parks offer America the Beautiful passes for frequent visitors. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect all park regulations during your visit.

Guided Tours Near Pasadena

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