#280 Artist's Drive & Palette

Artist's Drive & Palette is a deep canyon in the Black Mountains of Death Valley National Park. Oxidation of metals along the canyon walls create a rainbow of colors from iron, mica and manganese exposed from volcanic activity. This one-way 9-mile drive provides stunning vistas at every turn and is best seen in the afternoon light and sunset where the colors are their most vibrant.

#279 Mount San Jacinto State Park

Mount San Jacinto State Park is the crown jewel above Palm Springs. Reached by the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, this alpine park provides stunning views of forested rocky peaks that drop to the Coachella Valley below along the Desert View Trail. Mount San Jacinto soars at 10,834 feet and is the second highest peak in Southern California. With most of the park designated wilderness, modern life will fade away as you enjoy the splendor of the wild.

#270 Backbone Trail

Backbone Trail is a National Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. After more than 50 years in the works, the trail is finally complete. It runs for 67 miles from Will Rogers State Park to Point Mugu State Park. From majestic ocean-view peaks, chaparral-covered hills and winding canyons, the trail will keep you going at each turn. Several access points make this trail available for all skill levels at any duration.

#262 Corona del Mar

Corona del Mar State Beach is one of the hidden treasures of Orange County. Meaning 'Crown of the Sea' in Spanish, this stretch of coast certainly lives up to its name. The beach is separated by dramatic cliffs into 'Big Corona' and 'Little Corona'. Big Corona offers white sandy beach perfect for sunbathing while Little Corona offers stunning rocky coves, tidepools and arches.

#257 Mulholland Drive

Mulholland Drive is a famous drive in the Hollywood Hills opening in 1924. At 21 miles long, the drive provides sweeping views of Hollywood & its iconic sign, Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. With its celebrity homes and history, it is an ultimate tourist attraction but the views far outweigh the crowds.

#251 Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is a seasonal lake in Yosemite National Park that peaks in the Spring after a great snow melt. An easy, 2 mile round trip hike takes you to the base and is a great way to see what Yosemite looked like thousands of years ago when an entire lake covered the valley floor. In the summertime, it becomes a giant green meadow.

#250 Garrapata State Park

Garrapata State Park is one of the most beautiful spots along Highway 1's Big Sur Coast. Two miles of stunning coast are preserved with trails that climb from the rocky coast to redwood forest. The park is a great spot to watch whales, seals and sea otters while hidden coves are perfect for solitude.

#246 Rim O' The World

Rim O' The World is a National Scenic Byway in the San Bernardino Mountains. This beautiful 100 mile stretch lives up to its name as it winds along panoramic mountains with gorgeous vistas. You will feel as if you are driving on the edge of the world as you climb to alpine peaks 7,000 feet and up. Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake are just two of the many wonders awaiting discovery.

#236 Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island is a treasure of the Channel Islands. This volcanic island separates into a chain of carved islands creating a jaw-dropping vista that drops to the ocean. A 2 mile round trip hike takes you across the tiny island to the viewpoint.

#232 Flat Rock Point

Flat Rock Point at Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve is a must see along the Los Angeles Coast. Trails take you from the bluffs down to hidden rocky coves while beautiful views of the coast stretch all the way to the Santa Monica Mountains.