8 Southern California Natural Wonders You Need To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List For 2020

Southern California is brimming with so many splendid places to see and experience that it’s almost impossible to decide where to start. To make your life a little easier, we’ve put together this list of eight natural wonders located right here in SoCal that should go straight to the top of your list of spots to visit in 2020. From the largest mud cave system in the world to a hike through a forest with 4,000-year-old trees, you’ll have plenty of destinations to keep you busy all year long. Ready to get started? Off we go!

flickr/The Greater Southwestern Exploration Company

Did you know the largest mud cave system in the entire world can be found in Southern California? They're known as the Arroyo Tapiado Carrizon Badlands Mud Caves and they're located in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. With 22 caves and 9 slot canyons, there's plenty of adventures to be had at this natural wonder that is a true SoCal treasure. 

flickr/andrew

Advertisement

flickr/jshyun

Located in the town of Baker, you'll find what is known as the Lava Tube in the Mojave National Preserve. A natural wonder that is truly out of this world, the Lava Tube can be witnessed by hiking the Lava Tube Trail and descending into the cave along the trail. The sun beaming through the cave opening casts a heavenly shaft of light that you must see to believe. 

Advertisement

flickr/Abhinaba Basu

Whether you live in Southern California or you're just visiting, the SoCal experience isn't complete until you've witnessed the seven sea caves of La Jolla. They can be experienced by kayak and one can be experienced on foot. Either way, these majestic sea caves deserve to be at the top of your outdoor bucket list. 

flickr/ken lund

A visit to Joshua Tree National Park is always at the top of the list, especially when that visit leads you to one of SoCal's most splendid natural wonders -- the Joshua Tree. Defined by its distinct shape and easily recognizable for its lack of leaves, seeing the Joshua Tree in person is one experience you won't want to miss. 

Related Stories

I Rediscovered A Favorite Local Spot For Delicious Mediterranean Food

The Magnificent Lakefront Airbnb In Southern California That Is Perfect For A Spring Retreat

You Will Never Forget This Incredible Cosmic Experience In The Southern California Desert

flickr/daveynin

Located in Inyo County, you'll find some of the world's oldest living trees. At 4,000 years old and counting, the Bristlecone Pine is a wondrous sight to see. To see these trees in person, take a trek along the Methuselah Trail for a 4-mile hike that provides a close-up view of these incredible trees that have been thriving for thousands of years. 

flickr/daveynin

flickr/howard ignatius

If you think 4,000 years sounds like a long time, then you'll be really impressed by Zabriskie Point as it's comprised of rock sediment from a lake that dried up over five million years ago. 5 million!  Located in Death Valley, this natural wonder is a majestic sight to see. Pure perfection at sunset and equally as stunning pretty much any time of day, Zabriskie Point is one destination that deserves to be witnessed in person. Address: CA-190, CA.

Advertisement

wikimedia commons

And if you think 5 million years is impressive, just wait until you discover the Vasquez Rocks that have been around for nearly 25 million years. Located in the town of Agua  Dulce, this remarkable rock formation holds more history than our minds can possibly imagine. What a true natural wonder! Address: 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91350.

googlemaps/cindy luu

Located near the town of Point Loma in the city of San Diego, Sunset Cliffs is an expansive natural cliff that sits high above the Pacific Ocean. With magnificent curves and chiseled edges carved out by mother nature, this beautiful destination is one for the books. Address: Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107.

What a list of adventures! Do you have a favorite spot on this list that you plan to visit in 2020? We’d love to know!