LAX & National Parks

Question

I have a conference in LA and I'll have some time the first weekend of May and want to do some hiking and exploring. I'll arrive Thursday PM but probably leave LA on Friday AM and need to be in DTLA late afternoon on Monday so basically three nights.

I've been to Joshua Tree so hoping for something new.

I have two general ideas: Death Valley or Sequoia/Kings Canyon but I'm thinking I might too late for DV and too early for SEKI.

I was hoping for some guidance on if it will be too hot in DV and too snowy in SEKI.

Thanks!

Answer

For a short three-night trip from LA in early May with a focus on hiking and exploring, both Death Valley and Sequoia/Kings Canyon present challenges due to the timing. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect and some alternative suggestions:

Death Valley: Early May is already starting to get hot. Daytime highs can reach 90–100°F (32–38°C) in lower elevations, especially in Furnace Creek and Badwater Basin. While you could still hike early morning or late afternoon, the extreme heat in the middle of the day can make it uncomfortable and potentially unsafe if you are not acclimated or prepared with plenty of water and sun protection.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon: Early May is generally still snowy in higher elevations. Roads like the Generals Highway often open mid to late May, but heavy snow in April can persist into early May. Some hiking trails may be inaccessible or require snowshoes. Lower elevation trails, such as those near Three Rivers or the lower Giant Forest trails, might be open, but expect chilly temperatures, possibly below freezing at night.

Given your timeframe and the desire for hiking without extreme conditions, here are some practical options:

Channel Islands National Park – Accessible via Ventura or Oxnard, mild spring weather, hiking trails with coastal views, and opportunities for wildlife watching. You can stay in Santa Barbara or Ventura for one night.
Angeles National Forest / San Gabriel Mountains – Very close to LA, offers hiking with scenic views, lower snow risk, and easy access from LA. Trails like Mount Baldy or Bridge to Nowhere are popular options.
Mojave Desert / Red Rock Canyon State Park (near Palmdale/Lancaster) – Less extreme heat than Death Valley in early May, and excellent desert landscapes without a long drive.
Big Bear Lake – Around 2 hours from LA, offers moderate hiking, lakeside views, and mild spring weather. Trails such as Castle Rock Trail or Pine Knot Trail are scenic without high elevation snow concerns.

Practical itinerary suggestion:

Friday morning: Drive out from LA to your chosen nature destination (Big Bear, Angeles Forest, or Channel Islands if taking a ferry from Ventura/Santa Barbara).
Friday afternoon & evening: Short hike, explore scenery, overnight stay locally.
Saturday: Full day of hiking or exploring local attractions, overnight locally.
Sunday morning: Additional hike or short nature activity, then drive back to LA for your Monday obligations.

This approach avoids extreme desert heat or lingering snow issues, maximizes your hiking time, and keeps driving distances manageable so you can enjoy the scenery without stress.