5 National Parks to Visit This Spring
Mojave National Preserve Kelso, Calif.
Spanning more than 1.6 acres, Mojave National Preserve is one of the most beautiful and underrated national parks in the entire country. It is home to the world’s largest forest of Joshua trees and features everything from volcanic cinder cones, canyons and sand dunes to abandoned mines, wildflowers, and rock-walled military outposts.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Copper Center, Alaska
The equivalent to six Yellowstones, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the country. However, there are very few roads in and out of the park, which make it less visited by tourists. For those who do find a way into the park, a wonderful experience awaits. Nine of the 16 highest peaks in the U.S. are located within the park, including the country’s largest subpolar icefield, Bagley Icefield, and ruins of the Kennecott mines.
Great Basin National Park Baker, Nev.
Nevada’s only glacier, Wheeler Peak Glacier, is located at Great Basin National Park. Visitors can drive up to Wheeler Peak and hike the summit to get an up-close look at the natural wonder. Additionally, guests can take a tour through the Lehman Caves, which are home to bacteria and many different creatures. You’ll also find that the park is home to 5,000-year-old bristlecone pine trees that complete the scenery.
North Cascades National Park Sedro-Woolley, Wash.
More than 300 glaciers are permanent residents of North Cascades National Park. Outside of Alaska, it’s the only park in the country to feature this many glaciers. Throughout the year, people flock to the park, where they camp, hike and go boating. Many guests also travel to the tiny community of Stehekin, which is only accessible by foot, boat or plane, and has a population of 75 people.
Dry Tortugas National Park Key West, Fla.
By boat or seaplane is the only way to travel to Dry Tortugas National Park. The remote park is located 70 miles west of Key West and is primarily made up of open water and seven tiny islands. Marine life and its stunning coral reefs are what typically draw visitors to Dry Tortugas National Park. Fort Jefferson, which is located on Garden Key, is also a popular attraction among tourists.
