With 58 National Parks spanning the U.S., there's no shortage of ways to see and experience many of the country's natural wonders. National Parks are like Disneyland for those more enticed by fresh air, jaw dropping views and oh yeah - low, reasonable admission costs. As 2016 marks the National Park Service Centennial, take a moment to recognize President Theodore Roosevelt's preservation of nature from destruction and development. So, as my own commemoration of a century of National Parks, I've listed two off-the-beaten-path hikes, one easy hike and one moderate, which will give you some different, lesser-known views.
1. Muir Grove Trail in Sequoia National Park
This four mile out-and-back hike culminates in a Narnia-esque clearing of giant Redwoods. But the beauty isn't solely at the end. The approach consists of expansive lookouts and the sound of a rushing river at the bottom of a gorge. There's a significant elevation gain over the course of this hike, so take your time, catch your breath and enjoy the ever-changing views. If you keep an eye towards the ground and trees, you'll spot lichen, a white organism that grows abundantly in thin air and unpolluted climates. When I went on this hike in October of 2015, the campground entrance was still closed, which added an additional mile round-trip to the trail.
Wildlife lookout: On the trip back to our car, we spotted a small black bear scouring through the campground's trash cans. The bear scurried off the second we were noticed. Don't worry, if you leave them alone, they will happily reciprocate.
2. 49 Palms Oasis Trail in Joshua Tree National Park
Less than two hours outside of Los Angeles resides one of the most amazing and unique portions of the Mojave Desert. Joshua Tree National Park has countless hikes and hidden gems. The 49 Palms Oasis Trail may look like a mirage from a distance, but not only does it exist, you can get there with ease. The trail is only a mile-and-a-half round-trip with unique, colorful plant life and cacti scattered against a backdrop of rocky, dry landscape. Remember: this is the desert. Bring more water than you think you'll need, no matter what the temperature reads. I brought approximately two liters and by the time I got back to the car I was almost out. This hike offers no shade until you reach the oasis and you will face a 300 foot gain in either direction.
Wildlife lookout: On a day with limited crowds you might spot lizards and other small critters. If you're incredibly lucky, you'll spot desert bighorn sheep grabbing a few sips of water at the oasis.
"A taste for the beautiful is most cultivated out of doors." - Henry David Thoreau, Walden, or Life in the Woods
