Seeking Sixties and Sunny: Springtime in the National Parks
Spring in the national parks is a season of split-second decisions. The days are warming, but winter still clings to the high elevations, and timing is everything. From Joshua Tree, we have options—Sequoia, Channel Islands, Death Valley, and the Grand Canyon—all within a day’s drive. But each park has its own personality this time of year, and not all are created equal.
Sequoia has shut the door with a winter weather advisory and mandatory snow chains for all vehicles, even those with all-wheel drive. We’re equipped for it, but the kids have made their stance clear—no snow without skiing. They’d rather stay in the desert than shiver in the 20s just to admire giant trees. Fair enough.
The Channel Islands are tempting, but the logistics aren’t in our favor. The hour-long ferries to Santa Cruz Island are fully booked for weeks, and the only available option is a three-hour open-ocean ride to Santa Rosa. That’s three hours of rocking and rolling, which guarantees a rough day for our crew. Hard pass.
The Grand Canyon is still in the 40s, not exactly calling to us just yet. But patience may pay off. A week’s delay will mean a 20-degree temperature jump, bringing us into far more comfortable hiking weather. So, we wait.
That makes Death Valley the clear winner. Sixties (at least at sea level) and sunny, perfect for hiking without the oppressive summer heat. Before heading in, we’ll stop in the Mojave Desert to explore ancient lava tubes, where sunlight filters through cracks in the rock, illuminating tunnels carved by fire. Then, we’ll descend into the lowest, driest, hottest place in North America—Badwater Basin, where salt crystals stretch to the horizon, and the landscape feels otherworldly.
After soaking up the warmth, we’ll see where spring has finally arrived. We’re hoping for a respite from the cold even if some of the trails may still have snow; hopefully with an extra week, we’ll get the best of both worlds. Winter behind us, and spring beneath our feet.
