Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree
America’s National Parks – Free Admission to Our Greatest Natural Treasures
Here is their Website.
Best For: Hikers, bikers, bird watchers, wanderers, weekend warriors
The United States is fortunate to have many areas across the nation protected from development and preserved and enhanced by the National Park Service. Throughout the year there are a few select days when admission to all of the 398 national parks is waived. This upcoming weekend, Veterans Day weekend, is one such free admission period. Also, of the 398 national parks, 264 of them are free everyday.
In 2012 the free admission dates that are still available for all national parks are:
- November 10 – 12 (Veterans Day weekend)
As you can see, this weekend is the last free admission day for 2012, although you will be able to take advantage of these opportunities in 2013 as well.Other times in 2013 that will have free admissions are:
- January 19 – 21, 2013 (Martin Luther King Jr. weekend)
- April 20 – 28, 2013 (National Park Week)
- June 8, 2013 (Get Outdoors Day)
- September 28, 2013 (National Public Lands Day
Cabrillo National Monument, the Point Loma Lighthouse.
Within 200 Miles
Within 200 miles of San Diego there are four national park properties you can visit this weekend.
Cabrillo National Monument – right here in town, out on Point Loma
Just across the bay from downtown San Diego, this area offers views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. There are trails to walk, an old lighthouse to explore, and tidepools with sea creatures of many kinds to see. For the tidepools, low tide is the best time to visit, when the water level is low and more of the ocean floor is revealed. For this weekend Sunday afternoon and Monday afternoon are the best opportunities, with a low tide on Sunday at 13:28 of -.5 feet and on Monday at 14:13 of -1.15 feet.
Joshua Tree National Park’s namesake, the Joshua Tree.
Joshua Tree National Park (111 miles away)
Massive boulders, distinctive Joshua Trees, and dessert vistas can be found throughout this large park just outside of Palm Springs.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (131 miles away)
Just north of Los Angeles, an area for hiking, horse riding, camping and generally escaping the hustle of the cities of Southern California.
Channel Islands National Park (164 miles away)
Comprised of five islands off the Southern California coast, this National Park is only accessible by boat. 145 species of plants and animals can only be found on these islands.
Talk about a great hike! The Channel Islands.
Mojave National Preserve (188 miles away)
Covering 1.6 million acres this area features canyons, mesas, mountains, and more.
Whether you live in San Diego or elsewhere in the United States the opportunity to explore our national parks is one that should not be passed up. If you can’t make it this weekend mark your calender for an upcoming weekend and enjoy the abundant beauty of our vast nation.
Joshua Tree – rock climbing opportunities abound.
John P. Anderson
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