16Joshua Tree National Park
The park spans an area of almost 600,000 acres of wilderness, straddles two California deserts, and includes 300 miles of hiking trails. Veteran visitors can confirm springtime is the best time to visit this International Dark Sky Park. Unlike summertime, the spring weather is never higher than 72 degrees Fahrenheit and never cooler than 48 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plus, you avoid the summer tourist crowds. There will be less competition for spots in the daily ranger programs. There are also fewer four-wheel drive vehicles off-roading on the numerous backcountry trails.
There are fewer rock climbers and birders in the park in springtime too. Newbies may want to use the north entrance found in Twentynine Palms. If you want to see the Milky Way here, consider camping here for a weekend.
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