Discover a landscape brimming with stars, flora and fauna in four different desert parks near Los Angeles. Challenge the definition of beauty with a quick road trip.
Catherine Parker
Catherine Parker
Catherine Parker has a passion for travel with only two states left in her quest of seeing all 50. As a former flight attendant with one of the largest airlines, she’s landed at all the major North American airports at least once. Since clipping her professional wings after 9/11, she combines her love of the open road with exploring national parks, historic sites and cultural icons. She’s based out of Central Texas, dividing her time between writing and restoring a 95-year-old house. She shares her life with her three kids and her husband.
To help the National Park Service celebrate its Centennial, I loaded up my car full of kids, aged 8, 12 and 13, to explore America’s best idea. With a loose itinerary of 28 national park sites, we hiked through summer vacation and pulled over at every scenic overlook that didn’t require an illegal turn.