Gifted Healthcare provided this article.
The ability to work in different cities and states, giving you the chance to experience new cultures, meet new people, and expand your horizons, is a perk that few other careers aside from Travel Nursing can offer. The question is, are you taking advantage of it?
If you have your bucket list of travel nursing adventures started, we have five national parks you need to add to the list, and this is the time of year to experience them!
Exploring national parks in the springtime can be an unforgettable experience. As the weather begins to warm up, the parks come to life with vibrant colors and blooming flowers – the perfect opportunity for breathtaking views and photo ops. Many of the parks tend to be less crowded in the springtime as well, allowing for some peace and quiet as you recharge for your next shift.
If you’re sold on the idea of exploring a national park this spring, here are some of GIFTED Healthcare’s top picks.
National parks for travel nurses to explore this spring:
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The weather is mild in Arizona this time of year, and the crowds are sparse, meaning there is no better time than now to visit the natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year: the Grand Canyon.
The vibrant, multicolored rock formations, which are millions of years old, make it a breathtaking sight. Visitors can explore the canyon by foot, bike, or even helicopter, taking in the stunning views from different angles. There are also hiking trails that offer challenging terrain and amazing vistas for those looking for more of an adventure.
Sunrises and sunsets are particularly beautiful times to visit the Grand Canyon, as the changing light creates dramatic, colorful views, so be sure to plan your once-in-a-lifetime experience around the opportunity to experience a moment in the sun.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park, just east of San Bernardino, is known for its desert landscape, stunning sunsets, and of course, its Joshua Trees.
The park’s famous Joshua trees are tall and gangly – like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. They almost look like a palm tree meets a cactus, if you can imagine! While gawking at the unique trees, keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls Joshua Tree home, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.
As a visitor, you can also explore the park by hiking, rock climbing, or even stargazing at night. The rock formations create challenging routes you won’t find anywhere else, while the campsites allow you to embrace the beauty when the sun goes down.
Zion National Park, Utah
Calling all hikers! Zion National Park is your paradise, with stunning canyons, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs to explore. One of the park’s most famous hikes is the Narrows, a slot canyon hike that takes visitors through the narrowest part of Zion Canyon – an exhilarating experience!
If that sounds out of your comfort zone, opt to go on a guided tour of the park. While on the guided tour, you will see bighorn sheep, mule deer, and even golden eagles cohabitating in the park.
Or, if waterfalls are your top bucket list item, hike the Emerald Pools Trail. You have three distance options ranging from 1.2 miles to 2.5 miles, giving you the chance to pick what is best for you to view the waterfalls!
Everglades National Park, Florida
The Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, home to a unique and diverse ecosystem. The 1.5 million acres are filled with alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species. You will want to hit the water to fully immerse yourself in the glades. Spring is especially perfect for a visit because you will have far fewer mosquitoes to deal with.
When planning your visit, decide if a boat tour, kayaking, or a hike fulfills your adventure fantasy. No matter which one you choose, keep your eye out for the endangered Florida panther, the only subspecies of a mountain lion that remains in the eastern United States.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is a beautiful natural wonder that offers visitors a glimpse into the stunning beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. It is the most visited national park in the United States, and for good reason.
The park is known for its scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Spring is the perfect time to see all the spring wildflowers in bloom! If you are planning to hike, you will pass some iconic landmarks, including Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, and Cades Cove, a historic valley that provides a glimpse into the area’s early settlement.
Unique wildlife to the Great Smoky Mountains are black bears – be alert and be prepared while entering the park.
Travel with GIFTED Healthcare
When you explore these national parks, you are experiencing the beauty and diversity of the United States and making unforgettable memories along your travel nurse journey! If you are looking for your next travel assignment in Arizona, California, Utah, Florida, Tennessee, and beyond, connect with a GIFTED Recruiter so you can knock off your next bucket list item.
We hope you found this article on national parks for travel nurses to explore this spring helpful. Are there any other national parks you think should be added to this list? Comment them below.
Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.
