A recent BBC travel feature highlights five U.S. national parks that are accessible solely by sea or sky, offering a pristine wilderness escape from the overcrowding that affects many popular parks. These remote destinations cater to adventurous travelers seeking solitude and unique natural experiences, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of reaching landscapes untouched by roads.
With record visitation straining the U.S. National Park Service, these five parks provide an alternative for those willing to forgo traditional road trips. Channel Islands National Park in California, often called “the Galapagos of North America,” consists of five volcanic islands reachable only by ferry from Ventura or Oxnard. The islands are car-free, encouraging exploration on foot or by kayak, and host 145 endemic species. Activities include snorkeling in kelp forests, whale watching, and camping, with all supplies must be brought in advance due to the lack of services.
Further north, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska lies above the Arctic Circle and is the nation’s northernmost and least-visited park. With no roads, trails, or campsites, access is exclusively via air taxi or arduous hiking. The park’s 8.4 million acres of tundra and boreal forest offer raw Arctic beauty, and visitors might spot wildlife like moose and grizzly bears from the air. Proficiency in outdoor survival is essential, underscoring the park’s untamed nature.
In the Caribbean Sea, Dry Tortugas National Park off Florida’s coast is 99% underwater, featuring the world’s third-largest barrier reef. Accessible by ferry or seaplane from Key West, the park is renowned for snorkeling and diving, with highlights including the historic Fort Jefferson and the Windjammer Avanti shipwreck. The night skies here are exceptionally dark, allowing for stargazing without light pollution, and camping is available for those prepared to bring all necessities.
Isle Royale National Park in Michigan is an archipelago in Lake Superior, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and open seasonally from April to October. Reached by ferry from Grand Portage or Copper Harbour, the park offers hiking, canoeing, and scuba diving to shipwrecks. Popular trails like the Greenstone Ridge Trail provide challenging hikes, and wildlife sightings include moose and beavers. Overnight options range from lodges to campgrounds, but coordination with transport is key for day trips.
Katmai National Park & Preserve in Alaska, larger than Connecticut, is famous for its population of approximately 2,200 brown bears, best observed during the summer salmon run at Brooks Camp. Accessible only by seaplane or boat, the park also features the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes from a historic volcanic eruption. Activities include fishing, flightseeing tours, and hiking, with accommodations at lodges or campgrounds. The annual Fat Bear Week event adds a unique cultural element to the park’s appeal.
These five parks exemplify the enduring allure of America’s wilderness, requiring extra effort to visit but offering unparalleled rewards. They remind travelers that true adventure often lies beyond the pavement, in places where nature remains dominant and human impact is minimal. For those seeking to disconnect and immerse in pristine environments, these sea- and sky-accessible parks represent the ultimate escape.
