No visitors have been allowed into historic Scotty’s Castle since the "largest flood event in recorded history of the area" washed through Death Valley National Park in October 2015, but that’s about to change. The park and the Death Valley National History Association are offering a limited number of tours this spring to see the damage caused by the floods and learn about the restoration of the historic district.

Star shows are on the calendar for this weekend in both Death Valley National Park and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in California.

There are a few in every national park. While most visitors are courteous and respectful of the parks and their resources, there are always a few who couldn't care less. At Death Valley National Park in California, those few drove their vehicles across both the Racetrack playa and the salt flats of Badwater.

With more than 400 units in the National Park System, trying to zoom in on any one particular park for a visit can be a challenge. Over the past 12 months the Traveler has "explored" quite a few parks, and we list those stories here to help you plan your next national park adventure.