Tag Archives: camping

6 Stunning Glamping Sites Around the World

There are few things I dislike more in this world than dirt, bugs, half-cooked food, and the fear of a bear attack, so as you can imagine, going camping has never been at the top of my bucket list. That is until I was introduced to the world of glamping. Yup, glamping, as in camping glamorously, which sounds like an exponentially better experience, in my opinion.

Glamping combines the outdoorsy feeling of camping with the experience of a hotel so you can bask in nature without missing out on your fav reality shows on E! Here are some of the best glamping sites in the world.

 

Treebones Resort

Big Sur, California

Treebones Resort is located in South Big Sur and has a perfect view of the Pacific Ocean, with several yurts, oceanfront campsites, and even a stunning little spot created from tree branches by Big Sur-based artist Jayson Fann. The spaces have comfortable beds, hot and cold running water, and indoor and outdoor seating. The resort also features a pool and hot tub, a restaurant with organic, locally grown food and a sushi bar. Hamburgers and hot dogs no more!

 

Camp Kalahari

Botswana, Africa

Camp Kalahari is located in the Kalahari Desert in Africa and is one of three campsites on one million acres of a private wildlife reserve. With only 11 tents available, Camp Kalahari is the perfect place to have a relaxing stay while also adventuring and taking in the sights and sounds of African Wildlife. The camp features canvas tents, ensuite bathrooms, and open-air showers. There’s also a common library, living and dining area, and swimming pool. You’ll commonly spot brown hyenas, zebras, cheetahs, and more.

 

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Madivaru, Maldives

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After a day of diving, come home to a private tented villa that features a living room, bathroom, fully-furnished bedroom, private porch, and a stunning infinity pool. The five-star Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru also features a restaurant and bar, room service, and fitness center. Join the on-site marine conservation team in one of many on-going conservation projects.

 

Hôtel de Glace

Quebec, Canada

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If you’re planning ahead for some winter fun consider staying at the Hôtel de Glace located in Quebec, Canada, open from early January to late March with a truly magical atmosphere and an experience you’ll never forget. Guests can visit the Nordic relaxation area that features an outdoor spa and sauna, or for the active guests, an indoor waterpark, outdoor winter playground, and dog sledding excursions are available.

 

Collective Governors Island

New York City, New York

You’d never guess that this beautiful glamping oasis is just a quick ferry ride from downtown Manhattan; there’s even a view of the Statue of Liberty from the site. The tents have stunning décor and full electricity, comfortable bedding, and private or shared bathroom. Some of the bigger tents include complimentary breakfast and s’mores kits. Each evening opt into having a chef create a multi-course menu enjoyed either in the privacy of your own tent or at the on-site restaurant, Three Peaks.

 

Les Bulles de Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France

Have you ever thought of what it’d be like to literally live inside of a bubble? At Les Bulles de Bordeaux you can find out for yourself. Each of their bubble accommodations features its own bathroom with shower, electricity, and heating. There’s also an option for a private terrace spa featuring a warm bath while taking in the view.  I can’t stop thinking about how good Les Bulles de Bordeaux would look on my Instagram feed…

Go Off the Grid in Grand Teton National Park

“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.” – John Muir

The intersection of Wyoming and Montana cedes America’s oldest and most well-journeyed public lands. The region is home to the Northern Rockies and the nation’s first national park, Yellowstone. Lesser known, but arguably more impressive, is Yellowstone’s sister park, Grand Teton National Park (GTNP).

Wyoming’s plains come to an abrupt end with the rising of striking and ancient Teton Range goliaths from flat grasslands. Founded in 1929, the more than 200 miles of thick forest, pristine lakes, and imperial snow-capped Rocky Mountains have served as a backbone to American Indians, early settlers, and an abundance of wildlife residing in the protected park’s parameters. While Yellowstone offers its own charming landscape, Grand Teton National Park renders fewer boardwalks and more rugged wilderness necessary for a proper escape.

The truly wild among us should consider a multi-day backpacking trip through the park’s backcountry for an honest, unfiltered experience. Regardless of your fitness level or athletic stamina, you’re sure to find a suitable Teton trail. Here are some suggestions for first-time backpackers planning to head north in the near future.

grand tetons national park

Pack light, but don’t skimp

Proper backpacking can be a burdensome financial investment. If you want to make your trip free of serious complications, you’ll need to buy some pricey gear to conserve space and pack weight. First, when choosing a pack, spring for brand-name. Brands like Osprey, Marmot, Gossamer Gear, and REI will offer ideal weight distribution and comfort. Next, check out multiple sporting goods stores for the best deals on small, compact tents, chairs, sleeping bags, thermal sleeping pads, and pillows. Many come in fist-sized bags, creating ample room for other necessities.

If you’re bringing a camping stove, pack easy foods like ramen, instant potatoes, and more than enough protein supplements. You’ll also need an abundance of gear you probably haven’t thought about if you’ve never camped backcountry, so look over this complete list for notes.

Layer clothes and check the weather prior to packing, but be aware that weather in the Tetons is unpredictable. The park is usually on the warmer side during summer days and cooler at night. Bringing several pairs of socks is a must given afternoon thunderstorms. Maps are imperative; there’s virtually no cell service once you enter the park.

grand tetons national park

Test all gear at least once

You shouldn’t be unwrapping any of your gear for the first time while packing for your backpacking trip. After half a dozen miles of walking, you’re going to want to know exactly how your tent assembles. Even if you’re just camping at a local park, plan a mock-trip to ensure all gear is in working order and be familiar with how you’ll assemble it.

Pick the right trail

GTNP is extremely popular in the summer months, so booking the right backcountry campsite may require reserving a spot months in advance. Sites along Cascade Canyon and Upper Paintbrush Canyon may be too strenuous for beginner backpackers, while Bearpaw Lake and surrounding sites along the Leigh Lake Trail are more moderate with less incline. The National Park Service’s website is a good place to start. It features maps and mileage of each site.

grand tetons national park

Be wildlife literate and know park rules

This park, in particular, pushes “bear awareness” more than the average bear country park. Bears are extremely active in the Tetons, and rangers require anyone camping backcountry to watch a short video on what to do if you encounter one. The majority of the bears you’ll see in the park are black bears, even if they’re a caramel color, one ranger advised. If your site doesn’t include a bear box for food and scented toiletries, bring your own to prevent attracting any wildlife to your site.

Here’s a complete guide to what to do if you encounter a bear in the wild. GTNP requires a permit for all backcountry sites, and doesn’t allow campers to burn their garbage, so be prepared to bring out everything you hike in. (A complete list of rules can be found on the park’s website.)  Before securing your permit, check out these additional tips for hiking the Tetons backcountry.

grand tetons national park
The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If you forget something on your way in, downtown Jackson Hole, the park’s closest city, is objectively overcrowded with shops for nearly every need.

5 Beginner Tips for Car Camping

Cheap. Easy. Fun. Does this sound like your idea of camping? It can be, with just a smidgen of research and prep time. Of course, it’s easy to quickly turn the prospect of your first car camping trip into an epic time-suck project with a free side of extra stress. In the non-stop whirlwind lives we live today, our free time is precious and should be kept as stress-free as possible. On that note, we put together a handy guide to help make sure your very first car camping trip goes off without a hitch!

First things first, despite what it probably sounds like, “car camping” does not mean you are going to spend your vacation sleeping in your car (whew!). Rather, you can think of it like car-assisted camping. You’ll sleep in a tent out under the stars like a pro, but very nearby you will have practically anything you could ever need. As a first-time camper, you definitely want to camp with a car. Your car can get you out of harm’s way ASAP in the event of a sudden weather shift. Plus, your car can come in handy to store all the extra “just in case” stuff you packed. But best of all, if you do forget something essential, or you have an accident and need first aid or medical care, you’ll get there much faster if you can jump in the car and drive rather than first having to hike it back out again on foot. Here are five failsafe beginners’ car camping tips to keep in mind before your adventure.

Keep your first camping trip quick and local

Road tripping is always going to be a favorite. But if your goal is to camp successfully for the first time, don’t spend all your time putting miles on your wheels. Flip open your road atlas, note where you are on the map, and then locate the closest state or national park and star it. This is your destination.

Book your campsite reservation early

Unless you are planning to camp in Texas in February, you need to get your campsite reservations squared away PRONTO. Do this first, or run the risk of completing lots of legwork only to discover all the campsites are taken or the park is closed down during the off-season dates you’ve selected.

State and national parks are particularly reliable about providing cleared and well-maintained campsites with lots of amenities, like toilets, showers, or grills.

camp view from tent

Campsites range in price from around $10 a night to around $30 a night. The earlier you put in your reservation request, the more different types of campsites you will have to choose from.

Bring only the budget basics

If you are someone who tends to over pack, you may struggle a bit with this one. But once you arrive and your campsite setup is a breeze, you will know the struggle was worth it. However, if you lose the struggle this first time, don’t despair! Just pay attention to how much of what you brought you actually use. This can help streamline your packing list for future camping adventures. Here’s a list of items you’ll want to bring with you.

friends camping

Ease up on the food

Keep your food plans simple and quick. Items you can expect to be able to pick up locally at reasonable prices include bagged ice, some fresh produce (bananas, apples, etc.), beverages, and pre-packaged soup or cereal where you can just add hot water and mix.

Arrive during daylight hours

Finally, there is nothing quite so stress-relieving as arriving at your destination during the day when you can see everything. This way, you can scope out your campsite, set up your tent, get the lay of the land, nab a few items you may need for cooking dinner, and even take a short hike or swim if time and geography permits.

night camping under the stars

Of course there are a million things that could go awry that get no mention here. But most of those things won’t happen, and the few that do will most likely be easily fixable with a little help from friendly locals and your handy vehicle. Once you get the general hang of camping itself and start to notice your personal campsite preferences, you can ramp up the difficulty level, from choosing a hike-in/hike-out campsite where your car is now parked a short distance away from your tent, to going off-the-grid backcountry for real.

When you set yourself up for camping success by starting off small and simple, you will have lots more smiles and adventures to look forward to on future camping trips together!

7 Beautiful Camping Locations for the Summer

Simply put, camping is its own form of medicine. Days spent hiking give away to breathtaking sunsets to magical campfires. You’re forced to unplug and simply be in the moment and whether that moment is the sense of accomplishment when you reach the peak or the peacefulness of a morning waking up to the sound of nature, you come back from a weekend or more of camping with a sense of ease. Let these seven beautiful places to camp this summer be your inspiration to get outside more.

 

Acadia National Park, Maine

Caution: the weather can be unpredictable in Acadia National Park during the summer. Temps range from a chilly 45 degrees to a blistering 90, but if you’re willing to pack all-weather gear the park on Maine’s Atlantic coast is awe-inspiring. Low light pollution makes it ideal for stargazing (it’s one of the U.S. destinations you can sometimes spot the Aurora Borealis), and history buffs will appreciate the origins of the park which date back thousands of years.

 

Arches National Park, Utah

Utah’s Arches National Park is not the easiest place to get to (it’s more than 200 miles from the closest major airport), but, hey, sometimes the best things require some extra effort. Feel humbled as you take in the deep blue desert sky and the red rocks of the 2,000 gravity-defying sandstone figurines. This park is a must-visit both for rock climbers and for hikers of all types. Don’t miss the Delicate Arch Trail.

 

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

Beaches, check. Salt marshes, check. Forests, check. Wild horses, check, check, check. Let the sound of the waves crashing on Assateague Island soothe you to sleep after a day exploring some of the seashore’s 37 miles of hiking. If you’re lucky you’ll encounter at least one of the two herds of wild horses that call the island home. Just remember to enjoy the horses from afar. And camping, allowed only on the Maryland side, is first come, first served.

 

Finger Lakes, New York

Community campfires, homemade s’mores, twinkling fireflies; New York’s Finger Lakes are a magical place to spend a summer night or two. With camping options that range from D.I.Y. to the glam, complete with an actual bed to the in-between, there’s something for every type of nature lover. There are also plenty of activity options to spend your days whether it be hiking, boating, or even wine tasting.

 

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

What’s your favorite waterfall in the Smokies? @toddamacker thanks for the beautiful photo

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Hugging the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hard not to fall in love with. Waterfalls break up the lush forest as wildflowers bloom everywhere giving the landscape a whimsical quality. And various camping options, including backcountry campsites with running water and camps designed for those exploring on horseback, make this national park ideal for all types of adventurers.

 

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Chances are you’ve heard of Joshua Tree National Park, and it may even be on your bucket list. But did you know the park isn’t all deserts and famous trees? While you should plan a visit to the park’s namesake tree, Joshua Tree also has 10 mountain peaks higher than 5,000-feet. Camp at one of the nine campsites or register in advance for backcountry camping.

 

Makoshika State Park, Montana

To the Lakota Indians, ‘Makoshika’ is a variant of the spelling for the phrase ‘bad earth’ or ‘bad land’. Read into that what you will, but Montana’s largest state park is breathtaking. Juniper and pine trees give way to rock formations that have held the fossil remains of dinosaurs. The state park is now offering backcountry camping permits in addition to the camping available at the campground.

Nature and Nightlife: Outdoor Adventures Near Fun Cities

Some trips are enlightening, arduous backpacking excursions with a few close friends who know how to manage rattlesnake bites, and others are more in the spirit of opulent bachelorette parties. But what if you could have both? These cities are ideal for adventure seekers who relish the nightlife. Put these laid-back destinations at the top of your list if you’re looking for the great outdoors and some even greater indoors.

 

Fort Collins, Colorado

Just 45 minutes northwest of Denver and home to Colorado State University, Fort Collins offers college life with half a dozen open spaces and state parks within a 20-mile radius. Spend the day hiking the Rocky Mountain Front Range in Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory State Park, or Devil’s Backbone Open Space before grabbing dinner at the Colorado Room and drinks at Pinball Jones ad Lucky Joe’s Sidewalk Saloon. The region even has a number of lakes and beaches for additional summer aesthetic.

fort collins 4 runner

 

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is nothing if not a luxury destination. With Grand Teton National Park just a few miles north, the city views are incomparable. Lodging can be on the pricer side, but the unparalleled quality of nightlife more than makes up for it. Whether you’re looking for cowboys or cocktails, bars such as The Rose and The Silver Dollar have you covered.

jackson hole wyoming

 

Tempe, Arizona

The unofficial party suburb of Phoenix, Tempe offers mechanical bull riding, bar dancing, and a truly unforgettable (or, preferably, forgettable?) evening. With its modern western energy, there’s no drink or experience you can’t find in Tempe. Local hot spots include Yucca Tap Room and Taste of Tops. Drink responsibly if for no other reason than the sidewalks are littered with prickly pear and saguaro cacti. During the day, walk off the hangover in Tonto National Forest, Usery Mountain Recreation Area, or head north to Sedona for prismatic sandstone canyon views.

tempe arizona

 

Miami, Florida

Miami doesn’t shy away from its party-city reputation. Year-round summer sun and white sand beaches are just a few reasons the city continues to earn its rightful place as a top U.S. tourist destination. Local clubs like Gramps and Wynwood Kitchen help give Miami its charm, but Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve are serene natural getaways. Be sure to do some wildlife viewing, kayaking, and bayou tours after a night out.

miami bayside florida

 

Palm Springs, California

Set your sights on a desert rejuvenation after a chilling winter in the Coachella Valley. Palm Springs has a whimsical, neon vibration that reverberates throughout its bustling nightlife. With names like Chill Bar  and Bootlegger, it’s easy to get lost in the city’s contagious caprice. Check out Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Springs State Park, and the Salton Sea between sips of artisan cocktails.

palm springs ca

 

Traverse City, Michigan

An unlikely and unconventional party city, Traverse City will treat you to low-key, northwoods get togethers after a day of hiking the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and swimming in a chilly Lake Michigan. A craft beer lover’s paradise, this northern Michigan city is known for brewpubs such as Rare Bird, 7 Monks, and Mackinaw Brewing Company.

traverse city michigan

 

Knoxville, Tennessee

An authentic southern gem, Knoxville is just north of the Great Smoky Mountains and Nantahala National Forest. Nightlife in Knoxville most definitely includes modern honky-tonks and square dancing. Bars and clubs like Twisted Mike’s Tap Room, Preservation Pub, and The Public House are first stops guaranteed to give your night a rowdy kickstart.

knoxville tn

Camp in Long Key State Park, Florida

With so many posh hotels and touristy areas scattered throughout “The Sunshine State,” those looking for a vacay geared solely toward nature without all of the commotion of highly saute-after commercial destinations may struggle to find a location for them. Long Key State Park, located in the Keys, is a hot spot for those looking for tropical savanna temperatures with two main seasons – hot, humid and wet for part of the year and cooler and dry for the rest of the year – and a pristine beach. If you’re not interested in busy Florida beaches and are looking for a place to truly indulge in the splendor of the natural environment, Long Key State park is for you.

florida keys

Once you book your trip and travel down the U.S. 1 Overseas Highway to get to Long Key State Park, you’ll be greeted with a large campsite close to the beach. In total, Long Key State Park offers 60 campsites fully equipped with water and electric hookups. Visitors may choose to tent or RV camp at any site and are able to situate up to two tents on each site. (It’s vital for visitors to inquire about limitations regarding the size of RVs allowed, especially on the site of their choosing since RV size regulations vary from site to site.) Every site has a grill and a picnic table.

florida keys

Besides everything each site has to offer, the entire park has a great deal of amenities to provide travelers. First and foremost, the camp welcomes all domestic animals, so there’s no need for campers to find a kennel for their furry family members. The park has hot showers, restrooms and dump stations.

Despite the campgrounds offering primitive camping for those looking for an escape from all the technology and bustle of today’s modern world, the park is located within 10 miles of a post office, convenience store, church, restaurant, and public marina.

long key state park canoe

There’s something for everyone at this state park. You can enjoy boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, biking, hiking, nature trails, soaking, wading, and snorkeling. Tourists can bird watch, witness breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and enjoy a boardwalk.

Because of the climate in the Keys, this particular state park is open to visitors year-round. Peak season is from December through January. Booking may be done up to 11 months in advance online or via phone, so you can start planning your undisturbed stay near Florida’s beautifulblue waters right now.

Go Glamping at the Vineyards This Summer

Community campfires, homemade s’mores, twinkling fireflies — it’s camping season in the United States. Fall asleep under the stars, hear the wind rustle through the trees, be one with nature but forget about sleeping on rocks. New generations of campsites are all about plush, luxury beds, pre-pitched tents and wine tastings. You read that right. As glamping or lux camping sites, once only someplace you stayed at on safari gain popularity stateside, some of them are becoming a retreat for wine lovers looking for a different type of vineyard vacation. Spend your days learning about wine from the vintners and your nights taking in the beauty of Mother Earth at these five sites.

 

TreeHouse Point, Issaquah, Washington

Photo: Tony Guyton on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: Tony Guyton on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

You’ve probably had wine from Washington State, but did you know that the Evergreen state is the second largest wine producer in the country? There are more than 800 wine producers in Washington, bottling bright, crisp whites and ripe, fruity reds. And with 100 vineyards in Woodinville Wine Country alone, you have your choice of which one or two or three to explore. Pick up a favorite bottle and retreat back to your campsite at TreeHouse Point, where you’ll learn about the forest and soak in the mountain views as you toast to summer before falling asleep among the trees.

 

Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana

The Ranch at Rock Creek is an fully-inclusive luxury guest ranch. Situated on 6,600 acres of rugged ranchland and wilderness on the outskirts of Philipsburg, Montana. | Photo: Ranch Seeker on Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)
The Ranch at Rock Creek is an fully-inclusive luxury guest ranch. Situated on 6,600 acres of rugged ranchland and wilderness on the outskirts of Philipsburg, Montana. | Photo: Ranch Seeker on Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

In Montana’s breathtaking Granite country, you’ll find a luxury guest ranch nestled into rolling hills that give way to mountains on one side, a forest on another and a meadow on the other. Spend your days horseback riding, soaking in the spa and exploring the historic town of Philipsburg and the cities of Missoula and Butte home to breweries and Montana’s burgeoning vineyards, where you’ll be able to taste French-American reds and whites.

 

el Capítan Canyon, Santa Barbara, California

Cabin in El Capitan Canyon | Photo: Alissa Walker on Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Cabin in El Capitan Canyon | Photo: Alissa Walker on Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Santa Barbara is one of California’s hidden gems, and el Capítan Canyon is one of the state’s most magical places to stay. Surrounded on three sides by oceanfront, the campsite features both safari tents and cabins in a private tree-shaded setting where you can whale watch, kayak and taste local wine. The on-site wine cellar features some of Santa Barbara County’s best and often hardest to come by wines.

 

Firelight Camps, Ithaca, New York

View out the front of a glamping tent on a pond. Firelight Camps in Ithaca, NY, USA.
View out the front of a glamping tent on a pond. Firelight Camps in Ithaca, NY, USA. | Photo: Alice Crain on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

15 safari inspired tents (think Moroccan Bedouin tents), hardwood floors with Persian rugs and bright textiles, a king or queen bed, furniture that is light, foldable and durable, each with a covered porch, all make up this campsite in the backyard of Buttermilk Falls State Park. Work up an appetite hiking and then indulge at one of the nearby restaurants, markets, pubs or wineries producing goods that are truly made in N.Y. Wind down your day back at the campsite with a happy hour featuring Finger Lakes wines. And s’mores.

 

Slattery Vintage Estates, Nehawka, Nebraska

vineyard
Photo: Samantha Levang on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

“Come as you are” is the motto at this glamping site located on a vineyard in Nehawka, Nebraska. It’s not quite sleeping in the vines but it’s pretty close. The cozy elevated tents feature breathtaking views of the vineyard outside, while inside, antique furnishings provide a charming throwback experience. In the vineyard tasting room, you’ll find Slattery’s own vintages like the versatile, fruity red St. Bridgid’s Blend along with other Nebraska wines and a curated selection of some non-Nebraska beers and wines.

Find your Southern California Oasis in Joshua Tree National Park

Swaddled in the San Bernardino Mountains southeast of Los Angeles, more than 1,200 square miles of arresting geologic anomalies and humdingers settle placidly. The convergence of the Mojave and Colorado deserts emphasizes millions of years of Earth’s erosion and evolution. Joshua Tree National Park is both humbling and enigmatic with its leggy, spiky yucca trees silhouetted at sunset and implausibly large scrambling boulders.

Sunset
Photo: Christina Suttles

It’s not surprising the name “Joshua Tree” is awe-inspired, reminding 19th-century Mormon settlers of biblical figure Joshua lifting his arms in prayer. The desert can be unforgiving, however, especially for a midwestern visitor with limited perspective and experience such as myself.

Here are some hard-learned tips for anyone planning a camping trip in Joshua Tree this season, and a spotlight on the most rewarding hikes the park offers.

Limiting Sun Exposure

Consider the time of year; summer temperatures in the high desert usually spill over into triple digits during the day, while fall and spring temperatures are more moderate, but cooler at night. Bring a variety of clothing as, regardless of the year, desert temperatures can be unpredictable. Besides essentials such as a sun-protected tent and other necessary camping gear, remember to bring a bandana or hat for sun protection and high SPF sunscreen.

hiking death valley
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

This will limit both skin damage and heat exhaustion. Be sure to educate yourself and your companions on dehydration and heat exhaustion symptoms. Wear light, loose clothing that covers sensitive areas and include a pop-up shelter to prevent an emergency. Proper footwear is non-negotiable; besides withstanding long, rigorous hikes, it can aerate your feet and protect them from cacti and wildlife. Plan early morning hikes when temperatures are cooler and always carry a park map or equivalent because your cell phone will most likely be inoperable.

Food and Water

If you’re flying into LAX or Palm Springs, you’ll need to make a pit stop at a nearby grocery store to pick up some essential items, like food and water. While some campsites have water spigots, bring several gallons of water for personal use. Water is especially important during desert hikes due to dry heat that often evaporates sweat so quickly you may not know you’re dehydrating. Even if you’re not thirsty, make sure you’re hydrating every 15-20 minutes.

palm springs, ca
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Each hiker should be drinking a minimum of a gallon of water a day, so wear a comfortable backpack. Salty, protein-packed snacks such as nuts and trail mixes are ideal hiking food, replacing minerals lost during perspiration. Pack more food than you’ll need.

 

Campground Tips and Suggestions

Joshua Tree offers three campgrounds with water on site: Black Rock, Cottonwood and Indian Cove. These sites are great for beginners and families. Each of the nine campgrounds provide different amenities for various experience levels, so call ahead to confirm. For astronomy buffs, keep in mind that campgrounds bordering the park, such as Black Rock, may not offer the same stargazing opportunities as deeper ones. General rules for desert camping include keeping your tent completely zipped at all times to keep out wildlife (think snakes, scorpions and spiders), leave no trace of food for the same reason and bring a tent pad for comfort — you’ll thank me after a long day of hiking.

Campground
Photo: Christina Suttles

Featured Hikes and Attractions

49 Palms Oasis

This moderately strenuous three-mile-round-trip hike winds along a ridgeline of barrel cacti and boulders, rendering stunning views of the valley as you begin a 300-foot elevation gain. Descending into the narrow canyon below, you’ll be greeted with dozens of prolific fan palms and plenty of shade. Massive boulders provide the perfect haven for a long rest and salty lunch.

49 Palms
49 Palms | Photo: Christina Suttles

Ryan Mountain

Don’t be fooled by its size — this three-mile hike is much more strenuous than it lets on. Reaching the 5,500 foot peak requires exclusively ascending a series of steps carved into the ridgeline, which can wreak havoc on your calves if you’re unprepared. The summit rewards your effort with views of the Lost Horse, Queen, and Pleasant Valley summits.

Ryan mountain
Ryan Mountain | Photo: Christina Suttles
Ryan mountain summit
Ryan Mountain Summit | Photo: Christina Suttles

Lost Palms Oasis

While officially listed as moderately strenuous, this hike is a burly 7.2 miles roundtrip in the relentless desert heat, so bring plenty of extra water and take your time. This will probably be your only hike for the day, but you won’t be disappointed by the captivating display of fan palms ahead.

Lost Palms
Lost Palms | Photo: Christina Suttles

Skull Rock

Adjacent to Jumbo Rocks, Skull Rock is a scrambler’s paradise. A result of granite erosion, this spectacle allows visitors to climb into the skull’s “eye socket” for photos. Massive, narrow rocks provide exemplary conditions for bouldering. There’s also a 1.7-mile nature trail for those with a fear of heights.

Skull Rock
Skull Rock | Photo: Christina Suttles

Cholla Cactus Garden

Pronounced “Choya,” and often referred to as the “teddy bear” cactus, Cholla cacti are extremely sensitive to touch and release spines easily as a defensive mechanism. This short trail is home to a dense concentration of the spiny guys, so make sure to wear protective shoes as the trail is littered with needles.

Cholla trees
Cholla Cactus | Photo: Christina Suttles