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Stop Making New Year’s Resolutions: Instead Set One Small Goal

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Streamers with text overlay "Forget New Year's Resolutions instead set One Small Goal"

A new year is so intoxicating. One night’s sleep and poof you get to start over again.

Generally I hate New Year’s Resolutions. I find them to be suffocating and depressing. I’ve been known to make huge un-achievable goals that generally get abandoned somewhere around January 21st. Pretty sure I’m not the only one…right?

Which is why I’m going to encourage you to make a New Year’s Resolution if you want to, but to make it small. Make is something achievable. Make it something that’s not about the scale or the number of times you’re gonna to hit the gym. While you’re at it forget about making huge dietary changes.

Make your 2019 New Year’s Resolution about finding a new adventure. Make it about learning something new. Make it about starting a creative project.

The reason I think you should make a small goal is because you never know where that one small step is going to take you.

In 2018 I made one small goal. I had been watching several people on Instagram work their way through the 52 Hike Challenge. For those who haven’t heard about it, it’s a genuinely lovely idea, and to put it in a nutshell it amounts to you hiking once a week for a year.

The old me would have jumped right on that bandwagon and vowed to hike once a week in 2018. Luckily, the more realistic me set a goal that was achievable for ME.

Hike at least once per month in 2018.

It’s not as sexy as the 52 Hike Challenge, but for me it was a goal that I was more confident I could achieve, and I’m very happy to say that I did!

This one small goal led me to start several other new projects and endeavors, namely camping and eventually this blog.

Since writing my first post in April 2018 Catherine and I have gone camping in Death Valley, Joshua Tree and Leo Carrillo. We’ve hiked to waterfalls, abandoned bridges and to a place called Mount Disappointment (fantastic name right?!).

At the same time my interest in other creative work started to increase. All that fresh air got me taking more pictures, which inspired me to finally pick up a brush and start water coloring. That got me wanting to practice my drawing and even made me remember back to my college days when all I wanted to do was be a wrapping paper designer (seriously, I designed many sheets of wrapping paper…and several Nordstrom shopping bags).

California poppy flowers with text overlay "set one small goal"

So why am I telling you this long drawn out story? Because that one small goal led to all of these other things.

Since starting this whole Indoorsy Camper thing I’ve come to three realizations.

  1. I’m happier when I get to spend time outdoors
  2. I’m happier when I get to create (something! anything!).
  3. I need balance.

I can almost guarantee that if I had proceeded with the 52 Hike Challenge I would have quit early. Then I would have felt disappointed and ashamed and would have never unearthed the creative parts of myself. Plus I wouldn’t have realized that I need balance in my outdoor and indoor life.

While I totally understand that a New Year inspires all of us to reach further, remember that it is also a moment to reflect on how your 2018 went. Then make one small goal for 2019.

One small goal doesn’t have to be the end of it. I’d be willing to guess that that one small goal will start a chain of events that you haven’t even thought about.

Best Blogging Tools for Beginners

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.beginner-outdoor-blogger

Starting a blog can be exciting and totally overwhelming at the same time. There is a LOT of information out there on how to do it. It’s easy to get stuck in information gathering mode; signing up for courses, joining Facebook groups, listening to podcasts and reading so much information your face turns blue.

I felt this way when I started Indoorsy Camper. To be perfectly honest I still fall into the information trap from time to time. Even though this blog is new, I’ve learned a couple things along the way and wanted to share a list of my favorite blogging tools for beginners.

Rather than bombard you with all the tools, this post going to hone in on plug-ins. There’s a lot of plug-ins out there and it can be tough to decide which ones are worth using. I use all of these on my own blog. I wouldn’t have found many of them without the help of other bloggers, podcasters and content creators who kindly shared their not so secret “secrets”. Which is why I am committed to transparency when it comes to Indoorsy Camper. I really believe that there’s an audience out there for everyone and that a scarcity mindset will only hinder my and others success. So here’s my current top 9 plug-ins. I hope they help other outdoor bloggers…or any beginner blogger for that matter.

Free Blogging Tools: Plug-ins

  • Custom Sidebars: This simple plug-in lets you create custom sidebar configurations to place in the widget area of your pages or posts. For example, look at the sidebar on this page, now click over to my Gift Guide page and see the difference between the two. On the gift guide page I’ve left off my bio and changed the top posts widget to only show my other gift guides.
  • Forget about Short Code Buttons: I’m no expert at HTML or any other coding languages, but I really wanted to add buttons to a post I wrote about lodging options at the Grand Canyon. One Google search and several reviews led me to the Forget about Short Code Buttons plug-in. I’ve been very happy with how easy it is to create customized buttons and add them to my posts.
  • MonsterInsights: If you have any interest in knowing how readers are interacting with your blog you’re gonna need to set up Google Analytics. There’s plenty of ways to do this, but I found MonsterInsights to be a quick and easy way to connect my Google Analytics account to my blog. No technical knowledge needed, just follow the setup prompts and you’re done!
  • Yoast SEO: While we’re talking about analytics, you may as well download Yoast SEO. It comes in a free or paid version (I haven’t bothered to spring for the paid version). It helps you optimize keywords, reviews your content for readability and is always updated for Google’s algorithm.
  • Instagram Feed: If you didn’t know I’m a BIG fan of Instagram! It’s where I feel I can be the most open (aside from my newsletter of course) and really engage with my people. The Instagram Feed plug-in is easy to install and lets your blog readers easily find you on the gram.
  • Social Warfare: This plug-in makes it easy for mobile users to pin and share your posts to Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and several other social sharing networks. I love this plug-in, it’s easy, the buttons load quickly and they look clean on my site.

Paid Plug-ins for Beginner Outdoor Bloggers

*This links to these plug-ins are affiliate links. Which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

  • EWWW Image Optimizer: We all want big beautiful images in on our blog pages and inside our blog posts. BUT those come with a price. They can slow down your website and lead to readers clicking away because they don’t want to wait. This can damage your conversion rates and lower your search engine rankings. EWWW Image Optimizer automatically optimizes new images. Plus it allows you to go back and convert your old images to the best file format with no visual loss.
  • MiloTree: You may not like pop-ups, but the truth is they work. You can get MiloTree up and running in two minutes flat. It can be integrated with Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest or your email subscriber. You choose the accounts you want to feature, how often you want the pop-up to appear, how you want it to look and boom, you’re done.
  • Tasty Pins: Tasty Pins was created for food bloggers, but that doesn’t mean other types of blogs can’t benefit. It might seem surprising, but Pinterest is the number one driver of traffic to my blog. That means I need my images to be beautiful and include my keyword rich Pinterest description. Tasty Pins lets you add your image descriptions and alt text right inside your blog. It also allows you to have multiple hidden images that are force pinned. It’s probably my favorite plug-in on the entire list! It’s a game changer.

There you have it, my nine favorite plug-ins, for the moment anyway. Do you have any other plug-ins you love? Comment below and tell me about them.

Target Camping Gear: Everything You Need at an Affordable Price

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target camping gear

 

Did you know Target has an entire aisle filled with camping gear? Who knew Target camping gear was a thing? I sure didn’t!

Indoorsy person that I am I usually spend my time in Target perusing the clothing, accessories, holiday aisles and personal care products. As far as I’m concerned you can never have enough lotions and potions, but that’s for another post.

One of the biggest hurdles for Catherine at I to start camping was the sheer cost of camping. One trip to REI and we were in complete sticker shock. In order to fund our first camping trip we were going to have to fork over hundreds of dollars and that was just so we could get a sleeping bag and a tent! That’s money we could have easily spent on a lovely hotel room in San Diego so we could spend our weekend poolside.

Luckily we figured out another way for our first camping trip. We were able to pick up a couple sleeping bags, a friend loaned us her tent and we even rented a camp stove and sleeping pads. All in our first camping trip was still kinda pricey, but it could have been WAY worse.

It wasn’t until I started Googling camping equipment that I put two and two together. Beside the workout videos, free weights and luggage Target has an entire section filled with camping and outdoor gear.

Being a HUGE fan of the place this got me VERY excited, so much so that I had to share a list of the many pieces of  Target camping equipment you can pick up on your next visit.

Tents at Target

Coleman Flatwoods II 4 Person Tent in red

For me a tent is a necessary piece of camping equipment. Some might enjoy sleeping under the stars, but I’m a fan of having a little nook to hunker down that will potentially keep me a little warmer and much dryer should the need arise. Target has a fairly large selection of tents in store as well as online.

They carry tents for 1-9 people and range in price from around $30-$200.  I will say that when we bought our tent we were reminded that if you want to keep your stuff inside think of it as another person. A two person tent pretty much only holds two people….but adding in your stuff makes it pretty tight. We ended up going with a three person tent. This allows us to keep our backpacks inside without making us feel too crowded.

While I haven’t bought a Coleman tent myself, from looking at Target’s stock it seems like this Coleman Flatwoods II 4 Person Tent is a real winner. It has 91 reviews and 4.5 stars, not too shabby.

Sleeping Bags & Camp Bedding at Target

Coleman Silverton 25 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag

Whether you go for a classic rectangular bag like this Coleman Bannack 50 Degree Sleeping Bag or a mummy style bag like this Coleman Silverton 25 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag a sleeping bag is a must when it comes to camping.

A few things to remember when you’re purchasing a sleeping bag. You want the bag to fit fairly snug. I know it seems like you want lots of extra space around you, but those empty spaces will just fill with cold air and make you cold. If you end up with a bag that’s a little too long you can always put some extra clothes at the bottom to fill up the space and help keep you warmer.

If you’re planning on car camping and weight isn’t an issue you can also pick up a sleeping pad or air mattress to make your nights a little more comfortable. For me the sleeping pad is the most important piece of equipment we own. There’s nothing worse than getting a bad nights sleep.

The Target camping gear aisle or online shop as a wide range of sleeping pads and air mattresses. Whether you decide on a single, double, or queen remember to think about overall weight (especially if you’re backpacking), insulation and pump method. Some air mattresses self inflate, some require a powered pump and others you blow up the old fashioned way.

Camp Furniture at Target

Embark Deluxe Red Captain Chair with carrying case

Our second trip to Joshua Tree I made the mistake of forgetting to put our camp chairs in the car. It was a REAL bummer. We still managed to sit by the fire and roast marshmallows, but we were sitting on a blanket on the ground which is not nearly as comfortable as a chair.

Rather than buy new chairs we opted to use our beach chairs, which means we sit a little closer to the ground, but it does the trick. I we were to buy new camp chairs we would spring for something like this Deluxe Red Captain Chair with Carrying Case by Embark. With comfy arm rests, a cup holder (a must), and a carrying case it stores away quickly and easily.

Camp Stoves & Grills at Target

Coleman Classic 2-Burner Propane Stove

You could cook all your camp meals over a fire, but if you’re indoorsy like me you might feel a little more comfortable with a gas burner stove. On our first campout in Death Valley National Park we rented one of these Coleman Classic 2-Burner Portable Propane Stoves. It took us a few tries to get the propane tank attached at first, but now we’re pros at it. We used it to heat our dinner, boil water for coffee and hot chocolate and to cook up a mean breakfast. If you’re cooking for a crowd…or even just a pair you might want to consider picking one up.

My other favorite purchase from the Target camping equipment aisle are these Coleman Extendable Cooking Forks. They’re perfect for roasting marshmallows, cooking hot dogs and sausages, or you might even be able to get away with toasting some bread using one. I love that they extend in length so they can be packed away easily and the wooden handle doesn’t heat up so you can toast as many marshmallows as you like.

Lights & Lanterns at Target

Coleman-CPX 6 Rugged Rechargable LED Lantern

One lighting option that I love and sometimes hate is the headlamp. They’re great for reading while you lay in your tent, but wear one on your way to the bathroom at night and the bugs will be attracted to your head. Not exactly where I want bugs flying toward. Either way I’ve really enjoyed having a headlamp and would recommend picking one up if you have a chance.

The other light you might also want to eventually add to your camping kit is a lantern or a flashlight. Regardless of which type of light source you choose I’d recommend getting a rechargable version. We have a rechargable lantern and it’s great. We plug it in and charge it on our way to our campsite and it’s ready for the weekend.

More Target camping equipment you can find online and in store:

Of course there’s plenty of other gear you can buy at Target. Each season you might want to add one or two more items to your kit and eventually you might have everything you want. Here’s a list of other items you might want to check out from the Target camping equipment aisle.

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Perfect 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary : Grand Canyon Plus Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon

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Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon 7 day road trip

Planning a big trip to the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park isn’t easy. There’s a lot of distance to cover and you want to make sure you’ve included enough time in each place.

Lucky for you Catherine and I have already road tested this trip and can say from experience that’s it’s amazing. If you’re only interested in the Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon portion of this itinerary scroll down to Day 4.

Day 1: Arrive in Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix, AZ

Depending on where you’re coming from this part of the trip can be variable. When Catherine and I made this trip we were coming from Massachusetts so we had a long flight to Arizona. We arrived in the evening and immediately picked up our rental car and drove to Flagstaff, AZ. This drive takes roughly 2hr. 15min. depending on time of day and traffic.

We knew we wanted to see Flagstaff, but instead of doing that on the way to Grand Canyon (we were WAY too excited to wait) we just arrived, hit the hay and then headed out the next morning. I’ll talk more about our Flagstaff finds on Day 7.

Day 2: Drive from Flagstaff, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Village

The drive from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Village takes about 1hr. 20min. Along the way you’ll see lots of cactus, red rock, desert scrub and gorgeous weather worn rock structures.

When you enter the park you’ll have a chance to purchase a National Parks Annual Pass from $0-$80 depending on the type of pass you purchase. Since this itinerary includes three National Parks I HIGHLY recommend purchasing the pass on your way in.

If you were to pay to enter each park your entry fees would start at $72 and increase depending on the number of people you’re road tripping with.  Buying the pass can save you a lot of money and it’s good at all the National Parks in America so you’re set for the year. BUY THE PASS.

Where to Stay at Grand Canyon:

For those of you who have been following Indoorsy Camper you know I’m a BIG fan of the National Park Lodges. Staying inside the park has its perks, namely you don’t have to wait in the entry lines each day and you get to see the canyon pretty much 24/7 while you’re there.

To learn everything you need to know about the Grand Canyon lodges check out my post: Ultimate Guide to Grand Canyon National Park Lodging at the South Rim.

Things to Do on Your First Day at the Grand Canyon:

On our way to Grand Canyon we stopped at a grocery store to stock up on picnic supplies. When we arrived we ate our lunch rim side, saving us a little money (things get expensive inside the park) and allowing us to take in the view while we ate. That first walk to the edge is unbelievable, and to be honest even in my pictures I often think the whole thing looks like a Hollywood backdrop.

Once you’ve been fed and watered check out the Rim Trail. It’s a 13 mile trail that’s mostly paved, making it family as well as handicap friendly. The trail includes several vistas and overlooks as well as exhibits and gift shops. It’s a great way to see the canyon from the top and a perfect way to stretch your legs after a drive.

That first night we decided to eat a light dinner in the El Tovar bar. We deserved a drink and some nachoes after our drive and they were excellent.

Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park

Day three is all about exploring the many trails at the Grand Canyon. We decided to go big and opted for Bright Angel Trail, a 6-mile trail that descends 3,740 feet inside the canyon. We made it down as far as 3 Mile Resthouse and then turned back for the climb back out.

A word of warning. Going down is quick and easy, but it takes about twice as long to hike out. Make sure you bring lots of water, trekking poles if you need extra support and keep reminding yourself of the climb. It’s tempting to keep going down and down and down, but coming out will take infinity more work.

If Bright Angel isn’t for you check out this complete list of day hikes at the Grand Canyon.

After our big hike down and back out we were pretty beat so we went back to our room, cleaned up and ate dinner.

Day 4: More Grand Canyon Exploring + Driving to Zion National Park

Our last morning we got up in time to see the sunrise over the canyon, something I would highly recommend. The color change from blues and purples to warm oranges and yellows was striking and although I took pictures, none of them seem to have truly captured it.

After the sunrise show head into the El Tovar dining room for breakfast (it’s the cheapest meal they serve) and if you’re lucky they’ll seat you beside the windows so you can gaze out on the canyon as you sip coffee and butter your toast.

The next leg of the trip is the drive from Grand Canyon to Zion National Park. This leg of the drive takes about 3hr. 30min. We spent a little more time taking in the canyon and then headed out so we would have enough time to fit in a short hike in Zion before dark.

Where to Stay at Zion National Park:

Again, I recommend staying inside the park if possible, especially at Zion. Unlike Grand Canyon, Zion closes to the public in the evening. This means that reentry can be a long process, but if you stay inside the park there’s no waiting.

Zion Lodge accommodations come in several types; cabins, hotel rooms, suites and accessible rooms. We opted for a cabin because a friend of our highly recommended this option. Each cabin comes with two double beds, a log fireplace, private porch and full bath. I have to say the cabin in Zion might have been my favorite place we stayed during our entire trip. More information on Zion Lodge can be found here.

Hikes in Zion National Park:

Since our first day in Zion was short we opted to hike the Lower Emerald Pool trail. At 1.2 miles it was the perfect hike to get the lay of the land, see several waterfalls and get us back to the lodge in time for dinner.

If you’re looking for a family or more accessible hike try the Pa’rus Trail. This trail follows a paved route from the South Campground to Canyon Junction. If you want more tail options check out the full list of Zion National Park trails.

Day 5: Zion National Park Hikes + Drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon

The drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon is only 1hr. 20min. Since we knew the drive was short we decided to spend the day in Zion and hike The Narrows. Roughly 60% of this hike is spent wading or walking in the river. You can rent water gear from Zion Adventure Company if it’s cold when you go. We didn’t rent gear when we hiked The Narrows, but if I were to do it again I would want to have neoprene socks and hiking poles.

There are many other trail options if you’re not interested in getting wet. As of writing this post the Kayenta Trail and Upper Emerald Pools Trail and Hidden Canyon Trail are all closed due to flood damage and rock fall. Click here to see a list of Zion day hikes.

After our wet excursion we changed our shoes and pants and then got in the car for the short drive to Bryce Canyon.

Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon National Park:

Once again I’m going to sing the praises of staying inside the park. Although I will admit we stayed outside the park in Bryce mostly because our budget couldn’t handle another lodge reservation. Bryce Lodge offers three types of accommodation; Western Cabins, Sunrise & Sunset Motel Rooms and Guest Suites. Visit the Bryce Canyon Lodging and Cabin Rental page for more information.

Our first hike in Bryce Canyon was the Rim Trail, a 5.5 mile paved trail that extends from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point. If you have more time you can always extend your hike by heading down into the canyon. Here’s a link to the full list of Bryce Canyon National Park trails.

Day 6: Explore Bryce Canyon + Stop at Horseshoe Bend + Drive to Flagstaff

On our second day in Bryce Canyon we managed to link several of the trails together so we could see a good portion of the canyon. If you have the time make sure you look out for Queens Garden where you will see a rock formation in the shape of Queen Victoria.

Other hikes we enjoyed included the Navajo Trail where you get to spend time in a slot canyon where giant Douglas Fir Trees are reaching for the sky. As well as the Peek-A-Boo Loop which takes you through the heart of the Bryce Amphitheater.

Rather than drive from Bryce Canyon all the way back to Flagstaff in one go we opted for a scenic stop at Horseshoe Bend. Located a 2hr. 40min. drive from Bryce Canyon, Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe shaped meander in the Colorado River. After a 3/4 hike from US Route 89 you will arrive to a gorgeous view of the river from above.

While the hike is short keep in mind that it’s very exposed and on sandy ground, making it a little harder than you would think. Make sure to bring your camera and take you time checking out the bend from multiple viewpoints.

After that scenic stop we carried on the remaining 2hr. 10min. drive to Flagstaff where we stayed for the night.

woman sitting at table with margaritas and mexican food

Day 7: Explore Flagstaff + Drive to Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix, AZ

When we booked our flights back to the east coast from Phoenix we made sure to choose an evening flight. This gave us time to explore Flagstaff and make the drive back to Sky Harbor (2hr. 15min.).

Flagstaff has a thriving art and culture scene with endless artisan shops to wander in and out of all day. Mixed in you will find rock shops, gear stores and plenty of Southwest charm.

If you need a coffee break head to Macy’s European Coffee House. Macy’s has been around for over 30 years and is an all vegetarian restaurant. I’ll just say that the coffee was excellent and so were the pastries.

If you’re looking for a great breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner spot head to MartAnne’s Cafe (pictured above). It’s southwest and Mexican fare with excellent margaritas, chips, salsa and guac. With our bellies happy and full we packed up the rental car one last time and drove to Phoenix.

Whether you choose to follow this seven day itinerary or use it as a jumping off point one thing is for sure, you need to do the Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon loop. Arizona and Utah are full of incredible national parks and these are only the beginning.

For us our Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion road trip was a must see bucket list item. What I didn’t expect is that we would love it so much we would head back to Utah to check out Arches and start planning our Rim to Rim hike (fast approaching in 2019)!

If you decide to take this trip template and run with it let me know. Or if you’ve figured out other great sites or routes to take share them in the comments.

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6 Delightful Pasadena Hikes to Get You Outdoors

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6 delightful hikes near pasadena

It’s that time of year in Pasadena where the bleachers start getting assembled in preparation for the Rose Parade. Since moving here three years ago I’ve been mesmerized by how early this process starts…I had NO idea!

Our first year here Catherine and I took part in the float assembly process (it’s largely done by volunteers). To this day it’s still one of the highlights of our time here. I mean look at that dragon!

Paradiso Rose Parade dragon float 2011

Lots of people travel around the holidays, particularly at Christmas, but here in Pasadena things really start hotting up as New Year’s Day gets closer. Which is why it’s the perfect time to take advantage of these six Pasadena hikes. Well, let me be more clear, some of them are technically Altadena hikes. But they’re close enough for any Pasadena visitor or resident to take advantage of.

Rose Bowl stadium sign with palm trees beside

Rose Bowl Trail Loop

Hike Length: 3.1 miles
Surface: Pavement/areas of grass or sandy trail if desired
Hike type: loop

While this is not my favorite Pasadena hike, I’ve listed it here for several reasons. First of all if you’re visiting to see the Rose Parade or the Rose Bowl it will give you a chance to tour the tents where the parade floats are being put together. If you’re feeling crafty there’s even a chance that you could sign-up as a volunteer and get to work on one of the floats (I highly recommend).

The Rose Bowl loop trail literally takes you around the Rose Bowl itself as well as past the Brookside Golf Course & Country Club. The trail is dog friendly so long as they stay on leash. There are several grassy areas to play catch, do some warm-ups or stretch before you start your walk. If you’re into road biking there is also a well used bicycle lane.

If you’re not into “hiking” on a paved road make sure to keep an eye out for the dirt trails that run along the roadside. These give you a little more freedom to walk about and help you feel a little closer to nature.

Zen rock maze in Arlington Garden in Pasadena, CA

Arlington Garden

Hike Length: variable
Surface: Compressed earth/rock/grass
Hike type: many loops and a maze

If you’re visiting Pasadena and need a short, tame family hike or even a place to take a picnic I highly recommend Arlington Garden. Situated on a 3 acre plot of land, Arlington Garden is a non-profit native plant refuge. The garden is maintained with the help of many volunteers and has plenty of little nooks and crannies for kids and adults to explore.

Colorado Street Bridge Pasadena, CA

Arroyo Seco Trail

Hike Length: 3 mi.
Surface: Some paved/ mostly compressed earth
Hike type: loop

If you’re looking to check off a few sites as well as get in a walk the Arroyo Seco Trail could be the answer. This gentle, mostly flat pathway begins near the San Pascual Stables and follows along the Arroyo Seco river.

As you follow the clearly marked trail you will be able to see the arches of the Colorado Street Bridge above you which you might recognize from the movie La La Land. As you make your way around the loop you’ll pass a duck pond as well as an archery range.

Millard Canyon Falls in spring

Millard Canyon

Hike Length: 2.6 mi.
Surface: Compressed earth
Hike type: out and back

Go slightly north of Pasadena and you will arrive at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in Altadena. There are many Altadena hiking trails to choose from and I will outline several more in this list of hikes near Pasadena.

Millard Canyon is a perfect family hike for kids and adults of all ages. After passing the Millard campground (a first come first serve campground) you will arrive at the trailhead. This trail has some elevation change, but is generally rated as an easy to moderate trail.

You will cross the stream several times along your way, but unless you hike after a huge rain storm it is highly unlikely that you will get wet. As you get closer to the waterfall you might start to hear the falls depending on what time of year you hike. The picture above was taken in the spring after a wet winter in SoCal. In the summer the falls slows down to a trickle, but there is still water flowing and fun to be had in the small pool it creates.

Eaton Canyon Falls

Eaton Canyon Falls

Hike Length: 1.9 mi.
Surface: Compressed earth
Hike type: out and back

This hike is very suitable for indoorsy camper types. It’s fairly flat, has a little bit of adventure in the form of rock hopping and comes to an end at a waterfall. Eaton Canyon is a great family hike, but can be a little crowded at the weekend so come prepared to look for parking. Like Millard Canyon, Eaton is so close to Pasadena it’s worth crossing over into Altadena to spend some time in the San Gabriels.

Before you head off on the trail make sure to check out the visitor center to get a glimpse of the wildlife you should be on the lookout for along the way. The trail crosses the river a couple times and you might even have a chance to try out your bouldering skills if you’re brave. Before you turn around to head back you will come to Eaton Canyon Falls. Like Millard the amount of water you see will depend on the season you venture into the canyon, but there’s pretty much always some water flowing.

Switzer Falls

Switzer Falls

Hike Length: 3.6 mi.
Surface: Compressed earth
Hike type: out and back

As if I haven’t included enough waterfall hikes on this list, here’s one more. Switzer Falls is a very popular and approachable family hike. Like Eaton Canyon, Switzer can be fairly crowded on the weekend. Don’t be deterred, there are several overflow parking lots. Keep driving around and you’ll find a parking spot.

On your way to the trail you pass through a picnic area and a paved trail. As you make your way towards the two-tier falls you will see the old foundations of a mountain resort called ‘Switzer-land’ that is long gone. After several switch backs you will begin to descend into the canyon until you reach the base of the falls. Depending on the season you might be able to wade into a pool above the first tier to cool off.

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10 National Park Inspired Knitted Beanie Patterns You Need to See

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knitted beanie pattern

For those of you who follow along on Instagram you may remember the fabulous knitted national park inspired hat patterns I featured by Designs by Nancy Bates. I love IG stories, but they’re fleeting and didn’t give the amazingly talented Nancy the credit she is due.

She has a pretty dreamy job. She visits National Parks and lets the landscape inspire her designs, not a bad work environment. You can follow along on her travels on her Instagram @nancybatesdesigns.

I’m not sure how many more parks she’s planning to add to her library, but as of right now she has 10 National Park inspired hat patterns to choose from and let me tell you it’s gonna be a tough choice.

I’m torn between Bryce Canyon and Grand Teton at the moment, but my dilemma changes almost daily. Each hat is knit in the round and has varying levels of difficulty.

Grand Teton National Park Beanie

Grand Teton National Park Beanie

I am in LOVE with this Grand Teton hat! I must admit that Grand Teton is a little lower on my ‘to visit’ list. What makes this hat perfect for me are the little yellow flowers along the bottom. As someone who is no fan of the cold this little pop of color helps me forget the icy peaks above and makes me want to jump in the car to check it out for myself.

Yellowstone National Park Beanie

Yellowstone National Park Beanie

I’ve never been to Yellowstone, but these are exactly the colors I imagine when anyone mentions the place. Nancy was inspired by the Grand Prismatic Spring. Here she beautifully adds together the the warm and cool colors of the hot spring. If you visit her Etsy shop you can also see a version with a wispy white pom pom in honor of the steam rising off the top.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Beanie

Great Smoky Mountians National Park Beanie

My sister visited the Great Smoky Mountains last summer and I was unbelievably jealous of all her pictures of lush green waterfalls and cool misty sunsets. Photos of the mountains from far away always have this Vaseline on the lens quality with softened edges, blue gray mist and green forest. I love how soft and cozy this one looks, plus it’s kind of my colors.

Joshua Tree National Park Beanie

Joshua Tree National Park Beanie

If you’ve ever driven to Joshua Tree you know when you’re getting close because the iconic tufted trees start to pop up on the side of the highway. When I look at the Joshua Tree landscape I know where Dr. Seuss got some of his inspiration. Nancy creates a softer less prickly version using cables and bobbles. It’s a total success.

Bryce Canyon National Park Beanie

Bryce Canyon National Park Beanie

This park just might be my absolute favorite. I can’t say for sure yet because I haven’t visited every National Park, but as of right now it’s pretty much number one. The bright orange rock set against the clear blue skies make for the perfect color combination. The park is otherworldly, weird, strange and full of legend. If you ever have a chance to visit go!

Sequoia National Park Beanie

Sequoia National Park Beanie

I live a short 3.5 hour car ride away from Sequoia and still I haven’t made it there yet. John Muir called these trees immortal and at over 2,000 years old they may as well be. With trunks as tall as a 26-story building and as wide as a city street they are awe inspiring. One of these days I’ll make it over there to see General Sherman and General Grant, in the meantime this Sequoia National Park hat is a pretty great substitute.

Death Valley National Park Beanie

Death Valley National Park Beanie

I knew this one was Badwater Basin before I even looked at the title. With miles of flat cracked earth Badwater Basin looks like another planet. It’s the lowest point in North America, at 282 feet below sea level. This huge flat expanse used to be covered in salty water, but today it stands as an immense salt flat with expanding crystals creating the unusual shapes in the surface. The hat is a perfect rendition of this stark haunting landscape.

Everglades National Park Beanie

Everglades National Park Beanie

Imagine you’re floating through a mangrove forest. The tree roots are visible above and below the water’s surface. The water reflects the trees like a mirror making it seem like they’re growing above as well as below the surface. That’s exactly the image happening in this Everglades National Park hat.

Grand Canyon National Park Beanie

Grand Canyon National Park Beanie

The trip I mentioned earlier to Bryce Canyon also included several days at The Grand Canyon, specifically in the Grand Canyon Lodge (it’s a must if you can swing it). I loved staying right on the south rim so we could enjoy the canyon nearly every moment of the day.

We watched several sunrises and sunsets. The colors and textures of the Grand Canyon are always changing, just like the colors and textures in this Grand Canyon National Park hat. It’s pretty much the perfect symbolism for the park.

Olympic National Park Beanie

Olympic National Park Beanie

Last but not least there’s this Olympic National Park hat. Situated in the lush green Pacific Northwest, Olympic is filled with dramatic peaks, old-growth forest and rainforest. I’ve never visited myself, but the many pictures I’ve seen are always VERY green, just like this fern patterned beanie.

With so many beautiful patterns to choose from it’s difficult to know where to start. When I was as Stitches SoCal HOKC (Hands On Knitting Center) had kits made up for most of the patterns.

If you’re looking for a gift it could be a great one. Head over to @handsonknittingcenter on Instagram and send them a DM or visit their website to see if they still have kits in stock.

While I have you here, if you’re looking for another gift for a National Park lover you should check out these:

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11 Surprisingly Clever Trekking Pole Uses

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TREKKING-POLE-USES

Catherine has been using trekking poles for pretty much as long as I’ve known her. For a long time she only used one to support her sometimes aching knee. Later she bought a set and more recently she splurged on these babies during the REI semi-annual sale (which I’m totally jealous of).

I used to feel like trekking poles were a sign of weakness, an extra couple of things to carry, and unnecessary to my kind of hiking. BUT the truth is whenever we did a river crossing or came down a steep set of rocks Catherine would go first and then very kindly lend me her poles to help stabilize my balance and provide extra support on the way.

So it turns out I DO use trekking poles…just not my own. Realizing this I purchased my own set on Amazon and have been very happy with my purchase ever since.

There are plenty of blog posts, videos and tutorials on how choose and use trekking poles. If you’re looking for that information I suggest you go here, here or here. Instead I want to share a few non-traditional trekking pole uses.

11 Non-Hiking Trekking Pole Uses

Trekking Pole Chair

There’s a couple ways you can turn your trekking poles into a comfy seat. If you’re backpacking (every ounce counts) you can prop your pack against your poles to create a nice backrest. It’s a little more comfy than leaning against a tree and the likelihood of being bit by ants is much lower.

If you want to get really fancy your can hop on Amazon and buy the Mountainsmith SlingBack Chair. It’s basically a sling with a little pouch in the back that holds your trekking poles in place to create a perfect trekking pole chair. This option is great for longer day hikes when your pack is smaller, but you still want a spot to have a bite of lunch.

One last option if you’re crafty with a sewing machine is to make your own slingback chair. The plus side of this option is you can pick a cute fabric in your favorite color or pattern. Just remember to make sure it’s waterproof, it’s no fun having a soggy bottom on the trails.

Trekking Pole Torch

This one could come in handy in very specific situations. Say you arrive at your campsite and it’s already dark. If you need to shed a little light in a far away place (and your headlamp can’t seem to throw the light far enough) go ahead and tighten the strap as much as possible and wrap it around your trekking pole.

Think of it as a fire less torch that you can use to light up far away places you don’t want to get too close to.

If you’re really committed to lighting up your trekking poles, check out this instructable that teaches you how to add LED lights to your poles.

Trekking Pole Tent / Shelter

Shelter is one of the “10 Essentials” and is something you should carry with you at all times when hiking, backpacking or camping. It protects you from the sun, rain, wind or any other unexpected weather or conditions that arise. REI has a wide range of emergency shelters; everything from a space blanket to a lightweight emergency bivy.

In a bind you can use your trekking poles to create a tent using a tarp or emergency blanket. Use the poles to hold the tarp up at two ends creating a traditional triangle shaped shelter. Rocks or logs can be used to hold the tarp close to the ground.

Another option is the River Country Products Trekking Pole Tent. This two man tent is lightweight, all weather and uses your trekking poles as supports rather than traditional tent poles. The coolest part is when it’s folded up it’s roughly the size of a football so it won’t take too much space in your pack.

Trekking Pole Animal Deterrent

snake coiled up on rocks and sand

I don’t know about you, but I have NO interest in seeing a snake on the trail, especially not a rattlesnake. Of course the best thing to do when a rattler gives you its warning is to stop, assess the situation and slowly back away.

Trekking poles aren’t really a weapon, but they can be an used as an early warning system. Tapping them together or on a tree can warn wildlife that you’re around. Most of the time animals will move on if they hear you coming.

If you do come upon an animal unexpectedly you can use your trekking poles to make yourself look bigger and a little intimidating.

Trekking Pole Clothes Line

trekking pole clothesline

There’s a couple ways your can turn your trekking poles into a clothesline. If you’re in a forested area you can extend a pole between two trees like a tension rod. Once in place you can drape your clothing over the pole to dry.

If you’re in an open area with few trees you can attach a rope or backpack strap to each trekking pole and create a more traditional clothesline by staking the poles in place.

Trekking Pole Splint

Hopefully you never need to use this one on the trail, but it’s a good bit of first aid to have in your arsenal.

Splints help prevent a broken or injured limb from moving around too much. You can turn a trekking pole into a splint with a few extra pieces of equipment you’re probably already carrying. To make one place the trekking pole along the injured arm or leg and tie it in place using shoe laces, straps from your backpack or a belt.

Trekking Pole Massage

trekking pole massage

Thru hikes can really take a toll on your body. It would be lovely for a massage therapist to follow you around, but sadly that could get pretty expensive.

In a pinch you can use a trekking pole to massage out tight leg muscles. Place the trekking pole perpendicular to your outstretched leg and roll it up and down to help release some tension.

Trekking Pole Tape Dispenser

trekking pole tape dispenser

Camping and hiking involves so many moving parts. There’s lots of things that can potentially go wrong, but if you’re in a pinch there’s a good chance that a piece duct tape will fix your problem.

Sleeping pad with a hole, a broken tent pole or a busted sandal strap (remember Wild? it happens!) duct tape is your new friend. Instead of carrying around an entire roll of the stuff tear off a few lengths and wrap it around your trekking pole or your water bottle, like REI showed us in this 2014 tweet.

Trekking Pole Flag Pole

I’m not sure how much explanation this one needs, but let’s just say that if you want to carry a flag, wave one for help or just celebrate in general you can tie anything ya like to your trekking pole and boom it’s a flag pole.

Trekking Pole Path Clear-er

trekking pole path clearer

As a southern California resident many of my hikes involve walking past spiky plants. Rather than being punctured over and over again by robust desert plants I often used my trekking poles to hold back branches, overgrown grasses, and other plants that have started creeping into the path.

They can also come in handy when you’re dealing with heavily infested poison ivy or poison oak areas, just make sure you wipe them down afterwards.

Trekking Pole Selfie Stick

trekking pole selfie stick

I hate selfie sticks! I cannot stress this enough.

The last time I visited the Grand Canyon I felt like they were everywhere! They were thrust in front of me unexpectedly, they blocked the trails and generally reduced my enjoyment. Luckily most of the selfie stick wielders didn’t venture too far down the trails.

BUT I would be remiss if I didn’t share this easy idea for turning your trekking pole into one. All you need is a clamp mount and a remote shutter. You could even forgo the remote shutter for a photo app that has a timer. 

There you have it. 11 alternative uses for your trekking poles. Have you tried out any of these ideas? Or better yet do you have another idea for a clever way to use your trekking poles? If you do drop it in the comments below, I’d love to hear about it.

*This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

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Ultimate Guide to Grand Canyon National Park Lodging at the South Rim

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Grand Canyon National Park lodges

Stretching 18 miles wide, 227 river miles long and 1 mile deep the Grand Canyon is a breathtakingly beautiful must see. Simply looking at a picture of the canyon doesn’t do it justice, there’s a reason it’s been called one of the seven natural wonders of the world. 

With roughly 5 million annual visitors it can be a very busy place, which is why we highly recommend staying inside the park at one of the Grand Canyon south rim lodges.

By staying inside the park you avoid waiting in long entry lines each day and have the added bonus of being able to wander around the rim late into the evening. Watching the sunrise over the canyon is a lot easier if you just need to roll out of bed and walk out the front door.

Grand Canyon Historic Village Map

Over time the National Park Service has built up and improved the south rim village, providing a variety of accommodations to fit most budgets. So if you’re wondering where to stay in the Grand Canyon this is a great place to start.

The Ultimate Guide to Grand Canyon National Park Lodging at the South Rim reviews all of the lodging options in one place. Properties are listed from least to most expensive, with one truly unique option, Phantom Ranch situated at the bottom of the canyon listed last. Make sure you scroll all the way down to check out what hiking into the canyon can get you.

Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins

Bright Angel Lodge

Mary E.J. Colter designed Bright Angel Lodge in 1935. As one of few woman architects of her time she worked hard to design a lodge that was rustic yet elegant and fitting for the Grand Canyon’s beautiful natural landscape. Today the building is a Registered National Historic Landmark.

Colter was a true believer in preserving historic architecture and it’s thanks to her that the Buckey O’Neill Cabin which housed Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and the Red Horse Station formerly the local post office survived. Today south rim visitors can book rooms in the main lodge, or one of these two historic cabins.

The Bright Angel Lodge complex also includes three dining options; The Harvey House Cafe which serves family-style breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Arizona Room featuring Southwest flavors and for dessert there’s a classic Soda Fountain.

About the Property:

  • Bright Angel Lodge: The lodge contains 90 units with a variety of pricing and amenity options. If you want to save money you can book a room with a shared bath or for a little more you can have a standard lodge room with a private bath. Lodge rooms are quite basic and only include a telephone and refrigerator, no television. One very important thing to note is that rooms with canyon views are very limited and cannot be guaranteed.
  • Buckey O’Neill Cabin: With canyon views right out the front door this cabin is truly special. The cabin is filled with rustic southwest charm and includes a comfortable sitting area, king size bed, Keurig coffee maker, satellite television and a private bath. ***The Buckey O’Neill Cabin CANNOT be booked online. To make a reservation call 1-888-297-2757 (7am-7pm MT).
  • Red Horse Cabin: Recently restored in 2012, the Red Horse Cabin lived a previous life as the Post Office for Grand Canyon Village. Today the cabin has a comfortable sitting room with fireplace as well as a descent sized bedroom, Keurig coffee maker, satellite television and a private bath. ***Red Horse Cabin CANNOT be booked online. To make a reservation call 1-888-297-2757 (7am-7pm MT).

Price: $88 – $490 per night
Address: 9 North Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Direct Phone: (928) 638-2631
Directions

Book Bright Angel

Maswik Lodge

Maswik Lodge sign and front of lodge

Originally constructed by the Fred Harvey Company and the Santa Fe Railroad in 1927, the “Motor Lodge” was built to accommodate tourists traveling to the Grand Canyon by automobile. Over time the area now known as Maswik Lodge has changed, going from individual cabins to today’s 250-room lodging complex. The only original architecture that remains from the previous iterations are the stone pillars.

The large complex includes a main lodge building with a registration desk, gift shop and Maswik Food Court. The rooms are spread out to the north and south of the main lodge.

About the property:

  • Maswik North: 12 two-story buildings. Rooms are accessed motel-style with outside walkways and stairwells. It is important to note that there are no elevators. Rooms include; in-room Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator, air conditioning, safe, satellite TV, telephone, hair dryer and two queen-sized beds or one king-sized bed.
  • Maswik South: 6 two-story buildings. Maswik South rooms are slightly smaller than Maswik North. Rooms are accessed motel-style with outside walkways and stairwells. Again, no elevators. Rooms include; in-room coffee maker, refrigerator, air conditioning, safe, satellite TV, telephone, hair dryer and two queen-sized beds.
  • Accessible rooms are available with roll-in showers. Check the “ADA/Accessible Rooms” box when making online reservations or call Central Reservations at 1-888-297-2757 (7am-7pm Mountain Time)

Price: $116 – $225 per night
Address: 202 South Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Direct Phone: (928) 638-2631

Book Maswik Lodge

Thunderbird Lodge

Thunderbird Lodge

Located directly on the Rim Trail, Thunderbird Lodge is the perfect home base for families visiting the Grand Canyon. Thunderbird Lodge offers comfortable modern rooms and is walking distance to the Historic District. Some sites within walking distance include; Kolb Studio, Verkamp’s Visitor Center and the Bright Angel Trail Head. Restaurants and gift shops are also located nearby.

About the Property:

  • Canyon-side Rooms: These rooms are pricier, but offer canyon views. Room amenities include; one king or two queen beds, full bath, Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator, flat screen television with satellite, telephone, hair dryer and safe.
  • Street-side Rooms: These rooms are slightly lower in price and look out on the Historic District streets. Room amenities include; one king or two queen beds, full bath, Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator, flat screen television with satellite, telephone, hair dryer and safe.
  • Accessible rooms are available with roll-in showers. Check the “ADA/Accessible Rooms” box when making online reservations or call Central Reservations at 1-888-297-2757 (7am-7pm Mountain Time)

Price: $235 – $254 per night
Address: 7 North Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Direct Phone: (928) 638-2631
Directions

Book Thunderbird Lodge

Kachina Lodge

Kachina Lodge Grand Canyon south rim

Situated directly on the Grand Canyon rim, Kachina Lodge offers comfortable contemporary rooms. Like Thunderbird Lodge, Kachina is within walking distance to gift shops, restaurants, the Kolb Studio, Verkamp’s Visitor Center and the Bright Angel Trail Head.

About the Property:

  • Canyon-side Rooms: These rooms are pricier, but offer canyon views. Room amenities include; one king or two queen beds, full bath, Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator, flat screen television with satellite, telephone, hair dryer and safe.
  • Street-side Rooms: These rooms are slightly lower in price and look out on the Historic District streets. Room amenities include; one king or two queen beds, full bath, Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator, flat screen television with satellite, telephone, hair dryer and safe.
  • Accessible rooms are available with roll-in showers. Check the “ADA/Accessible Rooms” box when making online reservations or call Central Reservations at 1-888-297-2757 (7am-7pm Mountain Time)

Price: $235 – $254 per night
Address: 5 North Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Direct Phone:(928) 638-2631
Directions

Book Kachina Lodge

El Tovar Hotel

El Tovar lobby

If you really want to pull out all the stops on your Grand Canyon lodge stay make a reservation at El Tovar. Sitting right on the edge of the south rim, El Tovar opened its doors in 1905.

Designed by Chicago architect Charles Whittlesey, El Tovar was built with a European style bringing together the Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa. In 1987 El Tovar was named a National Historic Landmark.

While securing a reservation at El Tovar can be difficult (you need to book as early as a year in advance), it’s well worth it to spend time in the such a historic piece of the Grand Canyon landscape.

Catherine and I stayed at El Tovar several years ago while celebrating a big birthday year. I booked our stay about 10 months in advance in a standard room. The lodge itself is very impressive with high ceilings, several fireplaces, cozy nooks and plenty of mood lighting.

**Even if you can’t snag a reservation (or it’s too pricey…totally understand) I HIGHLY recommend you book a table at the El Tovar Dining Room. For a much more affordable price than one night’s stay you can sit and eat a lovely meal (I recommend breakfast) as you gaze out on the canyon views.

About the Property:

  • Standard Rooms: Each standard room has one queen or one double bed. Other amenities include; satellite TV, Keurig coffee maker, safe, telephone hairdryer, full bath and air conditioning.
  • Deluxe Rooms: Each deluxe room has one king bed or two queen beds. Other amenities include; satellite TV, Keurig coffee maker, safe, telephone hairdryer, full bath and air conditioning.
  • Suites: Each suite has its own name, identity and decor. Suites have one king bed or two queen beds as well as a sitting room. Many suites also include a porch or balcony. Other amenities include; satellite TV, Keurig coffee maker, safe, telephone hairdryer, full bath and air conditioning. ***El Tovar Suites CANNOT be booked online. To make a reservation call 1-888-297-2757 (7am-7pm MT).
  • Accessible rooms are available for each room type with roll-in showers. Check the “ADA/Accessible Rooms” box when making online reservations or call Central Reservations at 1-888-297-2757 (7am-7pm Mountain Time)

Price: $226 – $562 per night
Address: 1 El Tovar Road, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Direct Phone: (928) 638-2631
Directions

Book El Tovar Hotel

Phantom Ranch

Phantom Ranch Grand Canyon

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience Phantom Ranch is for you. The ranch was envisioned by architect and designer Mary Jane Colter. As one of very few women architects of her time she created a series of cabins that were constructed of wood and native stone. Those cabins still stand today (with some alterations of course) and can be booked 13 months in advance.

Before moving forward I will warn you that landing this reservation is going to require planning, some sweat and possibly tears. As the only accommodation below the rim, Phantom Ranch can only be reached by mule, on foot or by rafting the Colorado River. 

Catherine and I will be hiking from the North Rim to the South Rim (aka Rim to Rim) next summer so look forward to a much more robust review of Phantom Ranch in the future. 

About the Property:

  • Dorms: There are two male and two female dorms. Each dorm contains 5 bunk beds, a shower and restroom. Towels and bedding are provided.
  • Cabins: Size of cabins vary, but range between 2-10 people. Each cabin comes with bedding, cold water sink, toilet, liquid soap and hand towels. Showers are available in a communal location and that also includes hot water sinks, liquid soap and shampoo, and bath towels.

Other amenities:

If you’ve taken the time and effort to hike to Phantom Ranch you will be rewarded with a hot meal of your choice in the Phantom Ranch Canteen.

For those hiking the epic Rim to Rim this is a great way to reduce the weight of your pack. When you make your reservations for your stay you also reserve your meals, so be prepared to pay for all your reservations at once.

In addition to meals you can also opt for duffel service, making your hike in and out again a lot lighter.

2019 Meal & Duffel Service Prices:

  • Breakfast – $23.65
  • Sack Lunch – $20.85
  • Steak Dinner – $47.91
  • Stew Dinner – $29.43
  • Veggie Dinner – $29.43
  • Duffel Service – $70.00 each way

Reservations for Phantom Ranch open up 13 months in advance. And they go fast!

To book your stay I highly recommend calling the central reservations office at 1-888-297-2757 (7am-7pm MT).

Price: $53 – $267 per night
Address: PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Book Phantom Ranch