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In the News

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

December 5, 2018 //  by kawestberg//  Leave a Comment

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.

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

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  • Top Backpacking Tips from the 52 Hike Challenge Creators
  • Camping in Death Valley National Park

Category: Camping, Hikes, In the News, Lodging, National ParksTag: Bryce Canyon, Flagstaff, grand canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Zion National Park

2019 Permit Deadline Cheat Sheet

September 11, 2018 //  by kawestberg//  Leave a Comment

WHY YOU NEED A CHEAT SHEET

Planning a big adventure can be tough. Catherine and I are currently in the early planning stages of our Grand Canyon Rim to Rim backpacking trip. I just booked our spots at Phantom Ranch for August 2019! In other words I had to start early.

Getting ready for this trip made me realize that having a quick reference guide for permit deadlines could be really handy. So I made one! In addition to the actual permit deadline I’ve also provided information on permit cost, how to apply and a few tips for each location. The PDF even has clickable links to take you directly to the park service operator, application form or additional information.

WHAT’S INSIDE

Each location in the guide has information on the permit deadline, how to apply, cost and extra tips and tricks for the location. Here’s a list of the permits I included in the cheat sheet:

  • Trans-Catalina Trail
  • Pacific Crest Trail
  • John Muir Trail
  • Inyo National Forest
  • Mount Whitney
  • Half Dome Cables
  • Havasu Falls
  • Coyote Buttes North “The Wave”
  • The Narrows

WRAP-UP + A PROMISE

I know that giving someone your email address is personal. It means you’re letting me into your inbox and I don’t take that lightly. If you only want the cheat sheet I totally understand. There’s no judgement if you sign up for my list, get the cheat sheet and then unsubscribe (I’ve done it before too).

BUT

If you’re willing, I’d love to keep you updated on what’s going on here at Indoorsy Camper. I promise that if you let me hang around in your inbox I’ll send you one weekly email with plenty of fun information like; what’s new on the blog, my favorite things, current reads and interesting articles, updates on my Rim to Rim planning, holiday gift guides, current listens and anything else on my mind.

Ready to let me in? Scroll down to sign-up and receive your cheat sheet.

Need more time to think about it? Pin this post for later….take your time.

Category: In the News, NewsletterTag: 2019 Permit Deadline Cheat Sheet, newsletter opt-in

15 Best Gifts for Coffee Loving Campers

August 30, 2018 //  by kawestberg//  Leave a Comment

Backpacking stove with espresso maker and two coffee mugs with mountains in background

Best Gifts for Coffee Loving Campers

Know a camper who can’t make it through the morning without their coffee? I’ve compiled a list of 15 gifts any coffee lover would want…I even found one for the coffee loving Harry Potter fan. Scroll down to see…it’s my favorite!

Bean Box Gourmet Coffee Gift Box — Bean Box is a subscription service that selects 4 gourmet coffees from Seattle’s top small-batch roasters. This gift will keep on giving.

Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder — Fresh ground coffee at your campsite. This little coffee grinder has ceramic conical burrs to grind your coffee from powder to french press.

YETI Rambler 14 oz. Stainless Vacuum Insulated Mug with Lid — According to YETI this is the toughest and most over engineered camp mug out there. It has a wider handle to fit gloved hands, the beautiful seafoam color won’t scratch (if seafoam isn’t your thing it comes in several other colors) and it’s doube-walled vacuum insulation keeps your coffee hot to the last sip.

Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Machine — A perfect gift for the serious coffee drinker. It’s kind of crazy how perfect this little guy is. It weighs in at .8lbs, doesn’t require compressed air or N2O and is hand operated. If you have a Nespresso machine at home they also make a model that works with your capsules!

Beast 30oz. Tumbler with Lid, 2 Straws and Brush — This bundle is good for hot and iced coffee drinkers. At a stonking 30oz you’re sure to get your coffee fix with this mug. It comes in lots of colors, is stainless steel, comes with a brush to clean the reusable straws and has a spill-proof lid.

Kuju Coffee Pocket PourOver — These little pour over packets are genius. They anchor to your mug without any extra brewing equipment, include the filter and are filled with ethically sourced coffee. Great for backpackers and campers alike.

Skinny Dipped Almonds, Dark Chocolate Espresso — These could be the perfect camping snack. A little protein from the almond, a little zing from the coffee and a layer of dark chocolate to bring it all together.

Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker — The moka is one of my favorite coffee makers. It’s simple, easy to use and makes perfect espresso. I recommend getting the 6-cup model so you can have a few cups or if you’re feeling generous you can share.

Classic Espresso Lungo Double Wall Stainless Steel Cup Set — Once you’ve brewed up your perfect every time Moka espresso, serve your coffee up in one of these perfect little espresso cups. They’re double walled to keep your double shot warm and durable thanks to their stainless steel design.

Espresso Patronum T-Shirt — Espresso meets Harry Potter with this t-shirt. Frankly it was just to much to resist so I had to include it in this gift guide. Accio Espresso!

Overmont Camping Kettle — Every pour over coffee needs to start with some hot water. Overmont’s camping kettle is made with hard-anodized aluminum, the handle is wrapped with insulated plastic and the spout is shaped to allow for easy steam exit. It’s lightweight and heats your water quickly.

Adventure Enamel Camping Mugs — Cute and cheerful, these enamel camping mugs are fun and a little bit nostalgic. They might not keep your coffee as warm as an insulated mug, but they look sure look good.

nutpods French Vanilla Dairy-Free Creamer — Just because you’re lactose intolerant, or vegan or doesn’t mean you don’t want creamy coffee. nut pods is an almond and coconut creamer that’s tasty, certified vegan, kosher, gluten-free and non GMO.

Wolecok Silicone Collapsible Pour Over Coffee Brewer — This collapsible pour over brewer is perfect for backpacking and camping. It’s made from BPAfree silicone that won’t absorb flavors or smells. You will need to bring along some pour over coffee filters, but it’s worth it for a perfect morning coffee ritual.

Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub — You might not take this one camping, but you will probably need it after a week in the wilderness. Ground coffee and sweet almond oil will scrub the dirt off and have you smelling fresh.

More Posts Like 15 Gifts for Coffee Loving Campers:

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Category: Gift Guides, In the NewsTag: coffee gift guide, gift guide

10 Fall Camping Tips

August 25, 2018 //  by kawestberg//  Leave a Comment

Tips for Fall Camping with colorful leaves in background

Believe it or not fall is right around the corner. Cue the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte stampede. While it might seem like it’s time to put your camping gear away, fall camping lets you get outside and enjoy the cool crisp weather, changing foliage and cozy surroundings of a roaring campfire. Follow these tips to make sure your fall camping trip is one to remember.

Reserve Your Spot

There’s plenty of places to reserve a campsite. I usually like to check out nearby National Parks using Recreation.gov. Reservation prices sometimes get reduced this time of year so be sure to take advantage of the good deals.

State parks also have fall specials from time to time. If you’re in California you can make your fall camping reservations online using ReserveCalifornia or check with your home state to reserve spots near you.

One other resource that comes in handy if all of your top picks are booked is Hipcamp. Think of them as the AirBnB of camping. Properties range from vineyards, parks, ranches and farms. Many Hipcamp locations have lots of great amenities including access to trails, lakeside cottages, goat dairies, alpaca farms or the ocean views.

Gearing Up for Fall Camping

Having the right gear can make or break any camping trip. The good news is there’s no reason to go broke gearing up for your trip. If you don’t own gear you can always rent a tent, stove and other items from REI or your local outdoor store. If you have friends who like to camp ask if you can borrow their gear. Most outdoorsy folks are happy to lend out in the name of helping a fellow camper.  Here’s what to do before you leave.

view looking out door of tent, mountains and mist in the distance

Test your Equipment: It’s always a good idea to open up new or borrowed gear and do a test run. A couple days before you head out practice putting up your tent. This will help you in two ways. First, it will jog your memory so you will remember how your tent goes together. Second, it’s a great time to figure out any problems with your tent including bent poles or missing pieces.

Sleeping Bags & Pads: While you have your tent out go ahead and pull out your sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Make sure your bag is temperature rated for fall camping temperatures at your site. If you have a blow up sleeping pad go ahead and inflate it and check for holes as well.

Extra Protection: It’s a good idea to bring a footprint for your tent or a tarp. Both will give you an added layer of protection against cold and wet should you encounter rain on your trip. In addition you can also use a tarp as a windscreen if you find your campsite is a little too exposed.

Clothing: Fall camping is all about layers. You might get lucky and have a lovely warm sunny day, but the evenings can get chilly. Layers are the perfect solution to fluctuating temperatures. Make sure to pack thermals, long and short sleeve t-shirts, long pants, a fleece or flannel, a jacket (waterproof if necessary), lots of warm socks, a hat and gloves. Being cold can really put a damper on a fall camping trip so don’t be afraid to throw in extra layers.

Fall Camping Food & Drink

Eating is a big part of camping, all that fresh air can really get you hungry after all. Remember that the sun sets earlier in the fall and cooking in cooler weather can take a little longer. You might want to start cooking your dinner earlier, or make sure you have a headlamp around to light your way.

cinnamon rolls in a cast iron skillet sitting on the ground with hot cider and a blanket
Photo from Hipcamp Journal

Camp Food Ideas: Nothing keeps you warm like carbs, cheese and booze. Check out this recipe for Prosciutto Gruyere and Honey Pinwheels. Need more ideas? Priya Creates has a great roundup of Favorite Camping Recipes to Feed a Hungry Family. Check out her post for Dutch baby recipes, campfire bread and egg and sausage taquitos to name a few.

Warm Drinks: If you need a little something extra to keep you warm try this recipe for Ginger Apple Cider or these Three Cozy Winter Cocktails from Fresh Off the Grid.

Fall Camping Entertainment

Aside from all of the daytime activities fall camping affords (hiking, possibly swimming?, rock climbing, and other adventures) there’s fun to be had after dark.

Night Games for Fall Camping: For no prep required entertainment check out these 10 Games to Play Around a Campfire. Or if you’re in the mood for a tournament this glow in the dark corn hole set is perfect for evening entertainment. You can play all day and into the night.

*This post may contain affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. See the disclosure policy for more information.

More Articles Like 10 Fall Camping Tips:

  • Desert Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
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Category: Camping, In the News, Outdoor SkillsTag: fall camping

10 Best Gifts Under $50 for Beginner Woman Backpackers

August 19, 2018 //  by kawestberg//  Leave a Comment

beginner-backpacker-gift-guide

Best Gifts for Beginner Women Backpackers

Do you have someone in your life who recently took up backpacking? These are some of my favorite gifts for beginner women backpackers.

Buff UV Headband —  The perfect accessory for any backpacker. You can use a buff to keep you warm or cool. It wicks away moisture, protects your skin from the sun, can be used as a headband, neckerchief, wristband, mask or bandana. Plus they came in lots of colors and patterns!

Solar Phone Charger — Backpacking is all about cutting yourself off from the world…but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to post your gorgeous photos to Instagram. Keep your phone charged and check in with your loved ones with this solar phone charger.

Legit Camping Sleeping Pad — You don’t have to spend big bucks to sleep comfortably. This Legit Camping sleeping pad keeps you off the ground and even has a pillow…my favorite part because it means I can pack one less thing!

RainLeaf Microfiber Towel — Just because you’re backpacking doesn’t mean you don’t need a little rinse from time to time. This microfiber towel comes in several sizes and colors and gets the job done. It’s ultra compact, light weight and antibacterial so no worries that your pack is going to start smelling like a wet dog.

AncherOG Biodegradable Wipes —  These wipes are extra large, require no rinsing and are hypoallergenic. Just because you’re on the trail doesn’t mean you don’t want to be fresh.

TOAKS Titanium Long Handle Spoon —  A spoon might seem like a silly gift, but this long handled spoon is perfect for eating tasty Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef right out of the pouch without getting your hands dirty. Plus then you don’t have to do any dishes!

A2S Protection Paracord Bracelet —  This is the ultimate 5-in-1 survival accessory. It’s a compass, flint fire starter, whistle, emergency knife and 12 feet of military-grade 550 parachute cord. Wear it on your wrist or clip it to your pack. Hopefully you won’t need it, but if you do it’ll be there.

Nalgene 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Bottle — Nalgene’s are classic camping equipment. This bottle is impact resistant and suitable for hot and cold beverages. Top tip: fill it with hot water before bed and put it at the bottom of your sleeping bag to keep your toes warm!

SmartWool Women’s PhD Outdoor Ultra Light Socks —  Nothing feels quite as good as a fresh pair of socks after a hard day on the trail. SmartWool socks are 50% merino wool to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Merino wool wicks away moisture, is breathable and resists odor. They are a perfect pick for a backpacking trip, a hike or a cozy night in.

ExOfficio Women’s Give N Go Sport Mesh Hipkini —  Backpacking can be a sweaty business, especially in summer. Keep your buns cool and the swass at bay with ExOfficio super cool breathable underwear. They come in several cuts and colors to fit any backpacker’s preference.

*This post may contain affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. See the disclosure policy for more information.

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Category: Backpacking, Gift Guides, In the NewsTag: beginner woman backpackers, gift guide, women backpackers

Desert Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

August 16, 2018 //  by kawestberg//  Leave a Comment

Joshua Tree Camping

The last time Catherine and I went to Joshua Tree we managed to snag a last-minute campsite in Cottonwood Campground. The campground’s southern location means it’s less crowded than many other spots, a wonderful added bonus for two solitude seeking campers.

Cottonwood has 62 campsites and several modern amenities for indoorsy types like myself including; potable water and flush toilets (true luxuries in the desert). Like most campgrounds, Cottonwood has two rings of campsites that can accommodate tent only as well as RV campers.

Boulders and fluffy clouds in Joshua Tree

Our first stop on arrival was of course the bathroom. On this particular weekend a very generous person left a partially used bottle of lavender soap in the women’s bathroom, which I will note here had two stalls and one sink.  I never thought I’d have such admiration for a bottle of lavender soap, which I should clarify, is my least favorite smell in the world, aside from poop and vomit of course. But there’s something about camping that really makes you stop and appreciate the little things, even when they’re tainted with the offensive smell of pine and flowers. So I must say thank you to the kind lady who left us her stinky soap, I used it many times and was grateful to have clean, de-greased and de-grimed hands all weekend.

Orange tent pitched in Cottonwood Campground

After our pit stop we pitched our tent, realized that someone (read Kristi) had forgot the camp chairs in the garage (luckily there was a picnic table) and decided to take a stroll around our new neighborhood. In truth this is one of my favorite parts of camping. It’s guaranteed entertainment, and the more camping you do the more you begin to recognize the ‘types’ of campers that are out there.

I’m particularly fond of the hard core RV-ers who manage to set up multiple living areas, covered dining rooms and sit-out porches for evening tipples. My inner indoorsy camper often looks at such sites with envy, that is until the next morning when I get to watch the whole house come down to the studs, an operation that takes infinitely longer than deflating a sleeping pad and packing up a tent.

RV sites aside, most of the campsites at Cottonwood have little nooks and crannies to place your tent as well as a picnic table and fire ring. I’m afraid that without our camp chairs we had to sit on blankets just below our fire, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying a lovely dinner followed by some gooey s’mores. This did give us a chance to see a little kangaroo mouse up close which I have to admit totally freaked me out at first, but then he was kinda fun to watch. Be warned that there are lots of mice in the desert so be sure to pack away all of your food at night unless you want to share with the critters.

Cactus closeup in Joshua Tree

On this particular night there was plenty of cloud cover, hiding what is usually an incredibly bright night sky. Even with all the cloud cover we didn’t need our headlamps during our midnight bathroom break. I can’t even imagine how bright and sparkly it must be on a clear evening. I suppose that just gives us one more reason to return.

We had a lovely sleep in our little cocoons and woke to bright light streaming into our tent. One of the drawbacks to many of the Cottonwood sites is their lack of shade. We attempted to mitigate this by placing our tent strategically so that the morning shadow of the scrub would give us a little reprieve, but that didn’t last long. Within a couple hours our orange tent was flooded with light and warmth, the desert does cool down at night after all so it wasn’t too hot…yet.

Woman making coffee while camping at Joshua Tree

Since Catherine is the expert French press coffee maker I put her to work while I assembled our breakfast of Irish soda bread with butter and jam, cheese and fruit. Not a bad way to start the day really.

Siholette of Joshua Tree against blue sky

Checkout time at Cottonwood is noon, so after a leisurely breakfast, several cups of coffee and some reading we started packing up and headed off to some nearby trails for some hiking. Camping in Cottonwood was amazing. Every time we drive to Joshua Tree I am struck by the huge spaces filled with alien trees, plants and boulders. It really is unlike any place I’ve been. I used to think that of the desert as a place you drive through on your way to something better. Thankfully time spent in Joshua Tree and other desert climate national parks has taught me otherwise, and I’m truly grateful to have learned that lesson.

Category: Campground Reviews, In the News

Bouldering for Babies

August 5, 2018 //  by kawestberg//  Leave a Comment

Mastodon-peak

First of all let me say that this story does not involve a small child crag hopping. No children were harmed or even remotely involved in the making of this story, the only harm was to my own ego, which has become somewhat accustomed to the occasional bump and bruise.  So the baby in this story is me, not the two thrill-seeking children who managed to out-climb, out maneuver and beat me to the top of Mastodon Peak in exquisit Joshua Tree National Park. But we’ll get to that later, for now let me tell you a bit about the park and how I found myself bouldering in the first place.

Cottonwood_campsite

Joshua Tree – Cottonwood Campground

The last time Catherine and I went to Joshua Tree we by some miracle managed to snag a last-minute campsite in Cottonwood Campground. Cottonwood is located at the southeast part of the park. The campground’s southern location means it’s a little less crowded than many other spots, a wonderful added bonus for two solitude seeking campers.

Cottonwood has 62 campsites and several modern amenities for indoorsy types like myself including; potable water and flush toilets. On this particular weekend a very generous person left a partially used bottle of lavender soap in the women’s bathroom. I never thought I’d have such admiration for a bottle of lavender soap, which I should clarify is my least favorite smell in the world, aside from poop and vomit of course. But there’s something about camping that really makes you stop and appreciate the little things, even when they’re tainted with the offensive smell of pine and flowers. So I must say thank you to the kind lady who left us her stinky soap, I used it many times and was grateful to have clean, degreased and degrimed hands all weekend.

After a trip to the bathroom we pitched our tent, realized that I had failed to put the camp chairs in the car (such a bummer!) and decided that we weren’t quite ready for dinner yet so we set off on a little tour of our new neighborhood. In truth this is one of my favorite parts of camping. It’s guaranteed entertainment, and the more camping you do the more you begin to recognize the ‘types’ of campers that are out there. I’m particularly fond of the hard core RV-ers who manage to set up multiple living areas, a covered dining room and a sit-out porch for evening tipples. On our loop there were three such campers, several of which had full camp kitchens with multiple stoves, pop-up canopies for shaded dining and one with colorful blanket “walls” which I found irresistibly charming. My inner indoorsy camper often looks at such sites with envy, that is until the next morning when I get to watch the whole house come down to the studs, an operation that takes infinitely longer than deflating a sleeping pad and packing up a tent.

An Oasis and a Scramble

On our second day in Joshua Tree we decided to take the Lost Palm Oasis Trail located near our campground.

Palm trees and pink sunsets are so iconically Southern California it can’t be denied. One trip to SoCal and your phone is bound to be filled up with spindly palm pictures, but the truth is that none of those palms are native to the area. The first ornamental palms to come to LA were brought by 18th century Spanish missionaries. The palms retained their popularity thanks to the Victorians extensive interests in greenhouses and no time was more prosperous for the ornamental palm than the 1930’s. Knowing that the Olympic games were heading to LA in 1932 a huge planting effort was made that not only greened up the city, but also provided employment for many during the Great Depression. During that time over 40,000 trees were planted and the symbol of LA was cemented for the foreseeable future.End of side note.

However, the palms in Lost Palms Oasis are the native California fan palm, which tend to grow in canyons near springs, hence the oasis part of the trail name. The start of the trail is shaded and cocooned by these wooly fan palms, a truly wonderful way to start a hike in the desert. The trail quickly opens up to traditional desert scenes with spiky plants, sand, rock, and of course Loony Toons style rounded boulders.

spiky

The path is filled with little hills and valleys, stone steps and scurrying lizards. About an hour into our hike we reached a fork where we could go right to continue on the 7 mile Lost Palm Oasis trail or veer to the left to a place called Mastodon Peak.

It was a warm afternoon and we weren’t exactly ready for a 7 mile jaunt, so we headed towards Mastodon where I hoped to see a rock in the shape of the great beast, but of course was disappointed to find a pile of nondescript boulders.

As you approach the pile there is a small sign that gives hikers permission to scramble .1 miles to the top of the peak. I’m not really a fan of the word scramble, unless of course you are referring to my morning eggs in which case, by all means scramble away. In this instance scramble makes me thing of two other words; struggle and free-for-all.

With some trepidation we headed towards the pile and started our .1 mile scramble. Catherine of course scrambles with grace and lightness of foot, making the ascent look easy. I on the other hand prefer a different kind of scrambling, a technique some might classify as scooting. It’s difficult to truly fall when you are already sitting on the ground. And so with heaviness of bum I slowly made my way up towards the top of the peak.

About a third of the way to the top a family came up behind us, one parent and two very brave and fearless little boys. Sensing their desire to pass me out I scooted out of the way and watched with mild horror as they scampered ahead without fear or notice of the heights they were achieving. Mind you their mother was very quick to say, “slow down!” many times as they bounded up the crag. There were promises of Smarties at the top, so who can blame them for being a little reckless, sugar is of course the great motivator. They made it to the top in record time and were happily munching on discs of compressed sugar by the time my dusty buns made an appearance.

top-of-Mastodon-peak

The view from the top was sweeping with mountains in the distance, rocky rounded boulders strewn about and desert scruff. I hesitated to look down, but did manage to sneak a peek to get a better feel for how .1 miles looks from above. Turns out it looks like a long way down and so I scooted back a little, drank several sips of cool water and shared a snack with Catherine.

I consider making it to the top of Mastodon Peak a great triumph. I’m no boulderer, wouldn’t think of taking up climbing and can barely rock hop my way across a river.  I approach most rocks with a sliver of fear. Rocks have an uncanny ability to appear sturdy, stable and reliable. Then just when you’re feeling comfortable they give a little wobble. One little unplanned movement and my hands fly up in the air as if I’m starting a cartwheel…except I’m actually about to fall into a river or more likely onto the extra padding of my fleshy behind (sometimes having a big butt has perks).

I initially wrote this post to entertain myself and hopefully you in the recounting of my great scoot. I also hope that I inspired you to try something new, something you’re a little afraid to try or maybe I just got you to spend some time contemplating palm trees. I’m quite happy with any of those results.

Point one of a mile of bouldering sounds pretty measly when I stop and think about it, but the thing is when you’re the one finding hand, foot and butt holds it feels like a lot further. No matter how you get to the top whether by leap, bound or scoot you got there, and there’s reason to celebrate.

Category: Campground Reviews, In the News

Top Backpacking Tips from the 52 Hike Challenge Creators

July 5, 2018 //  by kawestberg//  1 Comment

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Last week Catherine and I left work and booked it over to REI to attend a class called “52 Hike Challenge: Intro to Backpacking”. I signed up for the free class a few weeks ago and was pretty excited to learn as many backpacking tips and tricks as possible from 52 Hike Challenge creators Karla and Philip.

Two hours isn’t much time to cover ALL THE THINGS, but they managed to cram in a lot of great information and time for questions.

Here’s a list of some topics they covered:

  • The 10 Essentials
  • Trip research
  • Navigation
  • Food and water
  • Backpacks (get REI to fit test for you)
  • Sleeping and shelter gear
  • Plus lots of other gear that they recommended

Going through all the information listed would result in a 10,000 word essay. Instead I thought I’d share my three favorite tips from the evening.

3-backpacking-tricks

DIY Hot Water Bottle

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Karla had a great tip for keeping warm during cold nights. Use your camp stove to boil some water. Pour the water in your nalgene water bottle (don’t use an insulated bottle…you want the heat to release). Nalgene is a great option because it’s tough, trail tested and BPA free…so no need to worry when adding hot water. Screw the lid on tight, check the seal and place your warm bottle at the bottom of your sleeping bag. BOOM! DIY hot water bottle!

Skip the Dishes

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One of my least favorite parts about camping is doing the dishes. Without a proper sink, soap and hot water it’s hard to get your dishes truly clean….and devoid of your last meals flavors. To solve the last meal taste, make your pack lighter and decrease dishes they recommended “cooking” your freeze dried meals right in the pouch they come in. Just pour the hot water in and stir. Karla also recommended saving the bag to use for other foods that don’t come in packaging you can add hot water to (like ramen noodles).

The Long Spoon

dc3b2cfb-fd44-4b32-9a83-04ec7cded211Speaking of cooking your food in the freeze dried food bag. This tip really spoke to me and my “indoorsy-ness”. It can be hard to stir your freeze dried meal in that big bag with a regular sized spoon. Your hand ends up inside the bag and suddenly you have beef stroganoff all over everything. The solution is this long spoon! It’s so simple, but as soon as she said it a light bulb went off for me.

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If you’re not familiar with the 52 Hike Challenge be sure to click through to find out how communing with nature helped founders Karla and Philip changed their lives and inspired thousands of people to do the same. Their stories are pretty amazing.

 

More Articles Like Top Backpacking Tips from the 52 Hike Challenge Creators:

  • Save Money: The Hiking Gear Can Wait
  • Indoorsy Book Recommendations: Summer 2018
  • Outdoorsy Book Recommendations: Summer 2018

 

Category: Backpacking, In the News, Outdoor SkillsTag: 52 Hike Challenge, backpacking, backpacking gear, backpacking tips

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