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Best Places for a Family Trip to the Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights is one of nature’s greatest miracles. An extraordinary phenomenon, it lights up the night sky with a vibrant, electric light show of vivid greens, purples, and blues. It is an unforgettable experience, and one that should be experienced at least once by anyone who loves to travel, even if it means forgoing a beach vacation just once.

For families with kids, the Northern Lights is a great experience. It is a truly remarkable, unique thing to see, conjuring up the magic, drama, and power of nature, and cannot fail to amaze even the most jaded and tetchy of younger ones.

That said, planning a Northern Lights family trip does come with its fair share of challenges. The Aurora Borealis appears at night, and is best seen when there is no moon. This tends to mean staying up late, and waiting patiently with nothing much else to do until the Lights put in an appearance. Plus, as it is (almost) always found in the cold, frozen north of the planet, your little ones will have to put up with icy temperatures while they wait. This can lead to boredom and the odd tantrum, even from the most patient of kids.

The key to planning an amazing family trip to see the Northern Lights therefore requires a little planning, and one of the most important things to do is pick the right place to look for them. So to get you started, here are four of the best places to watch the Northern Lights as a family.

Alaska

Cruising to Alaska is a great way to see the Northern Lights with kids. For starters, an Alaska cruise is an incredibly family-friendly experience, with loads of entertainment and activity to keep them busy on board, and loads of amazing wildlife and dramatic landscapes to see ashore. Plus, Alaska’s vast wilderness is one of the best places in the world to view the Aurora Borealis…and what’s not to love about seeing nature’s greatest light show from the comfort of a cruise ship?

Tromso, Norway

Aurora Borealis in Tromso, Norway

When it comes to seeing the Northern Lights as a family trip, Tromso is an absolutely classic destination. Known as the capital of the Arctic, Tromso is a charming city, and its position on the Gulf Stream means that it tends to be a little warmer than other viewing destinations, which will keep the kids happy. Most importantly, Tromso is right at the center of the aurora oval, the area where the lights can be seen, so you have the best possible chance of seeing this extraordinary phenomenon in all its glory.

Rovaniemi, Lapland

Possibly the best Northern Lights family trip location, Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland would be worth a visit even if the Aurora Borealis didn’t exist! Set deep in the Arctic Circle, the town has a great claim to be called ‘the home of Santa Claus’, and you can visit Saint Nick’s workshop at the Santa Claus Village. Outside of town, the Arctic Snow Hotel offers astonishing glass igloos where you can stay and watch the Lights from inside, with a 360 view. You can also take a snowmobile adventure from the Aurora Emotion viewing station, which is guaranteed to thrill older kids.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Northern Lights in Iceland, perfect for a family adventure

Northern Lights in Iceland, perfect for a family trip

Exciting Viking history, ice caves, bubbling thermal caves, AND the Northern Lights? What’s not to love? Reykjavik offers a slightly different Aurora experience, giving you the chance to stay in a city (with all the associated comforts and things for kids to do during the day), while also viewing one of nature’s most beautiful experiences!

September 27, 2022

8 Perfectly Hidden Gems in Colorado

Off the Beaten Path

The real secret? Colorado is a hidden gem on its own. Denver is a bumping transplant town getting busier by the day, but you’d be surprised how many people never get out of the city! Check out these 8 hiking trails, all perfectly hidden gems in Colorado that will make your Colorado trip one for the books. These trails are perfect for visitors and locals looking to beat the bustle and experience Colorado’s beauty.

Colorado is full of history and nature. Don’t forget to Leave No Trace so we can continue enjoying these hidden gems off the beaten path in Colorado.

Hidden Gems Hiking Trails in Colorado for Day Adventurers

Centennial Cone “Travois” Trail

Distance: 13.0 miles
Elevation: 2,020

Travois Trail

Start your morning with an incredible sunset view from Centennial Cone. You may see a few runners in the morning, but this is a great hidden gem if you’re looking for quiet hiking.

The Travois Trail is closed from February to June for Elk mating season, so be sure to look up open trails and dates before arriving. This 13-mile hike is dog friendly, but there aren’t many creeks, so come prepared with plenty of water for you and your four-legged friends.

View Trail Information

Blue Lake Trail near Telluride

Distance: 10.3 miles
Elevation: 1,794

The serene Blue Lakes Trail

You’ll want to get to this one early – only a few parking spots are available at the trailhead!

This hidden gem in Colorado is great for hikers, campers, and cross country skiers! It’s a longer hike, but the incline is gradual and not too strenuous. You’ll enter the Rawah Wilderness and five miles in, you’ll find yourself with incredible views of Blue Lake. Bonus: it’s a great hike for dogs and if you catch it at the right time of summer, the wildflowers flourish.

Don’t forget: Longer hikes require planning around weather, water, food, and directions! Make sure you’re prepared for Blue Lake Trail.

St Mary’s Glacier Trailhead

Distance: 2.4
Elevation: 1,030

St Mary’s Glacier
Photo by Paul Arterburn on Unsplash

Located in Idaho Springs, this trail is great for a day trip about an hour from Denver, Boulder, and Breckenridge! St Mary’s Glacier is a popular winter hike; you might find skiers or ice fishermen enjoying the mountain along the way. Throughout the journey, the views are incredible. You won’t be disappointed when you make it to the glacier!

Be prepared for wind and temperature changes; microspikes, poles, and warm clothes are recommended as the snow sticks around for quite a while.

Parking at the trailhead is $5 cash. View the Forest Service website for closures and restrictions.

Hidden Gems in Colorado for a Weekend Getaway

Ouray, Colorado

Discover Ouray – known as the Little Switzerland of America

Ouray is commonly known as the “Little Switzerland of America”, so you can imagine why it’d make the list for hidden gems.

Summer is the best time to plan a weekend getaway to this town full of gems. Ouray offers incredibly scenic views along the Million Dollar Highway, Fish Creek Falls, and Red Mountain Pass Summit. Ouray is also home to No Sulfer Hot Springs – filled with geothermal water, packed with minerals straight from Ouray Box Canyon Waterfall.

The downside? It’s over 6 hours from the Denver Airport. There’s no doubt it’s worth the trip though! There are two smaller airports outside of Ouray, but you might have a harder time finding trips in. I would recommend checking Skyscanner to find the best option.

Imogene Pass

Distance: 17.5 mi
Elevation: 4734

Imogene Pass is a more strenuous hike, but you also have the option of driving! It’s well known for offroading – so well known you can actually rent a jeep in town to try it out yourself.

If you enjoy crazy things, like racing your way up a giant mountain, Imogene Pass hosts an annual, 17-mile run!

The trailhead is just 30 minutes from Telluride, a quaint mountain town filled with waterfalls, hikes, and festivals in the summer!

Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Steamboat, CO

Strawberry Park Hot Springs – one of the best hidden gems in Colorado

Sometimes, you just need a weekend of pampering! Strawberry Park Hot Springs is the perfect getaway during cold months. The park has maintained nature’s beauty around these Hot Springs while allowing you to lodge and soak in 104-degree mineral water. Nearby, Routt National Forest has trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and biking.

The “Train Caboose” and “Covered Wagon” are just two of the park’s unique lodging for guests. They also have camping availability or, you can head to Downtown Steamboat Springs and enjoy the local dining and shopping. There is an onsight shuttle to take you to Routt and Steamboat Springs.

Hot tip: After hours, the springs are 18+ and clothing is…optional. No alcohol is allowed or available.

Strawberry Park currently requires reservations for all pools. You can reserve your spot directly on their website.

Grand Mesa Lakes

For a snow-filled state, Colorado can get hot. To get through the hottest summer days, Grand Mesa Lakes are the perfect place to cool off. Grand Mesa holds 300 lakes and reservoirs where you can fish, hike, camp, boat, and more. It’s known as the “World’s Largest Flat Top Mountain” with a 10,000-foot elevation.

You’ll find the drive into Grand Mesa National Forest tranquil and beautiful. The forest is home to a diverse group of wildlife like moose, black bears, and is well known for its trout fishing.

If you’re not much of a hiker and need a place to stay, check out nearby hotels on booking.com.

Hidden Gem Hiking Trail in Colorado for Beginners

Glacier Gorge Trail

Distance: 3.3 mi
Elevation: 646

Glacier Gorge Trail is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, which can be a heavily trafficked area. I’d suggest beating the crowd and enjoying this trail at sunrise. However, Glacier Gorge Trail is not the most popular in the park but you still get spectacular views of the mountains and the lake without the crowds and strenuous hiking.

This loop is just over three miles, making it perfect for a quick trip to see the park and give you the rest of the day to explore. There is currently a fee to get into Rocky Mountain National Park so don’t forget to look up entry requirements before going.

Hidden Gems in Colorado Wrap-Up

I hope you got some great ideas for your next flight. This state offers endless amounts of nature and adventures, it would take a lifetime to experience it all. Now that you have these 8 hidden gems in Colorado, it’s time to start planning your trip! Hope to see you here soon!

April 28, 2022

12 of the Best Day Trips from Miami

Perfect Itineraries

From glamorous night bars and cafes to wide sandy beaches Miami has an eclectic amalgamation of all. This jewel has become a phenomenon because of its outstanding beauty. Miami is not only a popular tourist destination, but also one of the best places to live in Florida for its amazing infrastructure, growing economy, modern education system, and world-class transportation. But if you’re looking for a bit more adventure off the beaten path, you might be looking for some of the best day trips from Miami.

Miami is an excellent starting point if you want to explore the other less crowded places near Miami. For those who love sunny beaches, arts, culture, and hiking trips, a Miami day trip is an ideal plan for them. Today we will share the best information about Miami day drips and activities you can do in this area. So without further ado, here are the best day trips from Miami.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park, one of the best day trips from Miami

Everglades National Park is one of the largest National Parks in the United States, followed by Death Valley and Yellowstone. If you’re looking for one of the best day trips from Miami, then Everglades National Park would be a great place to spend your time.

This national park is a haven for thousands of animals and birds. Almost 20 percent of this area is covered by lush green plants and trees. This area is also a great home for endangered animals like manatees, leatherback turtles, and the Florida Panther.

Here in this 1.5 million acre of wetland, you can glide through mangroves on a boat and see the scenic beauty and rare species of animals with the help of a guide.

So if you are looking for a place for a family vacation near Miami then we would suggest you start your day trip in Miami by visiting Everglades National Park.

Key West

Travel to the southernmost point in the Continental US, Key West

A day trip from Miami to Key West is one of the best trips you may have during the weekends. Key West is just two and a half hours by car from Miami. You can also catch a non-stop bus from Miami to Key West. As you journey to Key West from Miami, you have to cross 43 bridges spanning turquoise-blue waters. The views from the drive alone make this trip worthwhile!

Key West is popular for its unique architecture, history, nightclubs, and beautiful resorts. In Key West, you will see many artists and their eclectic houses among the community. For example, you will get to see the house of great American author Ernest Hemingway in Key West. With special permission, you can visit this house.

After walking and hopping around the city and its glamorous shopping malls, Key West then offers a wide range of culinary treats that will make your mouth water.

Bimini

Take a day trip from Miami to the Bahamian island of Bimini

Bimini is an island in the Bahamian island chain. This place is famous for its fishing opportunities. The nightlife in Bimini islands brings real color and joy to your life. From paddle boating to walking on a white sand beach, there is a lot to enjoy on this island. You can experience the underwater ecosystem by snorkeling too. Special courses are available too if you want to do scuba diving on these beaches in Bahama.

Day trips to the Bahamas from Miami turned out a great choice for us. We had only a day on our hands but we wanted to enjoy the day to its fullest. So we went to Bimini. And we were amazed after strolling in the main city.

From the shopping mall to resorts everything in the Bahamas will make your jaw drop with its scenic views and hospitality. This is also one of the best places to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. You can buy beach-themed t-shirts, local honey, locally baked items, and key chains for your loved ones as a souvenir. We particularly loved the designer t-shirts that we bought from the Bahamas for our friends.

Kennedy Space Center

Get up close and personal with historical items from NASA’s space exploration

If you’re a fan of aerospace technologies, Kennedy space center is an ideal place to spend one of the best day trips from Miami. This is a family-friendly place that is great for kids.

This aerospace center is full of air crafts dozens of rockets and spacecraft that undoubtedly get your children more interested in the wonder space exploration.

Palm Beach

Aerial view over Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach is another famous place that makes for one of the best day trips from Miami. If you’re looking for souvenirs, Palm Beach is an affordable place to browse outlet malls and gift stores.

Not only is Palm Beach famous for its fashion stores, but you can also find amazing seafood at a fair price.

Dog owners will find Palm Beach a great place. It is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Miami that allows your dog on a leash. In Miami, very few beaches are dog friendly and one of them is Palm Beach. So don’t leave your dog behind at the hotel, take him/her with you and roam around Palm Beach.

Universal Studios

Discover the Wizarding World of Harry Potter during a day trip from Miami

Are you looking for a family-friendly day trip from Miami? Consider spending the day at Universal Studios!

Who doesn’t like Hary Potter? Everybody loves J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series, and in Universal Studio there is a park dedicated to the Harry Potter series.

In this theme park, you’ll encounter familiar characters from the Harry Potter series, as well as rides themed to the books. This theme park is just 3 hours away from Miami. So by the next time you’re planning to visit a nearby place with your children in Miami make sure to go to this place.

Little Havana

Spend time in the eclectic Little Havana Neighborhood in Miami

Little Havana is a must-go place to spend a whole day near Miami. Located just 25 kiEverybody loves this place because of its eclectic neighborhoods. Around every corner, you can feel the Cuban culture and the mix with old American culture.

There is a large community of Cuban people in Little Havana. When you walk through the city you will feel like you are walking down the streets of Havana. The vivid lifestyle and the vibrant atmosphere of this place is like traveling to a different era altogether. In Little Havana, locals treat tourists as their guests. You can chat with the locals and can spend your whole day learning about Cuba’s culture and many more.

After enjoying your holiday trip if you’re looking for shops to buy Miami souvenirs for your beloved ones then you have a plethora of stores in Little Havana to buy beautiful art pieces, cultural art, and many local trinkets. Among these stores, our favorite store to buy souvenirs is Little Havana Visitors Center. You’ll be amazed to see its showpiece collections and local handicrafts.

Wynwood

Pops of color around every corner in the Wynwood neighborhood

Wynwood is our all-time favorite place to spend a day in Miami full of art and culture. The neighborhood is full of murals, paintings, and graffiti. On each wall in Wynwood, you can see different kinds of murals that represent the local culture of Miami.

From different art forms to dance, luxurious shopping malls to theaters each and everything that belongs to art can be found in Wynwood. This is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Miami.

In Wynwood, you will get to experience different types of art exhibitions throughout the year. When we visited this place, there was an event going on named Art Wynwood. We were suggested to visit this event by many locals and believe us you won’t get disappointed if you visit this extremely beautiful art exhibition in Wynwood.

The best time to visit Wynwood is in winter. Although throughout the year you will see some events going on in this place. So if you have 2 days of the week off then we would suggest you visit Wynwood to have one of the best day trips in Miami for art lovers.

South Beach

The shops and art deco facades in South Beach

While technically located in the city of Miami, there is enough to do in South Beach to fill an entire day. People come to South Beach because of its joyful nature and white sand beaches. This place is popular for its history and culture. In South Beach, you will meet a lot of Cuban people who migrated here permanently for livelihood.

This place is full of decorated sea beach resorts. For couples in Miami, South Beach has become a go-to place.

The seafood restaurants and stalls are amazing in South Beach. Once you start to eat, it will become a never-ending loop. We started with a roasted lobster and fish sandwich and couldn’t stop us from ordering more and more. The best part about South Beach is here you will get Caribbean seafood which you can’t get anywhere in Miami.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Get off the beaten path at Jonathan Dickinson State Park near Miami

Are you looking for a hiking day trip near Miami? Here is some good news for you. Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a famous place for its hiking trails.

If you’re looking for a getaway where you can release anxiety of the day to day, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a place where you can go to connect with nature and rejuvenate the energy in life.

It is an easy-to-reach place and one of the cheapest day trips from Miami. Jonathan Dickinson park is mostly famous for its scenic hiking trails. Whether you’re a pro or an amateur it doesn’t matter; everybody can go on this hiking trip. But don’t forget to bring your hiking shoes as this area is stony with rough surfaces.

Apart from hiking, you can do kayaking, and swimming in Blowing Rocks Preserve. You can also enjoy camping if you want to stay overnight.

The Best Day Trips from Miami – Final Thoughts

Miami is a dreamy place for each traveler. People have been flocking to Miami throughout the ages resulting in the unique flair you see today. From culture to art, day life to nightlife, from seafood to local cuisines every single bit of Miami is spectacular. We hope you will enjoy the city as well as the above mentioned best day trips from Miami when you’re looking for something fun to do.

April 25, 2022

11 Unique Hidden Gems in Santa Barbara

Off the Beaten Path

Santa Barbara, California is one of those cities that feels like an escape every time you visit! You can’t go wrong with year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and mountains, and the gorgeous Spanish-style architecture throughout the whole city. Beyond the more popular tourist options such as visiting the Santa Barbara Mission, shopping on State Street, and visiting the breweries and wineries in the Funk Zone – there are many unique hidden gems in Santa Barbara to explore.

Here are 11 of the best hidden gems and unique things to do when visiting Santa Barbara:

1. Tangerine Falls

The Tangerine Falls Trail is a true hidden gem in Santa Barbara – I lived there for four years before learning about this beautiful hike! The trail is unique because there are not many waterfalls in Santa Barbara since the area doesn’t get a lot of rain.

The hike is a 2.2 mile out and back trail that starts on a path then transitions to scrambling over rocks for most of the hike, so it is a bit more difficult for some. However, the effort is well worth it when you reach the waterfall.

The rocks behind the waterfall have a beautiful orange tint and the water collects enough at the bottom that there is usually a shallow swimming hole, and it all overlooks a great view of Santa Barbara with views out to the ocean! Plus, you might see some animal life (like newts!) and nature that is hard to see anywhere else in Santa Barbara.

2. Montecito Hot Springs Canyon Trail

Santa Barbara has a few areas with hot springs (naturally heated pools of water that have bacteria and sulphur with amazing health benefits) but these Montecito ones are my favorite.

The Hot Springs Canyon Trail is a 3.7 mile moderately challenging loop trail. The hike itself is lush and mostly shady, but the best part is dipping in the hot spring pools at the end.

The hottest pool is at the top and each gets a bit cooler as the water flows down. Whichever pool you choose, you will leave feeling like you came from the spa! Just make sure to follow the signs closely to choose the right turns to reach the hot springs.

3. Visit the Sunstone Winery

Located 35-minutes north of Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley, the Sunstone Winery is truly a hidden gem for those looking for a gorgeous California vineyard. It has been voted “Santa Barbara’s Favorite Red Wine” and “Best Santa Ynez Valley Tasting Room” by the Santa Barbara Independent, proving the Sunstone Winery is a local favorite.

With French inspired courtyards, stone barrel-aging caves, and picnic tables under the olive and oak trees, not to mention the wonderful wines that can only be bought onsite… this is the perfect afternoon activity for those looking to get off the beaten path in Santa Barbara!

4. Tour Casa del Herrero

Casa del Herrero Home and Gardens is great for those who want to experience a piece of Santa Barbara’s history by diving into a more unique experience than the typical tours.

This 1920s home is one of the finest examples of Spanish revival architecture in the U.S. and is full of 15^th and 16^th century pieces from the “Golden Age” of Spain. Plus, the Moorish-style gardens are spectacular.

5. Lizard’s Mouth

Lizard’s Mouth is a rock formation near the top of the Santa Ynez Mountains. It is aptly named for its resemblance to a lizard’s mouth (from a distance) and has some of the best views of the Santa Barbara area.

The distinct silhouette that gives Lizard’s Mouth Rock its name

You must do a little walking (~0.3 miles) to see the rock formation, but the area is primarily made up of rocks and does not really have trails. This is a popular spot in Santa Barbara for outdoors enthusiasts and people who like bouldering and rock climbing.

6. Walk Through the Goleta Butterfly Grove

The Monarch butterflies migrate through Goleta from November to February and can be seen at the Butterfly Grove. It’s incredible to see the butterflies come through, but the site itself is gorgeous all year round too.

Hidden gems in Santa Barbara - monarch roosts in the Goleta butterfly grove

At the right time of year, you can see monarch roosts in the Goleta butterfly grove

Situated on the Goleta bluffs, there are a few trails through the trees that take you to the cliffs and some that have beach access. The Goleta Butterfly Grove is a beautiful and lesser-known spot for a stroll, picnic, or to watch the sunset.

7. Visit Santa Barbara’s Most Unique Coffee Chain: Cajé

Cajé is my absolute favorite coffee chain in Santa Barbara! They of course have great coffee, but they are unique because there’s multiple locations across Santa Barbara that each have a distinctly different vibe and slightly different menu.

The Cajé I highly recommend visiting is across from the Arlington Theater on State Street. It’s a stunning location (often used as a wedding venue!) and serves signature coffee cocktails. The Haley St. Cajé also has nice vibes and “fancy” cocktails and even occasionally (it’s not advertised) turns into a speakeasy at night with a full bar.

For a more casual cup of coffee visit the Cajé downtown State Street or in Isla Vista. The original Cajé is in Isla Vista and mainly serves the local UCSB college community, but it has a more extensive breakfast food menu and a casual, fun feel with a 5-minute walk to the beach.

8. Have a Picnic and Watch the Planes at the Santa Barbara Airport

The Santa Barbara Airport is a tiny airport located in Goleta. It’s a very easy airport to fly in and out of when visiting, especially for inexperienced flyers, but it’s also a great place to see unique, old-school airplanes.

A fun, hidden gem activity is to pick up Dave’s Dogs (a nearby place that serves hotdogs with all kinds of toppings imaginable) and watch the planes from the benches in the waiting lot right outside of the airport.

9. Spend a Day in Solvang – “The Danish Capital of America”

Solvang is a town that is 34 miles (~45-minute drive) north of Santa Barbara, but is well worth a day trip. Most buildings have Danish-style architecture, there are plenty of amazing wine tasting rooms, and multiple authentic Danish bakeries and restaurants.

Discover Danish architecture of the nearby town of Solvang

Discover Danish architecture in the nearby town of Solvang

In Solvang Village, you can tour Old Mission Santa Inés, shop at The Book Loft or Rasmussen’s, visit a museum, enjoy an outdoor performance, or pet the alpacas!

10. Hidden Gem in Santa Barbara for Foodies: Zaytoon

Somehow, Zaytoon is rarely mentioned in places to eat in Santa Barbara, which makes it hands down the best hidden gem restaurant in the area and the one place I always have dinner at every time I’m in town again!

Zaytoon is a Lebanese and Middle Eastern restaurant with a delicious gourmet menu and beautiful patio. It’s a hidden oasis full of flowers and greenery with fire pits, live entertainment, and a beautiful fountain and architecture.

11. Hidden Gem in Santa Barbara for Extreme Adventurers: Kayak to Platform Holly

There are plenty of outdoor and adventurous activities for people to explore in Santa Barbara from surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, rock climbing, and more. One that many people don’t know about is kayaking towards Platform Holly.

Platform Holly is a decommissioned oil rig sitting about two miles off Coal Oil Point just west of Isla Vista. Rent a kayak, pack a lunch, and pick a fair-weather day to kayak out to the oil rig. You will get amazing views of the Santa Barbara coast and cliffs and likely see some sea life along the way!

Kayaking by Isla Vista

It is certainly a challenge and not something to do alone or if you don’t have plenty of water experience. Be aware of the currents and conditions of the day, stay your distance from the sea lions that lay on Holly, and practice utmost safety while on the open ocean water.

Santa Barbara has hidden gems to explore for every type of tourist whether you prefer to stay out in nature or want to explore the ins and outs of the city. There is so much to see and do in Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas, especially when you get off the beaten path!

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March 30, 2022

Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

Off the Beaten Path

Joshua Tree National Park is one of California’s best natural attractions. With over 790,000 acres of rugged rock formations, towering Joshua trees, and desert landscape that seems from another planet – it’s hard to get enough of this place. Visiting Joshua Tree National Park but not sure which hikes you should do? There are 124 hiking trails in Joshua Tree that vary in length, intensity, and views. But if you’ve got limited time at the park, here are the 9 best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park.

Before you Go: To ensure you have a great hiking experience in Joshua Tree, be sure to get the AllTrails app before you go. The app has an extensive list of the best trails for hiking in Joshua Tree, with reviews from other hikers to keep you up to date on the latest trail conditions. You can filter by trail difficulty, length, and suitability and download trail maps to help keep you on track even when you’re offline.

1. Hidden Valley Nature Trail

The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is an easy 1-mile loop hike that takes you to a hidden valley that was once used by cattle ranchers to shelter their cows in the 19th century. The valley is enclosed by unique rock formations. If you look closely at the rock formations, you might see rock climbers making their way up to the top.

Through the trail, you’ll see Joshua trees, yucca trees, cacti, and more. Look for interpretive signs to learn about the flora and fauna in the hidden valley.

The hike requires climbing steps and scrambling through some rocks but the elevation gain is minimal so plan to spend about an hour on this trail.

If you can, hike this trail around sunset time. The sunlight on the rock cliffs displays a golden light on them; unseen anywhere else!

2. Cholla Cactus Garden Trail

Cholla Cactus Nature Trail

The Cholla Cactus Garden Trail is a very easy 0.2-mile hike through the Cholla Cactus Garden. This trail is on a boardwalk so expect minimum elevation gain.

The garden is filled with cholla cacti that look like teddy bears but definitely do not feel like them! You might notice others straying from the boardwalk trail but it’s best to stay on to prevent accidentally touching the cactus spines.

When hiking this trail, wear long-sleeved clothes and pack essentials in case you brush up on the spines. On the hike, you can see 10 acres of cholla cacti; plan to spend up to 30 minutes here. This is another great sunset hike but if you prefer a less-crowded experience, come here for sunrise to see the cholla cacti spines shining in the sunlight.

3. Barker Dam Nature Trail

The Barker Dam Nature Trail is an easy-to-moderate 1.1-mile hike that shows you the Barker Dam, a water reservoir that was used by cattle ranchers. If you’re lucky, you might see water in the dam and wildlife including desert bighorn sheep near the dam.

After hiking to the dam, the trail takes you to a view of hundreds of Joshua trees, creosote bushes, pinyon trees, and the San Gorgonio Mountain in the far back. Towards the end of the trail, you’ll see a cave-like ceiling with Native American petroglyphs. Since there are many unique things to see on this trail, you can spend 1-2 hours exploring it.

4. Wall Street Mill Trail

The Wall Street Mill Trail is another easy-to-moderate hike that can take an hour. The well-preserved trail takes you through a path with rustic automobiles used in the past and the Wall Street Mill at the end.

The mill was used for gold processing and mining. Read the signs throughout the trail to learn about its interesting history.

On the trail, you’ll also see an old windmill with a water pump. This 2.2-mile trail is sandy in some areas and loose gravel in other areas so make sure to clean out your shoes after the trail.

5. Skull Rock Nature Trail

Skull Rock Nature Trail

The Skull Rock Nature Trail is an easy 1.7-mile hike that starts at Jumbo Rocks Campground and takes you to Skull Rock. The Jumbo Rocks Campground is filled with huge rocks and has 124 individual campsites. It’s a great place to camp since it’s centrally located in the park.

On the trail, you’ll see Mojave desert plants including cat’s claw acacia and desert almond and California plants including California oak woodland and California buckwheat. You’ll see interpretive signs along the way.

In the end, you’ll see Skull Rock, a granite rock that’s been shaped by erosion to look like a skull. The Skull Rock attraction can be crowded so plan to spend up to 2 hours for this entire hike.

6. Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail

The Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail is a moderate 6.8-mile trail that can take up to 4 hours. Even though this is longer than the other hikes, it’s secluded and provides panoramic views.

Expect elevation gain but overall the trail isn’t too challenging. Joshua Tree National Park once had lots of mines including the Lost Horse Mine. Used in the 19th century, this mine was used to process gold.

There is no shade on this trail so it’s best to avoid hiking it during the summer. Visit during the spring to see the trail’s edges covered with wildflowers.

7. Arch Rock Nature Trail

Arch Rock Nature Trail

The Arch Rock Nature Trail is an easy 1.2-mile hike that starts out leveled and sandy and then you’re surrounded by rock boulders of different sizes. You can spend half a day here climbing up the rocks but if you’re just doing this hike, plan to spend an hour.

The main attraction is the Arch Rock and you’ll know you’re near when you start to see crowds around it. It’s a popular photo spot so expect to wait in line to take a photo with the Arch Rock.

There’s also a rock that’s shaped like a heart, that’s located around the area. There are no signs to hike to it but you’ll see hikers walking to or from the rock. Use Google Maps to guide you to the area.

8. Ryan Mountain Trail

The Ryan Mountain Trail is a strenuous 3-mile hike that’s popular for its landscape views of the park, especially at sunset. There is an elevation gain of more than 1000 feet so plan to spend up to 2.5 hours on the trail.

Plan to hike this trail only in the spring, fall or winter but if you’re at the park during the summer, only hike this trail early morning or late evening and bring enough water for the entire hike.

9. Keys View Trail

The Keys View Trail is a very short 0.1-mile hike up to Keys View. From Keys View, you’ll get gorgeous views of the Salton Sea, Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, the San Jacinto Mountains, and Mount San Gorgonio.

Come here for sunset but if you prefer fewer crowds, hike here during sunrise. If it’s a clear day, you can see the Mexico border and Mount Signal. Spend up to an hour enjoying the views at this park’s highest viewpoint.

Conclusion: Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

Have a blast hiking in Joshua Tree National Park

Whether you’re hiking with your family, out on an anniversary trip, or just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life – Joshua Tree National Park is the ideal place to do it.

The variety of hiking trails in this national park is great, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, choose from these 9 best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park. Be safe, leave no trace, and have fun!

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March 25, 2022