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Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

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

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

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 - one of the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

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

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!

The Best Hikes in Joshua Tree

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How to Save Money While Traveling in Colorado on a Budget

Planning on a vacation to Colorado? Then, get yourself ready to have a fantastic time. If the amount spent on your travel is a concern, read on to learn how to travel Colorado on a budget.

Today I’m covering how you save money during your travels in Colorado. These don’t include any cost for preparing to go to Colorado or the traveling cost, because those things mostly depend on where you’re traveling from, how you want to travel, and which specific activities you want to do in Colorado.

There are plenty of ways to save up money on your Colorado trip. I will go through some of the easiest and best tips you can follow without any trouble at all. Let’s get started then.

Choose an all-inclusive travel plan

There’s so much to explore when you get to Colorado. Deciding on a place can get tricky. Also, if you want to do everything, you will need to spend precious time planning out your itinerary and figuring out where to go. Spending more days just means spending more money.

You can either develop your own all-inclusive plan where you plan out everything in advance to visit the majority of Colorado within the shortest possible time. You should plan out everything from your hotels, even down the restaurants in the area.

Or, you can choose to go with a package tour who does all the work for you. Sure, there will be some travel agent fees included, but they also get group deals on hotels, travel, and restaurants which overall can bring the costs down. Altogether, you will save money while experiencing the best of Colorado.

Go for less expensive hotels

Here’s the thing, when you are in Colorado, you won’t be spending too much time in the hotel. Instead, you will be out there exploring the state and its beauty. The adventure of Colorado will be your key in your visit to the state. So, spending money on a luxury hotel or resort is just pointless.

You can just go to a local inn or motel and register there. It doesn’t cost too much to get a room in such an inn. This way, you can save money during your visit to Colorado without any extra steps. And that gives you the option to spend more on other stuff that you plan to do.

Budget-friendly eating

When you go for a vacation, the purpose is to explore the place and, at the same time, try out the local food there. And the best part is, local food in restaurants isn’t usually that expensive. You can get budget-friendly food no matter where you go, as long as you eat locally.

So, instead of going to fancy restaurants and eating different cuisines, try going to restaurants with local food. Denver is the best city for budget-friendly food. They have a wide range of amazing restaurants that don’t cost a lot for an enjoyable meal.

Try out camping to save money in Colorado

I think one of the best ways you can save up some money while traveling in Colorado is through camping. You might not want to be camping the whole trip, but make sure to keep camping as a part of your trip to Colorado. Here’s how you can save money through camping.

First of all, you won’t have to worry about renting a hotel or inn as long as you are camping. Colorado also has  large number of camping options throughout the state. While you’re camping, you’ll also save money on food since you will mostly be cooking by yourself.  Avoiding the costs of expensive restaurant meals will help you save money during your travels.

Aside from all that, it surely is a great experience to spend your nights under the sky of Colorado. That’s what adventure is all about, right?

Save money on transportation

A lot of people make the mistake of renting cars while they are visiting Colorado. Sure, you can do that if you’re not worried about spending money. But if you want to save up money, then renting a car isn’t the greatest idea. There are several reasons for that.

First of all, you have to consider the cost of gas plus parking along with the rent of the car. Then there is the factor of taking the car along with you wherever you go. It takes away the freedom of exploring the place in its entirety, and you are limited to visiting certain places.

So, instead of renting a car, try using public transportation to get around wherever you want to go. You can also consider things like Uber rides to reach places. Doing this also allows walking around the place, which is the best way to explore an area.

How Much to Budget for Travel in Colorado

Save money in Colorado, so you can partake in activities like skiing

Save money in Colorado, so you can partake in activities like skiing

Let’s take a quick look at the cost of various things in Colorado. This is a rough cost, so you can see differences when you actually visit.

Food

When you are out in Denver, usually, it can cost around $30 to $40 to eat per day. That’s the average cost you would have in Denver for your meal. Depending on what you eat, it can go higher or lower.

Hotels vs. Hostels and Inns

Typically, a hotel with premium facilities or luxury will cost you around 200 to 300 USD. Whereas you can get a room in a hostel or an inn at around 40 to 50 USD with ease.

Bus fare

In general, the bus fare in Colorado is pretty low, and it can range from somewhere around 1.5 USD to 4 USD depending on where you are going.

Activities

There are so many things you can do in Colorado so it’s important to look into costs ahead of time. If you plan to visit the national park, you have to pay around 10 to 15 USD as the entrance fee, which isn’t a lot. If you want to make use of the best waders for surf fishing, then shore fishing in Colorado is also an option. But that can cost around $100 or even more depending on the service you are choosing.

Conclusion

All in all, your visit to Colorado doesn’t have to be expensive when you know how to save money while traveling in Colorado. Following the tips I shared here will surely help you spend less than you usually would. But if you don’t mind spending money, I would still suggest trying these out for a more adventurous trip.

The Best Outdoor Activities in New Orleans

New Orleans is a renowned city worldwide, with people traveling from across the globe to visit the French Quarter, watch the Mardi Gras festival, and hear the smooth, live jazz. New Orleans, often referred to as The Big Easy, is home to beautiful music, interesting culture, amazing architecture, and great food. There is plenty to explore, but here is a top list of the best outdoor activities in New Orleans.

How To Travel to New Orleans

First of all, when traveling the US, it is well worth the trip to New Orleans. Getting an RV or hire car and making your way around America is one of the cheapest ways to do it. You can still drop your vehicle off and leave it in a secure car park if you fancy a trip elsewhere. 

New Orleans has its very own airport, which has connections to many great cities across the US, such as Atlanta, Orlando, Los Angeles, and New York. Parkway Parking finds the best Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport parking vouchers, to save you money when traveling. As traveling can be expensive, finding a way to cut down on expenses such as this will ensure your trip can last as long as possible. It also offers peace of mind that your vehicle will be kept in a safe and secure place while you go sightseeing. 

Visit The French Quarter

Outdoors Activities in New Orleans in the French Quarter

Explore the French Quarter in New Orleans

Perhaps the most famous place in New Orleans, the French Quarter is home to stunning architecture and incredible jazz bars. This area of New Orleans was first populated by the French, hence the quarter’s name. It was inhabited in the 18th century, with some of the buildings dating back to 1789, such as St. Louis Cathedral. To delve more into the history and culture, visit the Historic New Orleans Collection, which is a museum located within the French Quarter. 

Jackson Square is the closest thing to a town square that New Orleans has and is a populated area full of lively energy, with street performers, brass bands, and fortune-tellers. For all your shopping needs, visit the French Market, which is full of stalls for souvenirs, local cuisines, and cool trinkets to take home. For the best experience of the French Quarter, find a local tour guide. They can give you the best places to visit and the history behind each area. 

Check Out City Park

City Park Bayou Bridge

City Park Bayou Bridge

No matter where you go in New Orleans, there is beauty to behold. City Park is a landscaped space with moss-drenched trees, native birds, and serene walking paths offering one of the best outdoors activities in New Orleans. If you are traveling with kids, you can rent a boat on the lake, visit Storyland, or have a go on the Carousel. The botanical gardens located within the park are also worth a look. There is even an equestrian farm that offers horseback lessons. 

Walk Through The Garden District

The Garden District is like a huge outdoor museum in New Orleans

The Garden District is like a huge outdoor museum in New Orleans

Another beautiful district in New Orleans, the Garden District is home to historic and ornate mansions and some pretty trendy bars and restaurants. Unlike the French Quarter, this part of the city is more known for its relaxed and quiet vibe. This district was designed as a haven for the rich looking to settle in New Orleans, as the French Creoles didn’t want Americans to invade their territory.  

The Garden District is also where the Lafayette Cemetery is based. For anyone who enjoyed The Originals, which was the spin-off to the hit US TV show The Vampire Diaries, this cemetery may look familiar, as many scenes were shot here. To get the best views, hop on one of the green streetcars which will take you around the district. If you are looking for a place to eat, Commander’s Place is by far one of the most popular eateries. 

Take A Voodoo Tour

New Orleans is said to be one of the most haunted cities and is renowned for stories of voodoo, witchcraft, vampires, and ghosts, hence why many TV shows and movies reference the city. The voodoo culture in New Orleans first started as a religious underground practice and was founded in the city by enslaved Africans brought over by rich Americans. 

There is also a small voodoo museum that was first opened back in 1972 and is home to all sorts of talismans, artifacts, and voodoo dolls. If you are really interested in the culture, you can also grab yourself a psychic reading while you’re at it. 

Listen To Fine Music

You cannot go to New Orleans without listening to some of the incredible musicians that reside here. Whether walking down the street or visiting a local bar, you are bound to find some extraordinary music. One of the best places to visit for jazz is Frenchman Street, which is home to bars like The Spotted Cat. 

You can find record shops, book stores, and cafes here too. If you are looking for a party, Bourbon Street is the place to be. Here you can find rock, jazz, and other live music venues, along with great whiskey and even better vibes. If you love carnivals, you should try and visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras, one of the largest outdoor parties in the US. 

Head For The Bayou

The Bayou of New Orleans

The Bayou of New Orleans

The bayou is a swampy section of the river in New Orleans and is a wonderful place to visit to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours. Here, you can spend an entire day outside, taking a kayak tour around the river, exploring the moss-covered trees and catching a glimpse of the alligators. The Bayou was once a place for settlers to call their home, using the natural offerings of nature to create houses from trees. To this day, the Bayou remains an important part of the New Orleans culture. If you prefer, you can also rent out a boat and make the journey yourself.  

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why New Orleans is worth a trip while traveling the US. Whether you want to understand more about the culture of America, visit stunning locations, see amazing architecture, or spend the day outside, New Orleans is the place for you. 

Best backpacking trails in the USA: A definitive guide

There are a ton of things to see among the best backpacking trails in the USA if you want something more than just hiking and camping. Let’s get down to it!

Northern California

Backpacking the Lost Coast Trails in Northern Calfornia

Backpacking the Lost Coast Trails in Northern Calfornia

There are millions of people who flock towards the pretty and breathtaking views of the Golden Coast every year when it gets chilly in other parts of the country. Most of these hotspots are South of the Bay Area.

Once you start heading up North, to the place where the Pacific Coast Highway breaks off from the coastline, you’ll start entering the Lost Coast Trails. This is right along with the state’s King Range National Conservation Area.

It can be considered some of the rockiest beach terrain around this area. This trip will be quite short, but it is quite a challenge for beginner backpackers.

You will need an overnight permit in order to go to this trail from the Bureau of Land Management. This will be available on Recreation.gov.

Las Vegas

Red Rock Canyon, just outside of Las Vegas

Red Rock Canyon, just outside of Las Vegas

Las Vegas is definitely a place that you would not think about when it comes to backpacking. The city is known for its nightlife and amazing casinos.

But did you know how much there is to do out there? If you want to get a bit adventurous, you could get las vegas atv tours and go through the desert on your own.

Apart from this, you can find some of the greatest backpacking trails in the USA near Las Vegas, one of them being the amazing rock formations at Red Rock Canyon.

You could surely drive down this 13-mile stretch but can also choose to soak in the experience fully on foot. You can hop onto the Greenlee trail that is approximately 3 miles long.

It has a ton of open space and is a generally moderate trail. Winter hikes are best here due to the road being open and on top of the Mesa, giving you a lot of sunshine.

They are exactly parallel to the canyons, giving you a breathtaking view while you hike up the trail. You can also look at Gardens of God for the most part of it.

If you love cloud-watching, be sure to take a blanket with you to lie down, and do not forget sunscreen if you do not want to come back burned.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Backpacking in Olympic National Park in Washington

Backpacking in Olympic National Park in Washington

This is positioned beautifully along most of the coastal region of Washington’s Olympic National Park. it is a long 20-mile trail that is perfect for people looking for an adventure.

It is quite ideal for people who have not backpacked before and offers scenic views of the seaside along the entire way. The entire way is mostly flat and is much like a long walk instead of a hike.

You will also find the weather to be quite pleasant most of the time. This actually has one of the lowest elevations as compared to most trails and will help you test your distance-per-day if you are new to this.

You can also camp along the trail on certain pre-established campgrounds that are set up. You do not need a permit to do this.

Central California

Backpacking near Lake Tahoe in Central Calfornia

Backpacking near Lake Tahoe in Central Calfornia

Near the southern end of California’s Lake Tahoe lied the Lake Aloha Trail. It looks like it is custom-built for most entry-level backpackers and will definitely give you a postcard-worthy view all along the way.

This hike will take you alongside a number of alpine lakes. You should be sure to take a slower pace while hitting those inclines so that you do not lose your stamina.

Diving into the clean waters of Lake Tahoe after a sweaty hike would be the perfect way to end this.

This area is home to some of the best backpacking trails in the USA, which is why it might be hard to find campgrounds that are not already taken. You can beat the crowd and plan one during the off-season for reservations.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country. The Mount Sterling Loop trail is situated here and gives you an intermediate-level trip in order to reach the peak of the mountain in the park.

You can start in NC and cross through forests to reach Tennessee on your way. Be sure to follow the Big Creek to the top of Mount Sterling.

You’ll even see a fire tower that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s.

This is the perfect place for getting full views of these mountains. This has an elevation gain of around 8,000+ and there are some sharp turns and climbs in this trail.

Death Valley National Park, California

Climbing above Desolation Canyon in Death Valley

Climbing above Desolation Canyon in Death Valley

The scenery looks like it has seriously just been pulled out of Mars. Hiking around this park is as intense as it is interesting.

The trail will take you through quite a stark terrain and you will definitely need a lot of planning on this trip. It is almost 30 miles long and is quite a challenge.

Remember to keep a lot of water with you since you won’t be finding any over here. You can also pack a water filter.

Backpacking can give you the sense of adventure that you have always been looking for. So choose a destination and start packing as soon as you can!

Moving To The US: What You Need To Know

If you are thinking of moving to the US, then you need to make sure that you are properly prepared. There are many steps that you will need to take to ensure that you are legally covered and to give yourself the best shot at success.

Whether you are arriving for new employment or looking to start your own business, here is what you need to know.

Start Preparing Now

Find out as much as you can before you move. Remember that COVID-19 restrictions may still be slowing administration down and affecting travel. Contact your employer for advice on how you can speed up the process.

Read city guides for the area you are moving to. Prepare for a background check and a criminal record check.

Find your academic certificates, your bank statements, your driver’s license and any marriage or birth certificates.

Get Insurance

Look for a health insurance policy before you move. Provide as much information as you can to avoid losing out on any payments. Remember that healthcare is not paid for by the state in the US as it is in other countries.

Find The Right Visa

Talk to an immigration lawyer about which visa is right for you. Talk to your employer if they are sponsoring your visa. Prepare all your documents and references as early as possible to avoid delays. Ask your immigration lawyer about which visa you need if you are starting a new business.

Consider that you may need to apply for visas for employees for your business. Find out if the requirements have changed in recent years. Look at H2A visa regulations to learn what is needed for an agricultural business looking for seasonal immigrant workers.

Apply for a visa even if you are moving with an American citizen. Remember that your partner will need to apply for a visa if they are moving with you and are not a US citizen.

Know Your Laws

Research the laws and legislation of the state you are moving to. Be aware that some laws are different from state to state. Find out what tax you need to be paying as an immigrant and remember that you may be paying taxes in your home nation too.

Factor in sales tax on any purchases and remember that it changes depending on the state. Learn the US-specific laws including the drinking age and driving restrictions.

Learn about liability in case of an accident at work or on the road. Tip your service industry employees wherever you go (this is not a law, but it is expected).