Joshua Tree National Park in 1 day

So you want to go to Joshua Tree National Park? 

Oh, and you only have one day.  

You came to the right spot. 

In true KW fashion I am also always trying to cram as much adventure into a day as possible.  Welcome to the guide that will get you into and through the park in one day while seeing some of the bigger sites.  In one day you can fit in an auto tour of the park with a short but steady hike, a cactus stroll and a chance to climb around some rocks shaped like skulls.  With a lot of sites right off the main drive and an early start and a plan, you can get a good taste of Joshua Tree in just one day.  

Hike up Ryan Mountain - Joshua Tree National Park

Views from the summit 

What would a KW trip to a National Park be without a hike?  It would be a sad one of course.  Thankfully, we had just enough time to squeeze in one of the park's most popular hikes before the rain came in.  One of the first things I (almost) always do when visiting a new National Park is stop at the Visitor's Center.  I love to look at the exhibits, check out the shop, and best of all, talk to the rangers.  

Cholla Cactus Garden - Joshua Tree National Park

Until this trip, I never thought cactus could be, well, really stinking cute.  This trip to Cholla Cactus Garden proved just that.  If you are traveling to Joshua Tree National Park, this quick little walk to a garden of ridiculously adorable cactus should be on your list.  While not an exciting hike or grand adventure, this was probably one of my favorite stops in Joshua Tree National Park. 

Skull Rock - Joshua Tree National Park, California

One thing I really wanted to do while in LA was, in fact, leave LA and drive nearly three hours to the nearest National Park, Joshua Tree.  As I mentioned in my last post I wanted to see California but I really had zero interest in LA or your typical city/touristy sights (no Hollywood Sign or Beverly Hills for me).  

Any chance I have to visit a National Park I jump on it.  One of the first things I did when I planned my California Trip was to see the closest National Park to LAX and Joshua Tree won the ticket.  Joshua Tree isn't the most glamorous of National Parks but for all the desert lovers out there (yep, that's a thing) it is a fantastic park.  From the famous Dr. Suess like Joshua Trees to spectacular hikes and rock formations, Joshua Tree National Park deserves at least a day in your Southern California Itinerary.  I am working on a "24 hours in Joshua Tree" post but for now, I wanted to post about my favorite stops, sights, and hikes within the park.  

Hiking to Sandstone Peak- Santa Monica, California

If you have been following this blog for a little while, you probably know I am not much of a city person.  The crowds, the traffic, the prices, the garbage, the crime... I could go on and on. You may be thinking "didn't you live in a city Katie,  downtown in fact? " Yes, I lived in a city downtown for two years but Salt Lake City is such an easy city compared to some of our country's big cities like New York and Los Angeles.  With that being said, I still like to visit and can definitely appreciate a city for a day or two.  I love the various food and sheer amount of things to do, aspects you can find in just about any city.  

When I had the chance to visit Los Angeles, I jumped at the opportunity for these reasons.  The first thing a few people said to me was "you don't seem like an LA kind of gal".  Yes, yes they were all right.  I was excited to see the city but let's be honest, within five minutes I was researching the best hikes and outdoor activities in the area.  I was staying in Santa Monica just outside of LA and within minutes, had found some great hikes and activities in the area. 

Grand Cayman - VIDEO

I am so happy to finally... FINALLY have my Grand Cayman video up and running for you all.  First off, I had to go through a lot (I mean a lot) of GoPro footage.  Then there was the whole trimming clips, adding music and the work of phasing between clips. Oh, and let's not forget to mention the three times GoPro studio crashed when I was almost done.  And not just crashed, crashed and deemed my project folders invalid.  It's been a treacherous journey here my friends.  But here it is, and I love it, and it is such a fun way to look back at a fantastic trip with a great group of people.  These videos are by far my favorite souvenir from trips near and far. 

Video 

Link to YouTube

10 Outdoor Articles to Jump Start the Summer Season

It is that time of year.  Sure, a lot of us hike and camp all year round but let's all agree that primo outdoors season in upon us. If you are like me, you are itching to sleep under the stars and may have spent an evening reorganizing all of your camping supplies (guilty).  I figured today's post with links to a bunch of great articles is the best way to get us all prepared for hiking season.  If you are new outdoor lover or a seasoned veteran, these articles cover tips for beginners to long distance hikers.  These are great refreshers to get you ready for everything hiking, backpacking, and camping.