Category Archives: ROAD TRIPS

CALIFORNIA, COVID-19 TRAVEL, DAYTIME ADVENTURES, ROAD TRIPS, SOUTHERN CA

A SNOW DAY ON MOUNT LAGUNA

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Mount Laguna is one of our favorite places to visit for a hiking day trip or camping weekend away. We have spent many weekends enjoying the hiking trails of the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area in beautiful weather. However, after a winter storm rolls through the San Diego area, the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area becomes a hot destination for snow play in the days that follow.

A little over an hour away, San Diego County families flock to the mountains in masses to enjoy the fresh powder. A snow day on Mount Laguna can lead to lifelong memories for your family if carefully planned. Here are some of my tips to ensure a safe and successful day (versus frustration with crowds and parking) while respecting the beauty of the mountains and local community.

In this post, I will cover:

SNOW ON MOUNT LAGUNA – KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

LAGUNA MOUNTAIN LODGE WEBCAM

Obviously driving into the mountains in search of a snowy adventure without checking the weather is not a great plan. Weather conditions can change suddenly, so be aware of what is expected. We always check the weather in advance and I love checking the Laguna Mountain Lodge webcam to see real-time footage of what the snow looks like on the ground. The Mount Laguna weather webcam is available year-round and gives you a heads up on current conditions.

CHECK CURRENT DRIVING CONDITIONS

Knowing current weather and driving conditions is a must. Just a few days before our last visit, CHP completely shut down the Sunrise Highway from Highway 8 due to crowds. The roads can be closed due to snow before plowing as well. I HIGHLY recommend checking this info before heading up the mountain. You can read more about our favorite routes up the mountain here.

CHECK THE LAGUNA MOUNTAIN LODGE FACEBOOK PAGE

The Laguna Mountain Lodge Facebook page is another great resource to check before you head up. During the winter, they usually post each morning with a picture of the view, inches of snow on the ground, the current driving conditions, current trail/recreation area closures, and other important info. The Laguna Mountain Lodge Facebook page also shares current links from the CHP and National Forests.

THE LAGUNA MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE PASS

If you are not familiar with Mount Laguna, check out my post about some of the basics to “Know Before You Go.” The US Forest Service requires an “Adventure Pass” to recreate and park in many of the areas on the mountain. Make sure you are prepared to avoid a ticket. A ticket is one way to bring down a fun day and can easily be avoided by planning. Not all areas require an adventure pass, so you can always check here for updated info on what areas require the pass.

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SNOW ADVENTURE

The beauty of a day trip after a snowstorm is chances are you can enjoy some beautiful blue sky! Temperatures will still be cooler (like 45-50°), so you definitely want to pack in layers. When planning a family day, I always plan on the kids being hungry and getting soaked at some point. I love having lots of snacks and backup layers. I also plan on something warm for them to put on before we drive home. My son loves taking off his shoes and putting on his cozy socks to warm up with on the drive home. You know your family’s needs best, but here are some of the things I recommend you consider!

PACK FOR COMFORT AND SUCCESS

If you have snow gear for your kids, it is great to bring for a snow day on Mount Laguna! If you don’t have snow gear for your kids, do not panic. Please remember, I am talking about a day trip in sunny weather. If you are planning something more, you should definitely organize full-blown snow gear for your kids. Nothing ruins a day faster than being wet and cold, especially for kids. We have cut some corners for our day trips.

This advice is not for the seasoned snow family, more of the “we live in San Diego and want to be comfortable while we play for the day” family! Target & Amazon have great snow gear options you can order online if you are planning ahead. Also, ask your friends! You may be surprised what you can borrow. Local Targets usually have some great options for hats and gloves in-store that you can order for pickup on your way out of town. Sometimes these adventures need to come together quickly.

SNOW GEAR HACKS FOR KIDS

My son does not have snow boots in his size right now, so we have done thick socks with rain boots or he has also used his hiking boots and been more than happy for the day. I always bring a change of socks in case he falls in a puddle or something so the day doesn’t go downhill. Worst case you can also double layer socks with ziplock bags in between. Again, I am talking about throwing things together for one day in sunny weather! We layer him up in long sleeves, sweatshirts, a jacket, and his snow hat that he loves. We do make sure to bring gloves because our son LOVES a good snowball fight and his hands get cold quick.

For the baby, we layer her up the same. She is not playing in the snow yet, so layers are key for her. We were gifted a cozy suit like this one and it was perfect! Paired with a beanie underneath and she was good to go. I have read these baby booties are amazing for bigger snow adventures or hikes with toddlers. I will update once we get to that stage with our girl.

For the adults, just remember layers. My husband tends to be the one targeted with snowballs the most or getting the most involved in sledding runs. Layers are key. However, he did jeans and Nike shoes during our last visit and was fine. We both do gloves though, because… snowball fights. They can be intense with a seven-year-old.

SNOW PLAY GEAR

If you have a snow sled, definitely bring it! If you don’t, the Laguna Mountain Lodge sells snow gear and sleds to fill in what you are missing. Or just get creative with what you have. We looked around our garage the night before we headed out and grabbed two kickboards that worked great! Very silly but did the trick. I am planning to order a disc like these from my childhood for future trips. If you have snowman accessories, throw those in too. Otherwise, the nature surrounding you will provide you with all you need to create a perfect “Frosty!”

FOOD & SNACKS

When heading to Mount Laguna, we always pack a picnic. There are only two restaurants/bars on the mountain- the Blue Jay Lodge and the Pine House Cafe & Tavern. Due to COVID, these have been closed quite a bit. You can read more about the Pine House Cafe & Tavern in my Mount Laguna post. We are excited to try this restaurant during our next visit, but we have been enjoying picnics (or our campsite) on recent visits during COVID times. We feel a lot more comfortable avoiding crowds during COVID, so picnics have been our go-to! Another option is leaving town through Julian and grabbing food there. The Laguna Mountain Lodge Store also sells a variety of snacks and if you need to grab any snacks.

4WD/AWD/CHAINS FOR SNOW ON MOUNT LAGUNA

If you do not have AWD or 4WD on your car, bring your chains if you want get away from the crowds. If you don’t have chains, it does not mean you cannot enjoy the mountain, you just need to be VERY aware of where you are driving and what the weather is planning next. You don’t want to get stuck! We watched a family venture down the road too far in a Prius and get stuck in the snow. That stress will not lead to an exciting day!

WHERE TO SIT/RELAX

As I mentioned above, we love a picnic. In the snow, you are not just going to throw a blanket down so creative thinking is a must. We had a truck during our last visit, so the bed of the truck was an ideal spot. We saw other visitors with lawn chairs and coffee carafes in the snow. You can always pack a waterproof blanket as a resting place. My favorite was a couple relaxing in their hammock between the trees. Definitely packing our camping hammock for our next snow day on Mount Laguna. If you have young kids, it is nice for them to have a space to sit when they need a rest during snow play.

ROAD TRIP EXTRAS

For general tips on road trips with kids, check out my post on our favorite things to pass the time.

On a less exciting note, we always have Dramamine for Kids packed with us on our way to Mount Laguna. Our son tends to get carsick, and Dramamine has been a lifesaver when we take the windy roads through Julian. Before I knew they had a kid version, we used these vomit bags to prevent messes that can put a stop to your day. Not the most exciting thing to pack, but it only takes a time or two when you don’t have a bag to help you remember to always have one in the car.

As always, plan to pack out whatever you take in when enjoying the beauty of the mountains. We keep extra grocery bags in the back (who isn’t overflowing with them since COVID?!) so we always have a trash bag in the car. I saw pictures of the trash left behind after the recent rush to snow play that shocked me. Don’t add to that problem. Respect the land and local community that is sharing it with us. Be prepared to take everything off the mountain that you bring up!

WHERE TO FIND GREAT SNOW PLAY ON MOUNT LAGUNA

No matter what side of the mountain you drive up, you will begin to see the snow and cars start lining the road. The snow on the Anza-Borrego (East) side of the mountain tends to melt quicker. That side also tends to have cliffs with great views for stopping along the route, but not ideal for snow play, especially with kids.

Kwaaymi Point – Great views, but less snow and lots of cliffs

SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY – IN A SAFE/DESIGNATED PARKING AREA!

EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE DOING THIS AND NOT NECESSARILY IN A LEGAL/SAFE WAY

Although we had a great day earlier in 2020 pulling off the side of the road, I do not recommend this during more crowded times. During this visit, snow was scarce and there was no big rush to the mountains for snow play. During peak snow days, cars will be sticking out all over the Sunrise Highway, groups of people can be seen trespassing and sledding through local’s properties while also setting up large groups on sled runs along the highway. This is not ideal and not appreciated by the local community.

If you choose to pull off the side of the Highway, please make sure you are in an area where parking is allowed and you are parked safely, not halfway in the highway. This sounds silly, but when you see how some people are parking you will understand. Please respect the land and do not trespass on private property. In addition, with the surge of COVID numbers during our last visit, massive crowds on a sled run are not where any of us should be.

Remnants of a snowstorm on Mount Laguna

OUR PICK: EXPLORE A SIDE ROAD IN A DESIGNATED RECREATION AREA

BY SHORT HIKE OR DRIVE OFF SUNRISE HIGHWAY

During crowded times, I HIGHLY recommend venturing off the Sunrise Highway to a planned destination in a designated recreation area. The roads are plowed fairly quickly, so depending on the amount of snow and conditions, taking a road a small distance off the main Highway does not always require chains. Another option is to park on the Sunrise Highway and walk further down a road (not through private property) away from the crowds. To give you an idea of the conditions, we visited 5 days after a snowstorm that reported 9″ of snow. On the day we visited, the am report was 3″ of snow. You can see how fluffy so much of the snow still was.

*WOODED HILL NATURE TRAIL*

A GEM DURING ANY SEASON

Our favorite spot for snow play is the Wooded Hill Nature Trail. The road to this trail is located between mile markers 22 and 21.5 and has a sign for the Wooded Hill Group Campground and DOES NOT require an Adventure Pass (check here to confirm before you go). It is about .3 miles down the road to the parking for the trailhead. I love this family-friendly hike throughout seasons, (more info about the hike here) and it did not disappoint in winter. It gave us an incredible snow day. I would love to post a picture of the sign for the road, but unfortunately, the cars on Sunrise Highway were piled up all over and the sign was hidden. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it is the second right after passing the Pine House Tavern coming from Julian.

We were able to park right where we were playing and we practically had the place to ourselves. A few hikers and cars passed by and another family was enjoying the snow at the top of the hill. No crowds, no gross snow from people trampling all over it for the last 5 days. We knew we were visiting a little late after the storm and did not know what to expect with snow quality. Some of the main spots on the highway were well trafficked. Having the car close was key with the baby for nursing and diaper changes. In addition, we could picnic, change clothing and take a rest right in the “play zone.” Baby and I were able to hang on the back of the pickup to watch my son and husband sled. It was a great spot that we are sure to return to.

*BIG LAGUNA TRAIL AT PENNY PINES TRAILHEAD*

Penny Pines Trailhead is one of our favorite places to explore throughout the seasons. At this point, Penny Pines Trailhead DOES NOT require an Adventure Pass (check here to confirm before you go). When parking at the Penny Pines trailhead, you can head west towards the Big Laguna Trail out to the Laguna Meadow. This is a bit of a hike, about a mile, so you will be away from your car. Make sure to pack for your adventure (and have what you need to pack it out!) so you are not running back and forth. However, this meadow is beautiful no matter the season and is a great place to get away from the crowds and enjoy a snow day on Mount Laguna!

Have you enjoyed a day in the snow on Mount Laguna? What are your favorite ways to escape the crowds?

CALIFORNIA, DAYTIME ADVENTURES, ROAD TRIPS, SOUTHERN CA, WEEKEND GETAWAY

WHAT TO DO IN IDYLLWILD, CA – YOUR WEEKEND GUIDE

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Idyllwild is a great spot for a day trip of exploration or a weekend away. We have loved heading up for a day trip from San Diego several times and we have loved staying longer to camp for the weekend. No matter how you choose to adventure in Idyllwild, you will not be disappointed. With live music almost daily, funky art, and unique food, there is always something fun to check out in Idyllwild. There is something so unique about the west side of Mount San Jacinto.

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN IDYLLWILD, CA

WHERE TO HIKE AND EXPLORE IN IDYLLWILD, CALIFORNIA

NATURE CENTER

The Idyllwild Nature Center is a must-do visit for anyone, but especially with kids! The Nature Center not only has hands-on educational exhibits for the kids, but the surrounding trails offer several options for family-friendly hiking. Our favorite, the flat, less than one mile, Nature Trail walks you through the history, flora, and fauna of the region. It makes for a great walk with kids, with lots of nooks to explore. The trail has numbers along the way that corresponds to information on the trail guide you can pick up when you pay your fees. Check out the top of the cedar tree at stop #4 for a raven’s nest! It has been there for multiple years now. We love to park in the first lot off Highway 243 and walk to the museum portion of the Nature Center on this trail.

The Nature Center is located about a mile outside of town and has two small parking lots that we have always been able to park in. They are open Thursday – Sunday 9 am – 4 pm. The Nature Center collects fees that support the programs and facilities. Day use fees are $4/adult, $3/child (12 and under), and $1/leashed dog. These fees cover your parking, allow you to hike the trails, explore the museum, and use the picnic areas and facilities. After you park, you pay your fees in the Nature Center and the volunteer will give you a Nature Trail Guide and trail map and can answer any questions you may have.

NATURE CENTER HIKES

After visiting the museum, make sure to head up the Perimeter trail and take in the beautiful views of the San Jacinto Wilderness. We love picnicking up here or having a kombucha and snack. Our son has so much fun exploring the rocks and checking things out with his binoculars from this spot. If you want a longer hike, keep going on the Perimeter Trail. We haven’t completed the loop, but this post goes into great detail about the route! This is also a starting point for the Deer Springs Trail. Don’t miss the Nature Center when checking Idyllwild out with kids!

HUMBER PARK

Humber Park is in the San Bernardino National Forest and makes for a great stop. It is a beautiful spot to park and explore. There are picnic tables and facilities to enjoy in the area. Most people are using the site as a starting point for two major trailheads – Devil’s Slide and Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail. The Devil’s Slide Trail requires a permit to head into the San Jacinto Wilderness. This area also requires an adventure pass (like Mount Laguna) or National Park Annual Pass to park. My husband is working on completing the Devils’ Slide hike up to the Palm Springs Tramway so I will report back on that soon. The kids and I will be waiting in a pool on the other side of the peak!

IDYLLWILD VILLAGE CENTER

On any given weekend, the center of town is almost always filled with live music. Sadly, Dolly Parton sold her home in Idyllwild a few years ago, but you can only imagine how cool it would be to enjoy live music and see Dolly walk on stage! If nothing is happening in the main square, you can always find music in the variety of restaurants surrounding the center. So many of the restaurants and shops I recommend are in walk distance of the town center.

Art is abundant in Idyllwild so there is no shortage of galleries to explore. You can also check out the “Harmony” wood sculpture carved with a chainsaw by local sculptor David Roy. You may even see David Roy carving different wood animals in front of the sculpture as well. Our son loves watching him work!

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN IDYLLWILD, CALIFORNIA

FERRO

Idyllwild is full of culinary adventures, but Ferro has become our absolute favorite. We are both suckers for amazing Italian and the food is delicious. Ferro has three sections of seating – the front patio (all we have experienced – you can see the vibe in pictures), indoors, and the back patio. The back patio looks super fun with live music and room for kids to roam. Ferro makes DELICIOUS food. It is not to be missed! Reservations are recommended. During COVID lockdowns, we took our meal to go to Humber Park for a delicious picnic. If you are traveling without kids, check out the pizza oven bar outside! Don’t skip Ferro for dinner!

IDYLLWILD ICE CREAM & JERKY

Who doesn’t love ice cream at any moment? But especially after a decent hike? There are two spots in town that we love. Idyllwild Ice Cream & Jerky gives you all of your classic flavors with a short walk to several of our favorite shopping spots. This is a great spot to treat your kids for hiking well!

CANDY CUPBOARD

Closer to the campground, the Candy Cupboard is another one of our son’s favorites. The store is filled with candy which is exciting enough for kids, but their specialty is an old-fashioned chocolate-dipped ice cream bar. The bar is rolled in the topping of your choice. This is a hit with the whole family, and as you can see, our son prefers sprinkles!

IDYLLWILD BREW PUB

The Idyllwild Brew Pub is the hot new spot for families in town! Owned by the same people as Ferro, they are bringing A-game food to the pub scene. They have a great beer selection (over 20 draft beers) and space for kids to play. They know what they are doing! The Brew Pub opens at 11 for lunch & dinner.

CAFE AROMA

This restaurant is a go-to! On day trips, we love it for lunch or early dinner. The building is filled with art and doubles as an art gallery. You can almost always find live music here (on hold due to COVID). We had incredible sandwiches and my chicken sandwich came with a raspberry vinaigrette that was delicious. Cafe Aroma serves breakfast, lunch & dinner. Although we have only had lunch outside, the main dining room looks cozy and cute for a snowy day. I also love the “Idyll-Beast Yeti Crossing” sign as Idyllwild is known for its rumored Yeti sightings.

LA CASITA

La Casita has great Mexican food. You can sit outside on a beautiful deck surrounded by pines in summer or opt for inside the dining room in winter! The menu has all of your favorites and we loved our burritos (they were super big)! La Casita has margaritas and Micheladas to quench your mid-day thirst as well. We did not have to wait too long for our lunch table. They open at 11 for lunch and dinner.

GASTROGNOME

This is a great date night restaurant as it is a classic steakhouse. The restaurant opened in 1973 and continues to expand on the relationship between food and art. Although we have only visited Idyllwild in summer, I can only imagine this place would be ideal in the snow! The fireplace and dim lighting would make for an exceptional meal. Gastrognome opens at 11 for brunch & dinner.

IDYOLOGY – REOPENED WITH A NEW MENU & MANAGEMENT

This was a rad little spot to grab a drink and listen to live music along the creek. You could take your beverage down to explore with several little seating areas scattered along the creek. The freedom to explore making it great for kids. The restaurant was closed during our last visit to Idyllwild but has apparently reopened with a new menu and management. I will update this post once we visit again!

EL BUEN CACAO

We have enjoyed this chocolate shop since they were in a tiny place right in town. Now they have a larger space for making their amazing chocolates. The chocolates are made with cacao and have nothing added to them. They are divine. Stop in for a treat and coffee and you will not be disappointed.

WHERE TO SHOP IN IDYLLWILD, CALIFORNIA

IDYLLWILD GARDENS

I absolutely love coming to Idyllwild Gardens during our visits. They carry so many beautiful indoor and outdoor plants. A small Idyllwild succulent is the ultimate souvenir to me when we visit. Even better, I love seeing the new parts of this nursery, as it has only expanded over the years. Every time we visit, there is a new nook to explore. They are doing a beautiful job! I also love scoring a few plants to use as campsite decor before making their home in our yard!

MOUNTAIN MANIACS ARCADE

What child is not pumped to go from hiking to an arcade? Our son was so excited to stumble upon this arcade during our camping trip. A classic arcade that excites your kids – and lets parents nostalgia indulge?!? This is a great place to stop after a hike and when cruising through town.

EARTH N FIRE

This is a cute “paint your own pottery” store right in the town center. Due to COVID, they now have take-home kits available. Being in a mountain town that thrives in art and music, this makes a fun stop for kids if you are visiting for the weekend. In addition to the experience, you have a fun souvenir to take home with your kids!

CAMPING IN IDYLLWILD, CALIFORNIA

SAN JACINTO STATE PARK – IDYLLWILD CAMPGROUND

This campground is great if you want to be close to town. Although you are within walking distance of the town center, you still feel like you are escaping the busyness of the town underneath the pines. We had an incredible weekend here. There are 31 sites for tents and RV’s. Sites are spread out and have close water and facilities. Our son participated in the Junior Ranger program here and had a great time. This is a great pick for camping in Idyllwild. Sites are $25/night and limited to 8 people max at any time. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance on ReserveCalifornia.com.

IDYLLWILD REGIONAL PARK

Just a little outside of town, Idyllwild Regional Park is another great place for camping. Although we have not camped here, we paid the day-use fees to explore with our son. He was anxious to ride his bike and the trails through the meadow and campground delivered! We used our time exploring to plan a future camping trip that I will update here once we do!

The park is run by Riverside County, the same as the Nature Center. Day use fees are $6/adult, $3/child (12 and under), and $2/leashed dog. Camping sites are $30/night for six people. Reservations can be made online through the Riverside County website. During our walk, we thought that sites 20 & 21 were especially desirable. Many of the sites are very close together and only one car will fit in the parking for the site (additional cars can park in the day-use lot).

FAVORITE STOPS IN & OUT OF TOWN

Temecula Berry Company

Fork & Plow Lavender Farm

Lake Fulmor

NEXT TIME…

Have you been to Idyllwild? Share your thoughts with me! I love trying new spots!

CALIFORNIA, COVID-19 TRAVEL, DAYTIME ADVENTURES, HIKING, ROAD TRIPS, SOUTHERN CA, WEEKEND GETAWAY

A WEEKEND IN MOUNT LAGUNA

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Mount Laguna is one of my favorite places to get away to when I am craving nature. The trails are beautiful and the views are stunning. On clear days you can see out over Anza-Borrego Desert and over the Salton Sea. During fall the trees are gorgeous and in spring the wildflowers sprinkle the trails with colors and joy. We have experienced days when you can’t see 10 feet in front of you and the wind is whipping everything around you. We have also played in the snow on the side of the road. A weekend in Mount Laguna will not disappoint, no matter the season.

JUMP TO…

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
GARNET PEAK via PENNY PINES
PINE HOUSE CAFE RESTAURANT & TAVERN
BURNT RANCHERIA CAMPGROUND
DESERT VIEW TRAIL
WOODED HILL NATURE TRAIL
SUNSET TRAIL
A FEW QUICK STOPS
SNOW PLAY

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

ADVENTURE PASS

The Mount Laguna Recreation Area is part of the Cleveland National Forest, which requires an “Adventure Pass” for parking on the mountain in certain areas. Due to COVID, many of the areas stopped requiring Adventure Passes, so I recommend checking here for the latest info on what trailheads are requiring the pass. You can purchase your $5 daily pass online here or opt for the $30 annual pass. To purchase the annual pass, you have several options. In advance, order online here, visit a vendor (Big 5 in Carlsbad or REI in Encinitas sells them) or day-of stop in at the Visitor’s Information Center when entering the recreation area. If you have an “America the Beautiful” national park pass, that will cover your fee here too! Just hang it on your mirror when parking.

LAGUNA MOUNTAIN VISITOR’S CENTER

The Visitor’s Information Center is next door to the Laguna Mountain Lodge Store. This is a great place to quickly stop in for information. There are public restrooms in the parking lot as well. Due to COVID, the Visitor’s Center has been closed, but when open, they are a great resource for maps and other brochures. This is also where you can pick up the Wooded Hill Nature Trail Guide I mention below. The Visitor’s Center is located right off the Sunrise Highway at Los Huecos Road, between mile marker 23.5 and 23.

JUNIOR FOREST RANGER

If you follow the National Park areas of my blog, you know my love for Junior Ranger programs. Although they are not passed out on the mountain, there is still a National Forest Junior Ranger program your child can participate in! You can email to order your booklet ahead (smokeybear@fs.fed. us) to receive one in the mail or download the booklet here to print at home. The booklet is a great additional item to pack for a weekend in Mount Laguna because it keeps your child engaged with all that he/she is seeing out on the trails. I love using them as entertainment at restaurants too! Once your child completes the activities, you can mail in the card for a pin and card.

WEATHER

As with any adventure, check into the weather before heading up the mountain. Mount Laguna can see hot temperatures during summer days, but they drop quickly as the sun goes down. In addition, wind can be a major factor! When we are planning a big hike or camping weekend, I always check the wind to make sure it will be enjoyable. During winter, Mount Laguna will see snow and the Sunrise Highway will sometimes require chains or be closed. So please check weather and current driving conditions before you go!

DRIVING TO MOUNT LAGUNA

The main road through the mountain is the Sunrise National Scenic Byway. No matter the direction you come in, I love the way the road changes as you climb up the Sunrise Highway. The 24-mile scenic byway winds up and down the mountain through pines and mountain meadows with views of the Anza-Borrego Desert below. We usually try to come in one way and out the other to make a big loop.

From North County San Diego, there are two main ways to head into Mount Laguna. You can use the 8 freeway past Alpine to head up the mountain, or you can take the windier, slower way through Highway 78 & 79 past Julian. The direction we go really depends on our plans for hiking and dining. This map gives you an overview of the places I mention in this post so you can plan your route. I usually consider the following factors when picking our route.

Starting on the 8 freeway towards Alpine is faster and more direct. Our son gets carsick so this is an easier way up for him. He does better with the windier roads near Julian on the way out of town. Also, the cell service works better for the initial chunk of the drive if your child is using any device that needs consistent service to function. On colder days, I love a hot coffee in the car while we charge the freeway route to get up. After our time in Mount Laguna, I love stopping in Julian to enjoy one of our favorite places for a snack or beverage before heading home.

Driving up the Sunrise Highway from the 8 near Alpine

The alternative route is to go through Julian first. I love this if you are visiting during summer and have more daylight hours. It allows you to stay on the mountain until sunset later in the evening. Many of our favorite stops in Julian tend to start shutting down around 5pm, so it allows us to stop at the pumpkin patch before heading up the mountain with plenty of daylight for hiking left. The freeway route home is faster when you are exhausted and just want to be home. Leaving through Alpine gives you a straighter route in the dark too, versus the windy mountains roads of Highway 78 out of Julian.

Driving up the Sunrise Highway towards Mt. Laguna from Julian

GARNET PEAK via PENNY PINES

I am jumping right into my favorite hike on the mountain. Garnet Peak is absolutely stunning and will take your breath away. On a clear day, the panoramic views seem to go on forever. When you make it to the top, it is almost emotional staring out at the beauty of the Cleveland National Forest around you and the Anza-Borrego Desert below you. There is an old coffee can with a notepad where people sign a note saying they have made it to the top. You can see messages from people who just overcome trials like beating cancer, hiking to heal from grief associated with extreme loss or are celebrating with family. As you sit at the top, you can’t help but think of all the emotions that have been processed on this peak. It really is a beautiful place.

There are two ways out to the Garnet Peak Trail. You can park on Sunrise Highway and head straight up the peak (about 2.2 miles), but we prefer to park at the Penny Pines Trailhead (27.8-mile marker) and take the longer 4-mile route. This trailhead is closest to the Julian side of the mountain, so it is a great first stop if heading up from Julian (or last stop if you come in from Alpine). There will be cars parked along the road at Penny Pines. This section of trail takes you east for a bit and then north on the famous PCT before hitting the Garnet Peak Trail. The views this way are stunning and Penny Pines is a great area to explore and enjoy even if you don’t want to take the longer hike to Garnet Peak.

Penny Pines Trail on Mount Laguna

PENNY PINES TRAILHEAD

We have stopped here several times without heading all the way up to Garnet Peak. This portion of the trail is less than a mile and gives you a taste of the views you will see once you reach the peak. We have been here on beautiful clear days like you can see above, and also on windy and foggy days where you cannot see anything! Mt. Laguna in the fog is fun to see for different reasons, but clearly, the views will not be as exciting!

We knew this day would be foggy, but we decided to adventure out anyway, The fog gave us a new view of a trail we love. However, we ended up turning back from Garnet Peak early because the wind was so strong it felt like our son could blow off the trail! The fog did begin to burn off as we returned to the trailhead. Make sure to keep wind and weather in mind when planning your Mount Laguna adventure.

During spring, the trail is filled with beautiful wildflowers. In fall, you can see the changing colors of the forest surrounding you. Our son does great on this trail. Whether only heading out for the first mile, or taking the full 4-mile out-and-back trail to the peak, he loves this trail. In the beginning, some of the brush is overgrown and you may feel like you are squeezing yourself through, but stay on the trail. It will soon open up to expanse views of the Anza-Borrego Desert.

GARNET PEAK TRAIL

The full 4-miles to Garnet Peak will give you an elevation gain of about 700 feet. We always pack a small picnic to enjoy along longer hikes, and there are several areas along this trail to sit on the rocks to enjoy a snack. Once you see the “Garnet Peak Trail” sign, you have merged onto the Garnet Peak Trail and the climb begins.

If hiking with kids, it is a good idea to make sure they have proper shoes for this hike. The last portion towards the peak does get very steep and rocky. When our son was younger, we did put him in the carrier for this final portion of the trail. At the top, there are many areas to sit and enjoy the view. When our son was younger, we kept him close! On a clear day, you can see the windmills out towards Palm Springs! Definitely pack some binoculars for the views on top!

PINE HOUSE CAFE & TAVERN

This restaurant recently changed ownership, and I have not been since the change due to all of the COVID madness. However, the location is great and the mountain vibe is the same. This log cabin style restaurant has been around since 1942 and has been feeding PCT hikers for many years. The cafe is right next to Burnt Rancheria on Sunrise Highway, across from the Laguna Mountain General Store. The cafe is open Thursday – Sunday and has breakfast, lunch, dinner & take-out picnic options available. Our son loved the mac and cheese and we love a cold beer on the patio after a long hike! The menus below are current in October 2020. You can check out the current hours and menu offerings on their website. I can’t want to check this place out next time we are on the mountain!

BURNT RANCHERIA CAMPGROUND

We love this campground! It is beautiful and the camp hosts are so helpful. The campground is open from April – October. Pets are allowed on a 6ft max leash at all times. The campground is made of several loops, and sites in the Pinyon, Lilac and Yucca Loop can be reserved in advance on recreation.gov. The rest of the 108 sites become first-come, first-serve. This map can give you an idea of where the sites are in relation to facilities. All sites have a table and fire ring. The camp hosts sell firewood for $6/bundle. You can call the campground with any questions at 619/473-0120 or follow the campground facebook page for updated information.

Our son loved this campground. I had been checking cancellations and scored a one-night opening during COVID when the campground had been full every day. We were thrilled, but then the 60mph winds had us hesitant. After our windy Garnet Peak hike, we came to the campground to picnic on our site and decide what to do next. During our picnic, we looked over at our fire ring and saw this snake cruising through our site! It may be hard to see in the picture, but we quickly realized all of the snake warning signs are up for a reason!

We were in site 45, which was right next to the bathrooms. All of the sites are spread out, which was especially enjoyable during COVID. The campground borders the PCT and The Desert View Trail left right by our site which made for an easy late afternoon hike. Walking through the campground later in the evening showed us the beauty of the sun setting in the Mahogany, Redberry & Cherry loop. During non-COVID summers, you an easily walk up to the Sunrise Highway to grab dinner or a beer at the Pinehouse Cafe before setting up for smores at night.

DESERT VIEW TRAIL & PICNIC AREA

The Desert View Trail gives you panoramic views of the Anza-Borrego Desert 6,000 feet below. The trail leaves right from the Burnt Rancheria campground next to site 44. It is pretty amazing to be looking down at the desert and surrounded by pines. The one-mile loop heads up to the Desert View Picnic Area which has several picnic tables and nooks to take a break and enjoy the scenery. The PCT runs along here too, so you may share the trail with PCT hikers for a bit.

We were visiting in June, and the wildflowers along the hike were my favorite. I just love the bright colors sprinkling the landscape along a hike. We headed back to our campsite through the campground (vs the trial back to site 44) and enjoyed the views of the sun setting on the different loops in Burnt Rancheria.

If you are not camping in Burnt Rancheria, the Desert View Picnic Area has parking and you can loop staring there and back up. The views are fabulous and you can see the Salton Sea on clear days. It was an easy trail for our son too!

WOODED HILL NATURE TRAIL

This trail is an easy 1.6-mile loop that is great for families! The trail is a figure-8 shape, with a smaller .5 mile loop option. It is also a self-guided nature trail, with exhibit numbers painted on rocks to teach you about local plant life. You can pick up the trail guide at the Visitor Center. Due to COVID, we were unable to get the pamphlet, but we still loved the hike. To find the trailhead, follow the small road (between mile markers 22 and 21.5) towards the Wooded Hill Campground. After about .3 miles, you will see cars parked along the left side of the road at the trailhead.

At the trailhead, there are two trails. We headed up the left side to start and we were happy with that decision in the end. Not only do the numbers on the pamphlet begin on the left, but we found the direct climb up the hill better on the left than the switchbacks on the right side. We started to head into the forest through the dry grass. Before long, we were surrounded by beautiful autumn colors between a forest of pine and oak trees.

After about 1/4 mile and a bit of a climb uphill (the hike has an elevation gain of 234 feet), we reached the middle of the two loops. We turned left, heading up for the longer 1.6-mile loop. Our son loved all of the boulders along the trail and the pinecones all over the ground. The clouds above us were moving, which gave us great views as we climbed the trail. From spots on the trail, we were able to see the Anza-Borrego Desert, the old US Air Force station, and the Laguna Mountain Observatory.

The top had great views and lots of boulders for our son to explore. We were wishing we had a picnic packed to enjoy once we were up there. It took us about 40 minutes to get to the top – we had a lot of stops for rock climbing and even a mid-trail diaper change!

We had a snack and kombucha, enjoyed the views and started our way down on the other side of the loop! This way down had many switchbacks that made the downhill steady. It was beautiful weaving through the forest. It took us less than 30 minutes to make it back down to our car. Although this trail is not stroller-friendly, it was a great hike for families with kids of all ages! I loved the fall colors during our October visit, and I can only imagine how beautiful the wildflowers must be in Spring!

This area is also our favorite to explore for snow play. You can read more about snow play on Mount Laguna here.

SUNSET TRAIL to WATER OF THE WOODS

This is a great hike to do with kids. To access these trails, you park at the Sunset Trailhead (mile marker 19.1). There will be a lot of cars parked on the highway here as this is a popular area for hiking and mountain biking. The 8-mile Sunset Trail to Laguna Meadows Loop leaves from here as well. The Big Laguna Trail is a popular mountain biking trail that splits off of the Sunset Trail after a few minutes. To make sure you are on the Sunset Trail, stay left, heading West. The Big Laguna Trail will have bikers and bike tracks in the dirt and head to the North, on the right.

Our son loved this trail because he could walk around and explore different areas of the mountain. The trail starts by heading into a pine forest, and eventually comes out into the large Laguna Meadow. The Water of the Woods is a large pond in the middle of the giant mountain meadow. We took time to snack here, and instead of heading back on the Sunset Trail for a 3-mile loop, we hooked onto the Big Laguna Trail (the biking one) and looped back along the meadow. This meadow is home to many cows and you will pass through cattle guards on the trail. Our son loved the different scenery on this easy hike with very little elevation gain. We first hiked this trail in fall and the colors did not disappoint. I have read that the wildflowers are stunning in spring too!

A FEW QUICK STOPS WORTH NOTING

Mount Laguna is filled with scenic points all along the Sunrise Highway. We love pulling off to take in the views for a moment. During COVID closures, these scenic points gave us picnic areas to enjoy in a socially distant way. I highly recommend taking your time heading through to pull off and take in the view! Kids can have a moment to snack and use their favorite binoculars while parents can enjoy a kombucha (or your beverage of choice) and, of course, a snack too.

KWAAYMII POINT

Kwaaymi Point is on the left side of the Sunrise Highway when coming up from Julian (mile marker 30.3). The point is right at the border between the Anza-Borrego Desert and Cleveland National Forest. A short road, Kwaaymi Point, takes you out to the overlook. At 6,000 feet elevation, this point is popular with hang gliders. The area has also become a memorial to hang gliders that have lost their lives and unfortunately, many spots have been tagged with memorials as well.

There is a short 1/2 mile hike that takes you on a portion of the PCT. The views here are beautiful, but there are no guard rails and the drops are steep along the trail. Those with little kids may want to enjoy the overlook and not explore the trail. A portion of the hike is on the old Sunrise Highway from the 1920’s. Our son enjoyed rock climbing (away from the cliff) and we enjoyed the views and a short picnic. This is also a great spot for stargazing!

DESERT VIEW OVERLOOK

Coming from Julian, shortly after mile marker 24, just before the Desert View Picnic Area, turn left up Monument Peak Road towards the old Mt. Laguna USAF station. The road dead-ends at the gate, but has fantastic views at the top. This is another great spot to stargaze, or even get up early from Burnt Rancheria Campground and watch the sunrise. Coffee or wine in hand, pop up a chair and enjoy the views.

OUR FAVORITE TURNOUT

We have another favorite stop on the left side of the mountain heading towards the Sunset Trail from the summit. It is the middle of three turnouts and is just past mile marker 20. I love this spot as we picnicked here several times during COVID and if offers fresh mountain air and views.

LAGUNA MOUNTAIN LODGE STORE

The Laguna Mountain Lodge Store was built in 1930 and has all you may need for a weekend in Mount Laguna. They carry groceries, beverages and camping gear. The store also carries ice, firewood and charcoal. They carry a variety of local souvenirs and even have snow gear. Campers can grab a fresh coffee in the am and they even have a gift shop for visitors. They have you covered for last minutes necessities during a week in Mount Laguna.

SNOW PLAY

Mount Laguna is known for its beautiful winter snowfall. An adventure up the mountain for family-friendly snow play makes for a great day! Check out my post on snow play in Mount Laguna for all my tips and info. Sometimes chains are required on the Sunrise Highway and in extreme weather, the Sunrise Highway will be closed. Mount Laguna is beautiful during every season which makes it a fun place to explore with family all year.

NEXT TIME LIST

Have you been to Mount Laguna? What would you add to complete a weekend in Mount Laguna?

CALIFORNIA, DAYTIME ADVENTURES, HIKING, ROAD TRIPS, SOUTHERN CA, WEEKEND GETAWAY

WHAT TO DO IN JULIAN, CALIFORNIA

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There is so much to do with a day in Julian, California. Less than 90 minutes from San Diego, Julian is a great day trip for the whole family. I love the different offerings throughout the seasons. Julian is an old mining town that is now known for its incredibly busy apple picking season. Although we always head to Julian for fall adventures like apple picking and the pumpkin patch, I also love visiting during the other seasons. Spring offers beautiful daffodils and wildflowers, summer offers fresh berry picking and winter will bring you snow play! We have had so many adventures in Julian over the years, so instead of a one-day itinerary, this post is broken into some of our favorite things to do when we head up!

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN JULIAN, CALIFORNIA

THINGS TO DO IN JULIAN, CALIFORNIA

JULIAN FARM & ORCHARD

4381 State Highway 78

This is one of our favorite things to do in Julian throughout the seasons. The farm is owned by the sweetest family and offers a variety of seasonal activities. During summer, you can pick fresh strawberries and blueberries on the farm. During the fall, the farm is our go-to pumpkin patch. You can pick pumpkins from the displays or head into the patch to pick your own. They offer hayrides, cider pressing, barnyard animal visits, and ax throwing.

The farm always has a variety of barnyard animals for kids to enjoy as well. This summer, they had three new baby goats that our son LOVED and was able to pet. The farm is a fun place to wander and the tire swing on the tree next to the pumpkin patch is a do-not-miss for kids. When heading to Julian, check out their website for the latest info on what the farm is offering during your visit. We love to stop by the farm closer to closing to avoid mid-day peak crowds. Don’t miss the farm when spending a day in Julian, California.

JULIAN MINING COMPANY

4444 State Highway 78

On the other side of Highway 78 is Julian Mining Company, owned by the same family that owns Julian Farm & Orchard. The mining company is another great stop for families. Kids will have a blast as they “mine” for gold and/or gems by the creek where the real gold was first discovered in Julian. The panning is set up in troughs under a beautiful walnut tree. The grounds have lots of funky areas to explore as well. The Julian Mining Company is open year-round. Check their website for updated hours, but they usually close by 5 pm.

VOLCAN VALLEY APPLE FARM

1284 Julian Orchards Drive

This apple farm has been a family tradition for all of our son’s life. It is our favorite place to go apple picking in Julian each fall. It has changed ownership over the years but only gotten busier. We plan on a weekend visit to Julian somewhere around Labor Day, but I recommend following them on Facebook to get the most updated info on the season. This year (2020) the season was picked over and closed after three weekends! Bags were $15 and include admission for 1. Additional admissions are $5, with children under 5 free. They grow a variety of apples and depending on when you go, certain varieties may be unavailable if they are not ready yet. The apple farm is located just outside downtown Julian and we usually head there first thing on our day trips. Apple season tends to coincide with hot weather in Julian, so come prepared with water, sunblock, and hats! You can find our favorites here!

I always recommend packing a picnic before heading up to Julian, enjoying the apple picking, and then heading next door to Menghini Winery for your lunch with some local wine by the apple orchard. There is a winery across from the orchard that has changed over several times, It is always packed because it is right by the apples, however, head down the road to avoid the lines and enjoy the views at Menghini.

BEST FOOD & DRINK IN JULIAN

HEROES RESTAURANT

218 Main Street

Heroes Restaurant is a delicious stop for lunch. Although open until 4 or 5, Heroes is a VERY popular spot that tends to close a bit earlier in the afternoon due to crowds. Put your name on the list and enjoy downtown Julian until they text you. The restaurant is focused on honoring the men and women that serve our country – military and first responders. They offer a 10% discount to military patrons. The dining room is filled with military and first responder memorabilia, patches, and flags.

If you are looking for a delicious burger or beer in Julian, Heroes is your spot. You cannot go wrong with anything on their menu, but my personal favorite is the Jammin Burger. The apple-cranberry-almond coleslaw is delicious too. Our son loves ordering the burgers too, but unfortunately, they do not have a kids burger on the kid’s menu, so expect the full price ($14) burger on your check. The restaurant is pet and motorcycle friendly which makes the patio very popular on crowded weekends. Don’t miss your chance to watch the action on Main Street from their patio seating.

MENGHINI WINERY

1150 Julian Orchards Drive

This is one of the first places we ever discovered in Julian and we have been coming back since. The boutique winery is just down past Volcan Valley Apple Farm on Julian Orchards Drive. They have a large property of grass, beautiful trees, picnic tables, and apple trees. They encourage you to picnic and their location is perfect for it! You can taste, buy a glass or bottle to share. If you are not picnicking and want to be close for tastings, you can enjoy a glass on the back patio among lush greenery and enjoy the views of the orchard. This is a great spot for lunch after apple picking before heading into town! Hours are 11-4 or 5 pm depending on the day. You can check their website for current hours.

WYNOLA PIZZA & BISTRO

4444 State Highway 78

This is our favorite place to grab a casual lunch or dinner with family. Wynola Pizza & Bistro has a great patio, live music, and craft beer selection. Our favorite is the “Joe’s Godfather” pizza for sure. I also love the “Pizza Crust Salad.” Everything is delicious and their location is ideal, just off Highway 79, right next door to Julian Farm & Orchard. If you are anxious to beat sunset down the windy mountain roads, it is a great place to stop in and grab pizza to-go after a day in Julian, California. It is also perfect for grab-n-go when camping nearby!

JULIAN PIE COMPANY

21976 State Highway 79 or 2225 Main Street

Julian is known for their apple pie and the line outside of Julian Pie Company in downtown Julian never ceases to amaze me. My advice is to skip the Julian Pie Company in downtown Julian and opt for the bigger, less crowded Julian Pie Company in Santa Isabel. We always enjoy the classic apple pie with vanilla ice cream, but Julian Pie has other unique combinations too. You can top your slice of pie with whipped cream, caramel, or even a slice of sharp cheddar cheese! The apple cider donuts (and donut holes) are delicious, too! A slice of pie on the way out of town is a great end to a day in Julian, California.

JEREMY’S ON THE HILL

4354 State HIghway 78

We absolutely love this restaurant. If you are looking for a nicer meal, Jeremy’s is your spot. This is farm-to-table local cuisine that will not disappoint. We have had a variety of meals here – full course dinner and late afternoon appetizers. With the Julian Farm & Orchard across the street closing at 5 pm, Jeremy’s is a great spot for an early dinner on the patio with your family! Whatever season it is during your visit, Jeremy’s is sure to compliment your day in town! Jeremy’s is delicious, fresh, seasonal and dinner here is an amazing way to end a day in Julian!

BLUE DOOR WINERY

2608 B Street

Blue Door Winery is located in the center of downtown Julian. The tasting room is located in the town’s old livery stables. The winemakers are the nicest people too and the wine is great. Their signature sangria is fantastic on a hot, Julian summer day. You can grab a growler of the Sangria to go as well. I definitely recommend stopping in for a beverage during a visit to Julian! They have an urban winery on Morena Blvd. in San Diego so if you want to become wine club members you can taste and pick up at either location!

NICKEL BEER COMPANY

1485 Hollow Glen Road

This brewery is right outside of town and a fun place to stop in for a refreshing beer. They have over 16 beers on tap and have different food truck options. We especially love swinging by after a big hike. We once had an incredible sunrise hike in Anza-Borrego and stopped in for a beer on our way into Julian. More on that in a future post. They have a large, pet-friendly outdoor seating area. During the spring, you can enjoy the daffodils popping up all around the hills surrounding the brewery. If you enjoy beer, definitely stop in for a pint or two during your next day in Julian!

CALICO CIDERY

4200 State Highway 78

This is a great new spot in town! The ranch has been around for years, growing apples and pears and making cider for family and friends. The ranch has been selling fruit and recently opened for retail cider sales last year. The location is beautiful which makes it is a must-stop for us! There is a large seating area in the shade along Highway 79 in front of the cider, but the gem is the orchard behind. Tables are scattered throughout the orchard under the tree. Pick up a tasting flight of the four ciders on tap and enjoy the scenery. Calico Cidery is open on weekends and is a great place to meet up with friends and escape the crowds in downtown Julian.

JULIAN HARD CIDER

4470 Highway 78

Julian Hard Cider has been around for years and is always a fun place to pop in and taste. They have super friendly staff members and I love all of the recommendations that come with the ciders. The “Apple Pie” cider is a delicious treat to break out during dessert at your Thanksgiving celebration. The “Black and Blue” is a great tasting cider alone, and is also fabulous boiled down into a reduction over brussel sprouts. The tasting room for Julian Hard Cider is located in the Julian Station shopping area and is a great place to check out on your way in or out of town.

WHERE TO SHOP IN JULIAN

JULIAN STATION

4470 Highway 78

Julian Station is a great place to stop on your way in or out of town. The property is actually an old apple packing facility and cider house turned into a marketplace of unique vendors, boutiques, food, and drinks. I always have fun cruising through, checking out the different shops, and tasting at Julian Hard Cider. Your kids will love the coin-operated rides like the ones outside of grocery stores from when we were kids. They even have a small fenced-in toy area for the kids too! Julian Station is a great little stop to check out with a day in Julian!

ECCENTRIC APE

2000 Main Street

This store is located in downtown Julian between B & C Street. This was such a unique shop to stumble upon. They have a great tapestry selection. We use ours for a picnic/beach/park blanket and camping tablecloth but you can also hang them as art or use them as a comforter cover. I am always getting compliments on the one we purchased. The store also has a variety of incense and related supplies. Definitely, a place to check out with a day in Julian if you are into this vibe!

THE CANDY MINE

2134 Main Street

Our son loves this place. It is his favorite stop. When you first walk in, you will be in the small Miner’s Diner restaurant. However, in the back, follow the sign to the Candy Mine. Head down the stairs and you will be surrounded by buckets of candy. They carry all of the old-time candies and favorites. There is definitely something for everyone. It is a hit with my son. He brings it up every time we go to Julian. I love that he will always remember heading down the dark stairs complete with mining sound effects. It is a quick stop, but a fun one with kids! It is also on the main stretch where chances are you have parked and are cruising around if you are spending a day in Julian.

CROW & LILAC

2608 B Street

My friend and I stumbled upon this store while enjoying Sangria from Blue Door Winery next door. The store smells amazing and is full of natural body & home products. I have several linen sprays from the essential oil line that are incredible. I also have the “after sun spray” that is so rejuvenating on your skin after a shower post-beach day. Crow and Lilac is a great place to check out while you enjoy your Sangria.

JULIANTLA CHOCOLATE BOUTIQUE

2608 B Street

Next door to Crow and Lilac, this boutique has some delicious candies and chocolate treats for the entire family. In addition to chocolates and candies, they carry pastries, cakes, and apple pies. Everything is made locally and they have a large vegan selection. Juliantla Chocolate Boutique is another great place to check out while having your Sangria from Blue Door!

HIKING & CAMPING IN JULIAN

SANTA ISABEL COUNTY PRESERVE

You pass the Santa Isabel County Preserve coming into town from San Diego. The Santa Isabel West trails are an easy place to take kids out hiking, however, it can be very hot. There is a lot to explore and we enjoyed heading out among the rolling hills and oak trees. The entire loop can be up to 8 miles, or you can head out and back a few miles as we did with our son. There are many cows on the trail and very little shade. If you want an easy hike with minimal elevation, this is a great place to explore! Make sure to watch out for rattlesnakes, especially with little kids! I recommend this hike on a cooler day.

WILLIAM HEISE COUNTY PARK SELF-GUIDED NATURE TRAIL

William Heise County Park is a great place to hike and camp in Julian. The park is filled with hiking trails that can make a day out of adventuring. We had an enjoyable, .5mile hike along the self-guided nature trail loop. The loop left from the campground, not too far from our site (site 72). My son brought his scooter because we started by cruising through the campground and ended up on the hike. The hike is not scooter/stroller friendly, but it was easy enough to carry his scooter on the .5 mile loop. The hike takes you out into the county park, with information about the vegetation as you go. It is a great way to get out into nature in Julian. The county park does charge $3 for parking.

CAMPING AT WILLIAM HEISE COUNTY PARK

Camping at William Heise County Park is a great way to turn your daycation visiting Julian, Ca into a weekend getaway! The park has tent and RV hookup sites, as well as cabins and group-camping options. The cabins are insulated and include lighting, wood-framed beds (no linens), a table, and chairs. Use this link to view the park brochure and campground map. In addition to the 11-miles in hiking trails, there is a playground and ranger activities on the weekends. We had a wonderful time camping at William Heise during apple season.

STOPS WE LOVE JUST OUTSIDE OF TOWN

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Have you been to Julian? What would you add to my list?

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CALIFORNIA, COVID-19 TRAVEL, DAYTIME ADVENTURES, NATIONAL PARKS, ROAD TRIPS, TRAVEL TIPS, WEEKEND GETAWAY

TOP TEN – ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS FOR KIDS

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Between family vacations and family an eight-hour drive away, we have covered a lot of miles on the road with our son over the years. Whether we are visiting family, traveling for the holidays, or taking our own adventure, we have become used to long periods of time in the car together. Now we are adding our baby girl to the mix, so we get to start all over with newborn road trips. I’ve had many people ask about how our son handles the long drives, so I thought I would put this list together for all of you. Here are the following essentials I always have packed for a road trip with kids!

1. CAR TRAY

Our son’s car tray is a road trip essential and he LOVES using it. It is used for eating, doing homework, playing, watching a DVD, etc. The trays with sides are awesome to keep projects from spilling. I love when they fold up for storage in the car under the passenger seat. The pockets on the side keep things organized during the drive. There are many options for car trays, but an old cafeteria tray will work too! Don’t forget a tray on your next road trip with kids.

2. HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

Keeping your child busy is essential for road trip success. This section could go on and on, but I will pick a few of our son’s favorites. These ideas also double for grab-and-go entertainment in a restaurant, event, etc where your kids need something to keep them busy. Basic coloring books fall under this category, but here are a few of our son’s more engaging favorites.

  • MAGNETIC PLAY TINS & BOOKS – love these because the magnets keep the pieces together – SUPER helpful when you are in the front seat and can’t reach around easy!
  • WIKI STICKS – as a teacher I loved these for making letters, math projects, finding sight words in big books, etc. I had kind of forgotten about them until we went to Nick’s in Laguna Beach and they gave them to our son with the kids menu. Our son was so engaged through the whole meal and now they are an easy tool for distraction! They never dry out and can stick to papers, tins, trays, etc. I love this travel kit! Easy to grab and throw in the car. Perfect for a road trip with kids.
  • TAKE APART ERASERS – my son loves these! They can fall apart and be messy, but he is so engaged with them. I actually take apart each animal and put it in a plastic easter egg. I usually have a set or two in 1/2 an egg crate ready to explore. You can get food, animals, sea life, etc. They are like mini-puzzles and keep him so engaged. I actually started using them on planes but they are great in the car too. Just annoying if they start falling on the ground, but if a piece falls, we tell our son to move on until the next stop!
  • TRAVEL ART SET – My son loves this set! Paper, markers, colored pencils, and more all fit inside this easy-to-grab (and slide between seats) case!
  • LACING ACTIVITIES – My son loved beads on a pipe cleaner, but lacing cards work too! Pipe cleaners hold the beads better to cut back on large spills of beads all over the car! Put the beads in a cup that will fit in the car seat cup holder and let little fingers create while working on their fine motor skills! Lacing is a win-win.
  • WATER WOW BOOKS – These are so awesome because all you need is water! So easy to clean up and so simple for the car. They have engaging topics for all interests!
  • STICKER STORY – This was a fun “go-to” activity in my Kindergarten class. Create a story from stickers. Kids can label, write a sentence or make a book with papers, markers & stickers. Always fun to see what they come up with! Just start with some high-interest stickers for your child!

Leading up to a trip, the $1 bins at Target and Michaels are always fun to check too. They tend to have thematic activities that correspond to seasons, hobbies, etc. so you can grab things that may match your trip!

3. GAMES

Games are great in the car on road trips with kids because they keep everyone happy, laughing, and engaged with each other. Our son’s favorite game – 2 TRUTHS & A LIE – has led to so many fun stories and conversations. Some of his other favorites are:

  • ROAD TRIP BINGO – My husband makes fun of me when I break this one out! I love it! Takes me back to riding cross country in the station wagon as a kid. Everyone needs this BINGO in their road trip entertainment arsenal.
  • MAD LIBS – Our son LOVES Mad Libs! Mad Libs are so easy and entertaining in the car. I especially love them now that our son is learning parts of speech. We used to say things like “something you do” for verbs, etc. Now he can play them with friends too!
  • I SPY TRAVEL – Our son loves I SPY and is the easiest game in the car. These cards are great, but you really don’t need any cards to play!
  • HIGHLIGHTS MAGAZINE – Highlights has tons of engaging subscriptions in their magazines! My son’s favorite is the sticker matching pages in Puzzle Buzz. I love that Highlights targets specific age groups and you can adjust your subscription as your child gets older. These are also great for road trips because you can toss the magazine once your child has worked through it!
  • MAGNETIC GAMES – Just like the magnetic activities above, magnets are great in the car to reduce drops! our son loves matching games and the classic Tic-Tac-Toe. These are also so easy to store in the pocket behind the driver and passenger seats.
  • WENDY’S KIDS MEAL TOYS – Just another thing I want to note here. We have always loved the toys that come in Wendy’s kid’s meal. They are usually games or activities for the car that require thinking, exploring, etc. vs a random keychain your child will never play with again. Just something to think about when you are deciding where to stop for food!

4. MINI TOYS

This seems like a given, but it is important to bring a few of your child’s favorite little toys along. Try to think about toys that inspire creativity. For our son, it has been small superhero action figures, Disney Pixar die-cast cars, and small lego sets. If you are doing screens on your drive, try to think about small toys you may have that correlate to the movie they may be watching on the drive. My son LOVES playing cars as he watches Cars. He loves to play shark legos as he watches Discovery Channel shark shows. It can be fun to surprise your child with a few of these along the drive too!

5. PODCASTS

We have had a lot of fun listening to entertaining Podcasts with our son on the road. He loved the comedy THIS PODCAST HAS FLEAS during a road trip a few years ago. It is great when you can find one that you all enjoy listening to. Currently, he is super into WHAT IF WORLD. If your children need to calm down, BE CALM ON AHWAY ISLAND is a great pick. Pick out a new, engaging podcast to try on a road trip with kids!

Amazon is running an awesome special just in time for summer and holiday road trips! They are offering a FREE 3-month trial of Audible and Amazon unlimited music through my affiliate link! This will give you unlimited access to thousands of podcasts, audiobooks, and songs without ads.

6. READ-ALONG AUDIO BOOKS

Read-along books are great for road trips with kids, but they are useful to have in the car all of the time. They can tuck in the pocket in front of your child. Disney makes cheap read-along books with CDs that go with almost every movie. Through the distance learning COVID brought all of us, we were introduced to the app Epic with tons of audiobooks to listen to. We found we had several in our library which we were able to pair together for a listening center in the car! The scholastic book orders your child’s school probably sends home are a great, cheap way to grow your book & CD collection too.

7. OPTIONAL – *SCREENS*

Uggggg, OK I am saying it. Screens. Like we have not had enough. But let’s be real and honest and we know they help in times like the car. However, I will say a few things here. When we do our big National Park trips, we DO NOT bring the iPad. I can write a novel on how I think iPad changes my son, but I will spare you. I am not going to preach here, because my son has PLENTY of screen time, but it is important to think about the role the screen will play on your trip.

For our son, knowing the iPad is in the car almost makes him obsess over it the entire trip. So for us, it is not ideal. However, we will sometimes bring his Nintendo Switch or our travel DVD player. Depending on where you are going, you may not have cell service, so a pad may not work. In addition, unless you have unlimited data, the charges can start adding up if you let your kids go wild on the pad.

Our car does not have a built-in DVD player, but a friend recommended this one and we have loved it! It is great because we can bring into hotels for our son’s breathing treatment time. Each trip, we pick a few favorite Disney movies and some corresponding toys. I love watching him enjoy movies he wouldn’t give the time of day during regular day-to-day life. Especially when they are movies he LOVED as a toddler (uhmmmm Cars, yes please!).

8. SNACKS

This kind of goes along with water in the way that you don’t want whining, “I’m hungry” as soon as you get on the road. We don’t do snacks that create a huge mess during road trips with kids (if possible). Our son love string cheese, yogurt pouches, BBQ chips, crackers, and cashews. Again, please remember our son has CF and has a need for a high-fat, high-calorie diet that is probably different than what your child needs. It is great to have a variety of snacks (for you too!) as road trip snacking tends to be heavy. When you pack your snacks, think about items that will avoid crazy spills and are easy to pass behind you. If you want to try something new and not think too much about it, these boxes are a fun way to make your road trip snack game strong!

9. WATER

This seems like a silly item to include, but it is so important. I have mentioned our need for water because our son takes over 40 pills a day as part of his fight against Cystic Fibrosis, but water is important for every child! The last thing you want to hear is whiny, “I’m thirsty” when you are on a road trip with kids! We love stainless water bottles that keep the water icy cold without condensation dripping all over our son’s car seat.

In addition, water creates no sticky spills or messes. Brightly colored, large water bottles allow your child to find their bottle in the backseat without asking for unnecessary help. Water is the only beverage (outside of our son’s high-calorie milk – CF-related need) that we have going on during road trips. No chugging sugar bomb drink, spilling sticky juice all over the backseat, and no unwrapping and poking straws while twisting my back around to reach!!

10. CLEAN UP

Not the most exciting part, but a VERY necessary part of a road trip with kid travel! Our son gets carsick, so Kids Dramamine and barf bags are a must. So simple to have with you and they can make all the difference in your day. I won’t get into how many times we have been taking the car seat apart in a gas station parking lot to clean out the mess. These barf bags have saved SO many days.

Another thing that saves the day? Wipes! As mothers, we know this. Always make sure you have plenty within arms reach on your road trip!

Also, we always have our potty from back in the potty training days. This thing has saved us several times when bathrooms were closed, totally disgusting, or just unavailable. You can always pull over and set your child up on the side of the road with this thing. This was especially helpful during the beginning of COVID closures. This potty was essential for potty training and years later is still useful in time-sensitive situations. When on a road trip with kids, make sure you have a backup plan for all things potty!

The last thing I want to note about road trips with kids is to PLAN YOUR STOPS! Check out what you can do on your route. Nothing is worse than the tensions boiling and uncomfortable kids driving. There are so many quirky stops where you can let your kids run, stretch their legs, and burn off a little energy. Planning for these moments will help make the drive better for EVERYONE in the car! Don’t let a road trip with kids hold you back from your next adventure! Anything else you would add to my list?

DAYTIME ADVENTURES, HIKING, NATIONAL PARKS, ROAD TRIPS, TRAVEL TIPS, WEEKEND GETAWAY

TOP TEN – “MUST HAVE” ITEMS FOR KIDS IN NATIONAL PARKS

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These are the items we make sure to pack when heading out on a National Park adventure with our (now) seven-year-old son. Some are more specific for certain places and plans, but they are all something to think about when you begin to pack based on your itinerary. This is our list of the “must-haves” for adventuring with kids in National Parks.

1. SMALL BACKPACK

Our son’s backpack has been awesome over the years. It is lightweight and very durable. I can even throw it in the washing machine after a trip to clean it up. It is small enough to fit in a suitcase but large enough to fit a few of our son’s favorite things on hikes. In reality, a young child is not going to carry a heavy pack hiking, but this allows him to keep a few things he wants to have access to in an easy place to grab them. It is much better than, “can I have my _________?” over and over when hiking! Our son loves how he can connect carabiners to the outside to make access to some items even easier! He even used this as his preschool backpack too! Shout out to Uncle Raymond for this rad gift.

Just another note I feel fits here – whether you carry it or your child carries it, please make sure to always have sunscreen, bug protection, and a first aid kit in you or your child’s pack. These are so important for adventuring with kids in National Parks. You don’t need a beautiful hike ruined because you don’t have a band-aid. We all know band-aids are a magic fix to so many things!

2. STAINLESS WATER BOTTLE

This is such an important item for us! Almost all National Parks have stopped selling plastic water bottles and now provide fresh water filling stations through the park. You will never find my son without a water bottle or water bladder in his backpack. In addition to the importance of hydration when hiking in general, our son has Cystic Fibrosis and can dehydrate easily. In addition, he takes over 40 pills a day with meals in order to digest the food he eats, so having water to swallow the 7 pills per meal is important.

Kids love these stainless bottles because the water can stay icy cold throughout a long day. I also feel better about them laying around in the sun being stainless versus plastic. Our son always tells us the water tastes better from a Hydroflask!

3. SUN HAT

We purchased this sun hat before our Summer 2019 Road Trip and it has been such a great purchase. It is not too expensive and very lightweight. It can be shoved in our son’s backpack and washed in the washing machine when we get home (ha – notice a theme here for me!). The cord allows it to be hooked onto his backpack and mesh gives him ventilation in the heat. It has UV 50+ protection and I love how the neck flap protects the back of his neck from the sun. So many kids fight sunscreen, so it is great to have an extra layer of protection when exploring National Parks with kids!

4. ADJUSTABLE HIKING STICK

This purchase started more as a souvenir in Zion National Park to make our son feel like a “real hiker,” but we quickly realized we were glad we had it. He uses it often to feel he’s “dressed the part,” but in Zion, it stabilized him in the water and rocks of the Narrows, and in Bryce National Park it helped keep him up as we descended into the canyon. We love how it is adjustable so if he is tired of using it, we can collapse it and hook it to our backpack versus someone always having to carry it. Our son’s hiking stick was from the Zion visitor center, but I linked one that is very similar – and cheaper! Ha!

5. BINOCULARS

These are just fun to have. I cannot tell you how many times we have used our binoculars and been happy to have them! Between looking for California Condors in Zion National Park and looking for whales from Cabrillo National Monument our son has used them all over! He watched climbers scale El Capitan and a bear cross a meadow in Yosemite. These binoculars have offered some awesome experiences. They are small, fit in his pack and allow him to explore the park even more. When a crowd is standing around watching a bear, he felt very cool whipping out his binoculars to have an up-close view!

6. DIGITAL CAMERA

My dad had an old Canon Power Shot and now that everyone uses their iPhone for photos, we thought why not let our son play around with it? He is old enough to take care of it in his pack, but I linked a camera that can take a little more wear and tear from younger kids. It is fun to see the trip through their lens when you get home. Sometimes we get 15 squirrel pictures, and other times we get sweet “family selfies” that we will always cherish. How many times have your kids watched you take a picture? They want to be a part of that too!

7. JUNIOR RANGER BOOKLET & JUNIOR RANGER PASSPORT

When visiting National Parks with kids, you have to check these out! I absolutely love the Junior Ranger program at National (and CA State) parks. It is free and enriches your child’s experience in the park. They learn about the geology, history, plants, and animals in the park. The park-specific booklets double as dinner entertainment and challenge your child to look, listen and explore the park in ways they may not have done without the activities.

My son has such pride when he returns to a park ranger, takes his oath, and achieves his badge. Some parks give out a beautiful wooden badge, others have a plastic badge. My son thinks the plastic with gold trim is the cream of the crop in Junior Ranger badges. We had fun making a display for his badges from cut-off jeans, three safety pins, a stick, and some burlap twine. The stick was not from a National Park! Your Junior Ranger will learn to take nothing during visits!

The Junior Ranger Passport is a lot of fun too! It is the child version of the adult National Park Passport, with the same categories only broken down into more pictures, space for stamps, and illustrations. There is space for your “date of visit” cancellation and your child’s “Junior Ranger” cancellation. This book will be cherished for years as every visit adds to the personalization of the booklet! I cannot wait to see the stamps grow over the years! This is a * must-have* if you see your family having multiple National Park trips.

8. NATIONAL PARK ROOKIE READERS

I love these little books! These are an inexpensive way for kids to get excited about your trip! Our son is seven, so they are aimed at the younger reader, but the idea is for them to have a book about the park that your child can adore. These books are great to read before we go, in the car on the way and during our visit. We make a point to check out specific things from the book (usually we are already going to most of them).

The inside cover of the books turns into a mini scrapbook from our trip. We use them to stamp his National Park Passport cancellations in, Junior Ranger stamps in, and place any stickers he may get from the rangers in the park. For $6, they are a great kick-off to your trip. Anything in the visitor center will be more expensive, so why not order ahead? I am linking the different parks here for your convenience. They have a variety of parks available at times, but current availability on Amazon is Zion, Bryce, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Great Smokey Mountains, Glacier, Everglades, Hawaii Volcanoes, and Acadia.

9. CARABINER FLASH LIGHT & CARABINERS

For some reason hanging things off my son’s pack just makes him feel like a true hiker. It is so easy to attach his binoculars or camera to his pack with a carabiner. We really love these flashlight carabiners as you never know when you may run out of daylight and they are tiny enough to always have attached to something. They are also a great light to hang from the top of your tent when you are getting things ready for bed! Carabiners are also a fun thing to purchase with kids from the National Park visitor centers as a souvenir!

10. THE RIGHT SHOES

This is so important!!! The wrong shoes for your child can RUIN your hike. You can plan away, pack all the right things, set out with the best of intentions and if you don’t have the right shoes everything will begin to spiral quickly. If you purchase new hiking boots for a specific trip, please make sure your child is able to wear them before the trip. Nothing is worse than a child with the wrong shoes, or shoes that are giving blisters because they have not been broken in. Our son LOVES these Merrell hiking boots for kids. They have had a lot of miles put on them and still are in great shape.

In preparation for the Narrows in Zion, I wanted to get him some water-friendly hiking shoes. Although the hiking boots are actually waterproof, I knew we may not have enough time between adventures for them to fully dry after the narrows. I found water shoes similar to these at the Merrell outlet and they worked great! I cannot recommend making sure your kids are dialed in with the right shoes before any big adventures!!

Hope this list of “must-have” items for kids in National Parks gets you started in your prep for an awesome family adventure! Always remember that a comfortable & engaged child is going to be a happy child! A happy child is sure to lead to a better experience for the entire family exploring the parks! Anything else you would add to the list?

HIKING, NATIONAL PARKS, ROAD TRIP - ZION, BRYCE AND GRAND CANYON, ROAD TRIPS

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

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Only a two-hour drive from Zion, Bryce Canyon National Park is a side trip that is DEFINITELY worth taking! When I first started planning our road trip, we were debating if we should check it out because our focus was initially the Grand Canyon, but Bryce ended up being the jewel of our entire trip. DO NOT SKIP BRYCE when you are so close. Sunset over the amphitheater of unique red rock hoodoos is something everyone should see!

JUMP TO

BRYCE CANYON VISITOR CENTER
THE LODGE AT BRYCE CANYON RESTAURANT
SUNSET POINT at THE BRYCE CANYON AMPHITHEATER
SCENIC DRIVE
BRISTLECONE LOOP TRAIL at RAINBOW POINT
“I HIKED THE HOODOOS” CHALLENGE
NATURAL BRIDGE
BRYCE CANYON LODGE ACCOMMODATIONS
QUEEN’S GARDEN TRAIL
NAVAJO LOOP TRAIL & WALL STREET
SUNSET ON THE RIM TRAIL

OUR PLAN – DAY ONE

ZION CANYON to BRYCE CANYON – 77°

Even with a few stops after leaving Zion around 10am, we arrived in Bryce Canyon right around 12:30. As always, our first stop with the BRYCE CANYON VISITOR CENTER. We picked up some brochures about the park, our son’s Junior Ranger booklet and learned a little more about the unique geography we were about to see! I had heard all about the “hoodoos” but had no idea what anyone was talking about!

Once we had our park info, we headed into the park to drop our bags with the lodge and check out our options for lunch. Check-in was not until 4pm, but our son has medication that is temperature-sensitive so we always drop bags (versus leaving them in a hot car) when we know we will be out for a while. As soon as we pulled into the BRYCE CANYON LODGE, we were so excited to have a night with it as our home base. The lodge is located right along the RIM TRAIL, with the incredible BRYCE CANYON AMPHITHEATER a 7-minute walk away. You cannot beat the location. The lodge has a very rustic feel as it is a National Historic Landmark that was built in the 1920s. It is actually the only Union Pacific Railroad original lodge that is still standing!

THE LODGE AT BRYCE CANYON RESTAURANT

We decided to have a more formal lunch in the dining room of the LODGE AT BRYCE CANYON RESTAURANT so we could sit down, relax and plan out our afternoon. The VALHALLA PIZZERIA & COFEE SHOP next door would have been a great option for something faster. The dining room had a great selection of sandwiches, salads and burgers in addition to craft Utah beers!

SUNSET POINT at THE BRYCE CANYON AMPHITHEATER

During lunch, we decided to attend the 2pm Ranger Program “Hoodoo Geology,” that was happening at the beautiful SUNSET POINT at THE BRYCE CANYON AMPHITHEATER just a short walk from the Lodge. We headed over and we in absolute awe as we approached the RIM TRAIL. Our first views of the AMPHITHEATER were unreal. It looked like another world and it is stunning. It is amazing to stand on the edge of such a gigantic canyon that was once under ocean water. We enjoyed learning about the “hoodoos” and how they are formed over time. Our son was even able to stand as an example of a “hoodoo” for some of the program. He loved it! It was a great intro to the geology of the park.




Sunset Point at The Bryce Canyon Ampitheater

SCENIC DRIVE

After taking in jaw-dropping views, we knew we would come back later in the afternoon to hike into the canyon. At 2:30pm, it was peak heat and very sunny. We decided to hop back in the car and drive the remainder of the 18-mile park road, known as THE SCENIC DRIVE, to the end and the highest point in the park, RAINBOW POINT.

There are 13 viewpoints along the Scenic Drive, and they all are on the left side of the road when you are driving in. The park recommends allowing 3 hours for the drive, but we were not planning to stop at all 13 points. There is a shuttle that runs from the Visitor Center April – October that you can take on the Scenic Drive, or you are welcome to drive it yourself. We figured drive to the end, explore a bit there and then all the points will be pullouts on the right side of the road heading back down.

BRISTLECONE LOOP at RAINBOW POINT

It took us a little under 30 minutes to get from the Lodge to RAINBOW POINT. From there, we planned to hike the easy, 1-mile BRISTLECONE LOOP to explore the spruce forest and bristlecone pine trees at the higher elevation (9,115 feet). At the start of the loop, we had incredible views of the canyon and hoodoos. Our son has a digital camera for trips like this and he loved stopping to document some of the wonders below. This is an easy way to stretch your legs at the end of the Scenic Drive. In hindsight, I wish we would have used this time to hike the .8 mile MOSSY CAVE trail. However, we would have missed the SCENIC DRIVE as Mossy Cave is on the opposite end of the park (so you will see that on my “next time” list).

“I HIKED THE HOODOOS” CHALLENGE

We also chose this trail because we wanted to find our first “I HIKED THE HOODOOS” benchmark. I read about this challenge and knew it was something we would all be into! Throughout the park, there are nine special “I Hiked the Hoodoos” benchmarks on trails. In order to qualify for your reward (a special sticker), you have to take a selfie with or pencil rubbing of three of the benchmarks. In order to get to them, you will have to hike a minimum of 3 miles. I wanted to make sure our hiking plan would cover three benchmarks in order to meet this challenge. It was fun to keep our eye out for the signs as we hiked.

Bristlecone Loop at Rainbow Point

NATURAL BRIDGE

After our short hike, we started down the Scenic Drive towards the Lodge. We only stopped a few times as we were excited to get back to hike into the amphitheater. We did make a point to pull over at the NATURAL BRIDGE, to see the large arch formed by ice, rain and gravity.

Natural Bridge in Bryce Canyon

BRYCE CANYON LODGE ACCOMMODATIONS

We got back to the BRYCE CANYON LODGE about 4:15 and checked into our Western Cabin. As we walked out to our cabin, we could not believe how close we were getting to the RIM TRAIL and the unreal AMPHITHEATER views. Our cabin was perfect, very similar to the one in Zion. We had two queen beds, a small table for two, a gas fireplace, a porch and a private bathroom. Now that the sun had moved and temperatures were going down, we unloaded our bags and headed out to explore the canyon trails.

Western Cabin at Bryce Canyon Lodge

QUEEN’S GARDEN TRAIL

We headed out to the RIM TRAIL from our cabin shortly before 5pm. We planned to hike the QUEEN’S GARDEN TRAIL into the canyon, starting at SUNRISE POINT, and connect to the NAVAJO LOOP, in order to exit the canyon at SUNSET POINT for 2.9 miles total. For optimal sun and heat conditions, a ranger had told us to start our hike at SUNRISE POINT so we would be climbing out of the canyon on the NAVAJO LOOP later in the evening in the shade. QUEEN’S GARDEN is also known as the least difficult trail to take into the canyon. You can always reverse the order of the hike as you are basically making a giant “U” through the cabin.

The Rim Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park

The ranger had also told us to plan about 3 hours for our hike, so as we walked about .5 miles to SUNRISE POINT (which interestingly enough is where you should watch the sunset!) we knew we needed to stay aware of time. We headed into the canyon on the 1.8-mile QUEEN’S GARDEN TRAIL. The trail is named for the “Queen Victoria” hoodoo at the end of the trail. As we headed down, many hikers were coming up, very out of breath and hot and they climbed out of the canyon in the blazing sun. We were grateful our son had the hiking stick we had purchased in Zion to help stabilize him as we descended into the canyon. It felt like walking through a different world as the red rock hoodoos and walls started to tower above us.

The Queen’s Garden Trail

A little under a mile into our hike as we walked through the canyon, we hooked onto the NAVAJO LOOP TRAIL. Sadly, we did not realize we had to walk a short distance forward to the “Queen Victoria” hoodoo before we joined the Navajo Loop to see the QUEEN’S GARDEN “I HIKED THE HOODOOS” benchmark. We did not realize we missed it until we were approaching the NAVAJO LOOP benchmark. This leg of the hike was our Bryce highlight! It was stunning. To wander through the base of the canyon with the trees and hoodoos surrounding you is a beautiful sight. I would love to come back with more time to explore connecting hikes (like the PEEK-A-BOO LOOP) more. I don’t know if the pictures can do this trail justice.

The Navajo Loop Trail

WALL STREET

As we started to climb out of the canyon, the red rocks began to narrow and we approached the famous WALL STREET. These switchbacks took some time to climb but offered some of the coolest hiking we have ever done. We were grateful to be doing them in the shade of the canyon, versus the morning sun. This is not to be missed at Bryce. Some people walk down a bit from SUNSET POINT to see WALL STREET without doing a big hike. I highly recommend the entire hike if you are able. Over a year later, our son still talks about this incredible place. WALL STREET is only open in summer, so you are not able to loop during other seasons due to weather.

The Navajo Loop to Wall Street

As we reached the top, the sun was beginning to set. The RIM TRAIL was crowded with people enjoying the spectacular views across the canyon. We enjoyed taking a few minutes to look down on WALL STREET and take in what we had just climbed! Our son did so well. We had hiked over 4 miles and he was still smiling. Not to mention all we had done the day prior in Zion. We also saw the famous hoodoo, Thor’s Hammer, standing tall in the canyon. It really is just incredible. If you have read this far, please make sure to hike at least the NAVAJO LOOP with WALL STREET. You won’t be disappointed.

SUNSET ON THE RIM TRAIL

The feeling during SUNSET on the RIM TRAIL as the sun was going down was one we could not walk away from. It was spectacular. We had just hiked up so hard, and the peaceful vibe was something we wanted to enjoy longer. We found a bench along the RIM TRAIL and sat down to take it all in. Our son started working on his Junior Ranger book and my husband actually went back to our cabin to bring us a glass of wine to enjoy with our view. We all agreed Bryce has a special place in our hearts.

Sunset on the Rim Trail

The sun went down about 8:30, so we stopped by the cabin to drop a few things off and headed over to THE LODGE at BRYCE CANYON for dinner. Our lunch was great, so we were excited to be back for dinner. We treated ourselves to filet mignon and red wine that was all spectacular. We had earned our dinner in steps that day. Our son took this sweet “family selfie” during dinner on his camera. One thing I love about him having an old digital camera for trips is that we get to see the trip through his lens. I love finding treasures like this photo. I feel like his happiness radiates and it really just represents how we all felt at dinner that night!

OUR PLAN – DAY TWO

BRYCE CANYON TO PAGE, ARIZONA – 96°

The light through the windows of our cabin was a beautiful way to wake up. My husband headed over to the Valhalla Pizzeria & Coffee Shop at the Lodge to grab a coffee and we headed out for one more view of the amphitheater before check-out. We were still in awe at the view.

We loaded up the car and headed to the visitor center on the way out of the park so our son could take his Junior Ranger oath! Our son was thrilled when the ranger he had met at the Ranger Program was there and could swear him in! The Bryce Rangers really were some of the best we have met. So kind and engaging with our son! He also gave all three of us our “I Hike the Hoodoos” stickers. We assured him we would be back and we knew an adventure was calling as we hit the road to Page, Arizona.

I always keep a “NEXT TIME” list when we travel. I feel like it is important to include because this blog is subjective and I want my readers to know about the myriad opportunities that I am still hoping to experience. Whenever I read, hear, research something outside of my experience, I will include it here. My hope in to eventually fully experience these destinations when I visit again (and I can’t wait to do so).

NEXT TIME…

  • BIKE RIDE as a family through the bike paths around the lodge
  • MOSSY CAVE – .8 miles, 1 hour, 200 feet elevation gain, during the summer – a streamside walk up to a grotto of hanging mosses (left of fork) or small waterfall (right of fork)
  • FARVIEW POINT on the SCENIC DRIVE
  • PARIA VIEW on the SCENIC DRIVE – a stunning sunset photo opportunity
  • BRYCE POINT on the SCENIC DRIVE – beautiful at sunrise, the hoodoos catch the light and it is also the start of the PEEK-A-BOO-LOOP TRAIL
  • NAVAJO/PEEK-A-BOO COMBO LOOP – 4.9 miles, 3-4 hours
HIKING, NATIONAL PARKS, ROAD TRIP - ZION, BRYCE AND GRAND CANYON, ROAD TRIPS

ADVENTURES IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

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During the summer of 2019, we celebrated our 10-year anniversary in August with an incredible road trip full of jaw-dropping stops through the Southwestern USA – CA, NV, UT & AZ. It is the trip that inspired so much of this blog. A lot of time in the car, but the most special memories for our little family. You can follow our entire Summer 2019 Road trip here, but for now, here is our take on two incredible nights filled with adventures in Zion National Park! If you have never been to Zion National Park, I cannot recommend it enough! It is a gem that everyone should experience.

JUMP TO…

ZION VISITOR CENTER
ZION LODGE ACCOMMODATIONS
LOWER EMERALD POOLS
RED ROCK GRILL at ZION LODGE
RIVERSIDE WALK TO THE NARROWS
BIG BEND
WEEPING ROCK
THE GROTTO
ZION CANYON BREW PUB
ZION NATURE CENTER
ZION-MT. CARMEL TUNNEL
CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL
ZION LODGE MAIN LAWN
CHECKERBOARD MESA

OUR PLAN – DAY ONE

LAS VEGAS TO ZION – 88°

We woke up in Vegas and headed out a little later than we had originally wanted. Isn’t that kind of how Vegas works?!? But, after an incredible night renewing our vows, we gave ourselves a little grace and took our time. You can read more about the Vegas leg in a future post, but I wanted to head straight into Zion for those looking to explore in this COVID world we are all navigating.

It took a little over the 3 hours of driving I had mapped out to get from Vegas to Zion due to construction traffic, plus the hour we lost for the time change from Nevada to Utah. We ended up getting to Zion at about 3:30. Although there was a bit of a line at the entry gate, we used our National Park Annual Pass to enter quickly. For $80/year, this pass pays for itself if you are planning to visit at least three parks. Zion is $35/car without it. We ordered it ahead of the trip, but you can always purchase it at an entry gate. However, in today’s COVID world, purchasing ahead will save time and contact. Give yourself enough time for processing and mail if you order ahead.

On the road to Zion National Park

ZION VISITOR CENTER

Our first stop entering a National Park is always the VISITOR CENTER. It is a great place to ask questions, clarify ideas/plans and get up-to-date advice on anything happening/changing in the parks. I also wanted to check in to make sure the famous Mt. Carmel tunnel was open. Closures are possible and it was critical to our exit towards Bryce Canyon in two days. In addition. we always pick up park brochures, our son’s Junior Ranger booklet and stamp our National Park passports. And finally, what my husband jokes is my favorite part, we refill our large water bottles for the night! National Parks have freshwater filling stations throughout the parks, so you can always count on a great refills station at the Visitor Center.

Zion National Park Visitor Center

I feel like my blog will become a broken record when it comes to in-park lodging, but here we go again. I actually booked ZION LODGE for one night (all that was available) two months prior. In order to secure our second night, I kept up my strategy of refreshing availability daily. I was able to pull the trip together the way I wanted 8 days before we arrived! Originally, I had a lodge room for one night that I had booked 2 months ahead.

About a month ahead, I was able to score an opening for the second night in a cabin. I wasn’t crazy about changing rooms but REALLY wanted a cabin and REALLY wanted two nights. When I start planning I sometimes get pretty set on my dreamy plans! I ended up checking things 8 days before our trip and was able to switch our lodge room for a 2nd night in the same cabin! It was so exciting. So again, keep checking availability, and don’t give up!

ZION LODGE ACCOMMODATIONS

We arrived right before the 4pm check-in and our Western Cabin was ready. You’ll receive a red permit when you show your reservation at the gate that allows you to drive into the park past the visitor parking and to the lodge. If you are not staying at the lodge, you cannot drive into the park. The lodge is its own shuttle stop, which gives you an advantage to starting the day ahead of the crowds. The shuttle system connects all the major sites in Zion Canyon. Our Western Cabin was perfect, and exactly what we were hoping for in such a beautiful setting. It is so special to have an outdoor space to enjoy your view. Our cabin had two double beds, a table for two, a small bathroom, a refrigerator, and a gas-log fireplace. It was perfect for our little family of three, but could easily sleep 4!

Zion Lodge Accommodations – Western Cabin 2 Doubles

LOWER EMERALD POOLS

Once we were settled, we headed out for our first Zion adventure, the LOWER EMERALD POOLS trail. This trailhead is directly across from the lodge (shuttle stop 5) and offers a ton of shade in the afternoon. To find the trail, you head out of the lodge towards the stables and cross a small bridge over the Virgin River. The views from this bridge are incredible. After the bridge, head to the right 1.2 miles towards the pools. We immediately started to notice bugs and were grateful we had mosquito repellent bracelets in our backpacks.

After about an hour, we reached the lower Emerald Pools. Although they were not overflowing, the intro to water dripping down the canyon walls was an incredible sight! Most of the trail is paved, but it does get muddy towards the pools. If you are up for more adventure, you can opt to continue up the trail for another mile to the Upper Emerald Pools. If you are feeling even more adventurous, from there you can take the 3.1 mile Kayenta Trail to the Grotto picnic area and loop back to the lodge. The trail to the lower pools and back to the lodge was a great afternoon intro to Zion, as walking along the river surrounded by the 2,000 feet canyon walls leaves you in awe of where you are and excited for your upcoming adventures!

Views as you cross the North Folk Virgin River towards Lower Emerald Pools
Lower Emerald Pools Trail
ZION LODGE RANGER PROGRAMS

After our hike, we headed back to the lodge to handle our son’s CF breathing treatments and regroup for the night. We decided to check out the ranger program in the lobby that night. They are always so engaging and informative for kids! We were so excited to walk out of our cabin to see a dozen deer grazing on the lawn in front of the lobby. It was such a special view. We killed a few minutes by playing chess in the lobby before joining the program. We had time to enjoy a glass of wine as we all learned about “Zion Animals A to Z.” Attending the program also completed a piece of his Junior Ranger booklet!

Deer on the lawn at Zion National Park Lodge
Chess in the lobby of Zion National Park Lodge waiting for the Ranger program to begin

RED ROCK GRILL at ZION LODGE

When I booked our room, I had made late dinner reservations at the RED ROCK GRILL anticipating a late lunch and post-Vegas arrival. So although late, we headed up at 9 pm for a relaxing lodge-style dinner. Red Rock Grill did not disappoint. There is something so special about comfort food, a glass of red wine, and incredible views surrounding you as you wind down from a busy day of exploring. Unfortunately, the outdoor patio we had heard so much about was closed for renovation, but we will be back and it is on my “next time” list. The good news is the patio update has probably made it even better than it was! Be sure to make reservations in advance, and ask for a patio table if you want to be outside.

Our son loved his butter noodles and we LOVED our beef tenderloin medallions and red wine. It was a great way to end the day and plan our adventures for the next day. We also used dinnertime to help our son flip through his Junior Ranger book. He worked to complete pages he already knew and decide what he wanted to finish for tomorrow. After dinner, we were happy we had a small flashlight for our short walk back to our cabin. It allowed us to catch some of Zion’s nocturnal animal life on the main lawn. It was especially exciting to catch a glimpse of the elusive ringtail we had just learned about hanging with the deer as we headed back to the cabin.

Red Rock Grill – not the best pictures of dinner but it gives you an idea of the lodge feel with dining!

OUR PLAN – DAY TWO

EXPLORING ZION NATIONAL PARK – 87°

A good friend told me to plan our summer hikes in Zion around the sun, meaning start your day on the west side of the valley and try the east side of the park in the afternoon. We set our day up that way and used my usual “waking up in a National Park strategy” to pick a crowded spot to start our day. No question we went straight to THE RIVERSIDE WALK TO THE NARROWS.

RIVERSIDE WALK TO THE NARROWS

I feel like nobody has heard of Zion without hearing of the Narrows. Although our son was only 6, we knew we had to take in a piece of this incredible natural treasure. We had purchased water hiking shoes just for this part of the trip, no matter how little we actually could do with him. We knew we didn’t want to miss any of it because our son didn’t have what he needed to be comfortable. When we arrived in the park, we had purchased a Zion hiking stick at the VISITOR CENTER. Our son had been asking for one for the trip, so it was more of a souvenir, but we were so glad we had it for him to help stabilize himself in the Narrows.

Heading out to the Narrows
SHUTTLE TO TEMPLE OF SINAWAVA

We took the shuttle up the canyon to stop #9, the TEMPLE OF SINAWAVA. It was very crowded and we quickly realized the stop for ANGEL’S LANDING and THE NARROWS are the top stops first thing in the morning. When we exited the shuttle, the way to RIVERSIDE WALK is pretty clear as it is where everyone was walking! There is a bathroom and fresh water at the shuttle stop if you need to use it before you begin your adventure. We headed out on the trail and began the 2.2-mile round-trip, mostly paved, walk along the Virgin River. As you walk along the bottom of the towering canyon, the gorge begins to “narrow.” Before you realize it, you are standing between less than 30 feet of 2,000-foot cliffs.

RIVERSIDE WALK ANIMAL & PLANT LIFE

The Riverside Walk gives you and your Junior Ranger some up-close views of Zion wildlife highlights. One sure to see is the squirrels wandering all over the walkway and surrounding areas of the trail. Also, as the canyon begins to narrow, and the water starts to seep down the side of the cliff, you can look for the coveted Zion Snail. It takes some patience to see, as it was once the smallest snail in the world. Our son was thrilled to find some along the trail.

In addition to the snails, he was able to find several items on his Junior Ranger bingo, including the flowering Dutura. I love the way the Junior Ranger books keep your child engaged in learning about where they are! We always recommend giving your child an old digital camera to enjoy taking pictures of what they see. It is so fun to look at the trip through their lens once you are home.

Riverside walk to the Narrows
Zion Snail spotting along the Riverside Walk towards the Narrows
SAFETY IN THE NARROWS

Heading into the Narrows is a magical moment where you can almost feed off of the excitement of the people around you. Some are there to take in the view, some to dabble in the hike, and others to head all the way down and back. I have to mention water safety here because the danger of flash floods in Zion is real. Water conditions can change VERY quickly. PLEASE check in with rangers about weather and flash flood potential before heading into the Narrows. It is not recommended to take children hiking into the Narrows. Although we headed in a bit, we did it on a day with low flood potential and only a small distance in.

As the water began to get deeper we realized we did not have everything we needed to continue on safely. Although our son was having an incredible time, we knew it was time to turn back. I think it is important to say that as much as I love adventure and “going with the moment,” I have learned that National Parks issue countless warnings about their water issues for a reason – they are so unpredictable. Please do not think you are wiser than nature. Hike the Narrows safely and responsibly.

The Narrows

Heading down the Riverside Walk back towards the shuttle stop proved just as rewarding, with incredible views and wildlife galore. We enjoyed a leisurely walk back down the canyon towards the shuttle. There were several spots along the river where you could easily stop with a picnic or snack for rest & adventure. This is an area to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy and let the exploration dictate your timeline.

Heading back to the shuttle from The Narrows

BIG BEND

Once we returned to the shuttle station, we had the privilege of heading DOWN the canyon in the shuttle (something that most people are doing the opposite of)! After reading other’s experiences, we decided to use our advantage of being at the top of the canyon to cruise down the shuttle stops in order. We hopped on and quickly got off at shuttle stop #8 BIG BEND.

Although there was not some major hike to take on at this stop, we loved looking around at the sights. We briefly explored the trail and looked for California Condors flying across the sky (the is a top spot for seeing them in Zion). You can also gaze up to see the final climb of ANGEL’S LANDING which is pretty incredible. It also was a nice moment to have a slice of Zion to ourselves, as BIG BEND is not a populated stop and has its own exploring potential and views of the river slicing through the canyon.

Big Bend Shuttle Stop

WEEPING ROCK

From BIG BEND, we hopped back on the shuttle and headed down to shuttle stop #7, WEEPING ROCK. This hike was incredibly short and came through with big views! At only .4 miles, it is slightly steep heading up towards a massive dripping sandstone peppered in hanging gardens. Unfortunately, not too long after our visit, there was a rockslide that closed this part of the park. Although the overhanging cliffs can feel overwhelming, it really is an incredible experience to stand beneath them and look out at the expansive views.

This trail is short enough to work for any age and is even paved for the majority of the path. There are several trailside exhibits to enhance your experience as you head up. As you reach the “Weeping Wall,” you are surrounded by “weeping” cliffs and the vegetation that surrounds them. Depending on the time of your visit, the cliff may be “weeping” or “flowing.” It is an incredible sight to stand behind a waterfall amongst the mosses and other water-absorbing vegetation.

Weeping Rock

THE GROTTO

From WEEPING ROCK, we took the shuttle down one more stop to shuttle stop #6, THE GROTTO. The Grotto shuttle stop is a shaded picnic area with water and restrooms. From here, you can opt for a longer adventure by crossing Zion Canyon Scenic Trial to the Kayenta Trail that will lead you to the Upper Emerald Pools. We chose a far shorter adventure and took the short GROTTO TRAIL along the scenic drive back to the Zion Lodge. The trail to the lodge is less than a mile and very flat, which made it an easy walk back!

The Grotto Trail to Zion Lodge

ZION CANYON BREW PUB

Although we had grazed on some heavy snacks throughout our morning adventures, it was now 1:30 pm and we needed to eat! We knew we wanted to check out the ZION CANYON BREW PUB at Utahs’s first microbrewery, ZION BREWERY. We drove out of the park to check it out.

PARKING

The Brew Pub is located in Zion Canyon Village just south of the entrance to the park. This area gets very busy, as it is where the Springdale shuttle line ends and pedestrian access to the park begins. We realized quickly parking can be a struggle as we were visiting in peak season and arriving about 2 pm. We ended up parking in one of the many “1 hour only” spots, setting a timer, and moving the car halfway through the meal. It was a bit of an inconvenience, but we parked quickly and avoided the frustration of circling over and over looking for a different spot.

BREW PUB FOOD

The Zion Canyon Brew Pub was an awesome spot for our lunch! They are open for dinner too, and the menu has plenty of choices for everyone. Everything is made from scratch 7-days a week. We started with the grilled avocado Caprese appetizer which was awesome. The more you follow along, you will learn anything Caprese has my heart. Next up we ordered the Zion Brew burgers that came with an insanely delish Stout jalapeño bacon jam. They hit the spot and we all loved how they came with a giant onion ring on top! Our son loved his chicken fingers and brownie dessert.

BREW PUB BEER

The beer was great too. They have a variety of craft beers which is unique for Utah. All breweries and brewpubs in Utah are required to serve draft beers under 5% ABV, which is different than the typical 7% IPA. We enjoy IPAs, so we were skeptical, but we both really like the Juicy IPA. I definitely recommend the Brew Pub for a mid-day break from your adventures to refuel.

Good times at the Zion Canyon Brew Pub

ZION NATURE CENTER

After our lunch, we drove back into the park and checked out the ZION NATURE CENTER so our son could take his Junior Ranger oath. We were so glad we did. Our thinking was the nature center would be FAR LESS crowded than the visitor center to pop in to get his Junior Ranger badge. We were correct, it was a very easy stop & parking situation, but we were also pleasantly surprised at all the Nature Center offered. If you are traveling in Zion with kids, make a point to stop in for a bit. This is an especially great place to show a completed Junior Ranger booklet to a ranger for a badge.

THE ZION NATURE CENTER has wonderful displays about the park for kids, lots of hands-on exhibits, and even a few small crafts (our son made a nature journal). Kids can even dress up as park rangers! The whole center is done so nicely and the ranger was so engaging with our son. He loved this stop and we did too! Make sure to check your park brochure for the Nature Center hours as they are more limited. There is no shuttle stop for the Nature Center, but it can be accessed from the Pa’rus Trail that leaves from the Visitor Center.

Becoming a Junior Ranger at the Zion Nature Center

ZION-MT. CARMEL TUNNEL

From the ZION NATURE CENTER, we headed to the East side of the park, driving the beautiful Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. There are no shuttles to this part of Zion, but the drive is beautiful and worth your time! The road has several switchbacks that offer spectacular views as you gain elevation coming out of the canyon. Then, you will approach the famous 1.1-mile ZION-MT. CARMEL TUNNEL. The tunnel was completed in 1930 to create direct access to Bryce Canyon and The Grand Canyon from Zion. Once completed, it was the longest tunnel in the US at the time.

Due to the number of accidents that have occurred in and around the tunnel, if you are driving an RV or other oversized vehicle, you will need a permit to pass through the tunnel during specific hours. Rangers control traffic flow at the tunnel, so you may sit in a delay as you wait to enter. As you pass through the tunnel, huge windows carved out of the rock give you spectacular views of the canyon. These windows not only help with light and ventilation in the tunnel but were actually used to dump rock & soil into the valley below during construction.

The Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel

CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL

When you exit the tunnel heading East, chances are you will see several (full) small parking lots and cars parked along the street. These are all people hiking the CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL. I first read about this trail from 2TravelDads and I am so glad I did. Without their review of the trail, I would have thought it was too much with our six-year-old son and moved on to the next idea. Instead, I knew this trail was something I wanted to experience. We were all so happy that we did.

PARKING

We ended up driving past the parking lots as we tried to navigate where we were and where the trailhead started. We had to u-turn on the highway and ended up parking alongside the road. The walk to the trailhead was not too long. There was space to do so on the road without panicking.

TRAIL SAFETY

The Canyon Overlook Trail is only a mile, but it has many long drop-offs that will give your heart a jump with kids. However, almost all of the drops have guard rails or some type of fencing. There was a lot of handholding on this trail! We ALWAYS had our son walking on the inside of one of us, versus along the drop side of the trail. You know your child, so if you are interested in this trail, think about how they interact with you daily. If they listen and have no problem holding hands, not running away, etc. then it can be a great experience for you! If your child is afraid of heights, loves to run ahead, or struggles with listening/following directions, this may not be the best pick for your family.

ALONG THE TRAIL

We began the trail at about 4:45pm. We had to take a moment on the ridge to take in the incredible view of the Mt. Carmel Tunnel. As the trail began to narrow, the hand-holding began as we walked along the side of the cliff. The views were very cool and the experience of walking cliffside was super exciting for our son!

The Canyon Overlook Trail

As we came around the corner of the boardwalk, we found ourselves inside of a cliffside cave. It was a very cool spot to sit down, drink some water and have a snack in the shade all while taking in the incredible red rock views. After our break, we continued up the trail and shared it with many busy chipmunks! The trail has a total elevation gain of 163 feet and took us about 45 minutes to reach the Canyon Overlook.

Once we reached the overlook, we could not believe how stunning the panoramic views of Zion Canyon are! Looking down, we saw the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway switchbacks that we had just been driving up as we climbed out of the canyon towards the tunnel. As you can see in the pictures, there is a large guard rail at the lookout. There is a lot of space to roam around and check different views. PLEASE NOTICE the guard rail does not extend up the rocks. If you have children with you, make sure to keep them in the main area right with you or explore with them hand and hand! This is not a place to let your child roam and explore. Our son spent some time on the lookout for a California Condor. We have yet to see one in the wild, but he is determined.

The Canyon Overlook Viewpoint

After enjoying the view for a bit, we started to head back down. Hiking back only took us 30 minutes. We did not stop as much, but we did continue with the hand holding!! We also took a water break in that cliffside cave. You cannot beat the shade and temperature drop passing through! Once we were back at our car, we headed west back towards the canyon and lodge through the Mt. Carmel Tunnel.

HEADING BACK INTO THE CANYON

Coming down the switchbacks on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, we spotted exactly where we had been standing at the Canyon Overlook! There is a large arch in the mountain, and the Canyon Overlook is right on top of it. There is a pullout along the highway where you can stop to take a better view. It was pretty amazing to see where we had been from the road we were just looking down on! This hike was definitely a highlight of our trip.


We got back to the ZION LODGE a little before 7 pm and knew we wanted some time to enjoy the lodge grounds and surrounding scenery. I had made another late dinner reservation at Red Rock Grill (8:30 pm) knowing we wanted to maximize our daylight hours out and about. We had snacked heavily throughout the day and had a big, late lunch so we were grateful for a late meal. Our son loves football and wanted some time to throw the ball around before dinner, so we headed out to the lawn.

ZION LODGE MAIN LAWN

The ZION LODGE MAIN LAWN is a beautiful setting and I highly recommend carving out some time to enjoy the calm of it all. A giant, 100-foot tall cottonwood tree provides shade and serves as a gathering point for people throughout the day. We took a glass of wine and had a mini picnic complete with football and our son drawing “Zion.” We were sharing the lawn with over a dozen deer, but there was plenty of space for everyone. It was a perfect stop to watch the sun go down before dinner. The lawn is a great spot at any point in the day, but there is something very special about the quiet at dusk when most tourists have left the park and only lodge guests and animals roam.

The Zion Lodge Main Lawn
RED ROCK GRILL – NIGHT #2

Once the sun went down, we headed into the lobby, enjoyed some more chess together, and slipped into dinner at the Red Rock Grill a few minutes early. It was a great dinner with a well-earned glass of red wine (or two). Sadly, with our late reservations meant the Grill’s specialty, the Navajo Taco, had sold out for the night once again. However, I tried something new and had the Trout Anasazi which was so good! We went to bed with full bellies and hearts knowing our day was one we would always remember.

OUR PLAN – DAY THREE

ZION NATIONAL PARK TO BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK – 85°

Check-out day is always a little sad, even when new adventures are ahead! We took our time in the morning to pack up, handle our son’s Cystic Fibrosis treatments and then headed back to the lawn for a quick breakfast picnic. You just cannot beat the views and calm out on that lawn early in the morning or late in the evening. My husband ran into the Castle Dome Cafe next to the lobby and grabbed some insanely delicious breakfast sandwiches. We enjoyed them in awe of the views around us and then headed back to the room for a final goodbye. Our son actually started crying when he closed the door to our cabin. We had experienced the magic of Zion and assured him we would be back again for more!

Our last morning in Zion

CHECKERBOARD MESA

We left the ZION LODGE about 10 am and headed out of Zion Canyon on our way to Bryce Canyon through the east side of the park. Once again, headed up the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway to the ZION-MT. CARMEL TUNNEL, only this time there was more backup and traffic direction happening around the tunnel. As we continued through the east side of Zion, we noticed a change in scenery and a drop in temperatures as the elevation increased. On our way out of the park, we stopped at the CHECKERBOARD MESA pullout to see the mountain that looks like a checkerboard. Our son had read about this geological site in his Zion Rookie Reader leading up to the trip.

THE ROCK STOP on HIGHWAY 89

We left the park and continued towards Carmel Junction in anticipation of all we had heard about Bryce Canyon. At the junction, we headed north on Highway 89 and pulled off for a quick stop at THE ROCK STOP. I had read about this stop in Lonely Planet’s Zion & Bryce Guidebook. The Rock Stop is a unique stop with a Flinstone vibe. It was a fun place to grab some coffee and a few funky rocks for our yard at home! Our son had fun feeding the goats and looking around at all the “treasure.” It is an easy stop right off the highway that breaks up the 2-hour drive from Zion to Bryce. This is a drive everyone should be enjoying!

The Rock Stop on Highway 89 to Bryce Canyon

After our stop, we headed straight to Bryce Canyon. The drive was beautiful and the time passed quickly. There is something so special about driving in beautiful places with the people you love. As we approached Bryce, we passed through Red Rock Canyon and went through several rock tunnels that only built our excitement about Bryce. You can continue to follow our trip and read about our adventure in Bryce next.

I always keep a “NEXT TIME” list when we travel. I feel like it is important to include because this blog is subjective and I want my readers to know about the myriad opportunities that I am still hoping to experience. Whenever I read, hear, research something outside of my experience, I will include it here. My hope is to eventually fully experience these destinations when I visit again (and I can’t wait to do so).

NEXT TIME…

WITH KIDS
  • COURT OF THE PATRIARCHS – Shuttle stop #4, a short and steep trail to expansive views of the towering sandstone Abraham, Isaac & Jacob peaks above
  • PA’RUS TRAIL – Shuttle stop #1 from the visitor center, a paved 3.5 mile walk along the Virgin River (only 50ft in elevation, great for kids). Tends to be busier as it is the only trail dogs are allowed on in the park, bikes are allowed as well. Lots of views.
  • THE ZION LODGE OUTDOOR PATIO with a glass of wine as the sun goes down! We never were able to enjoy the outdoor aspect of the Red Rock Grill and I think it would have been incredible!
WITHOUT KIDS
  • ANGEL’S LANDING via WEST RIM TRAIL – 5.4 miles, 4 hours, elevation gain of 1488ft – Steep, long drop-offs and not for anyone afraid of heights. I’ve seen it listed as one of the “most dangerous hikes in the US.” The last portion is a steep, narrow ridge to the incredible view.
  • NARROWS HIKE – we did some, but I would love to do the full 14 miles. You definitely need to plan up to 8 hours and need to have the proper equipment for the hike. And, as always, be aware of weather, flash flood warnings, etc.!
  • OBSERVATION POINT via EAST RIM – 8 miles, 6 hours, 2148ft elevation gain, leaves from Weeping Rock (shuttle stop #7). Very steep & long drops, but panoramic views from up top vs inside Zion Canyon.
  • HIDDEN CANYON TRAIL – 2.5 miles, 2 1/2 hours, 850ft elevation gain, leaves from Weeping Rock (shuttle stop #7)- Long drops, panoramic views from up top vs inside Zion Canyon.
CALIFORNIA, COVID-19 TRAVEL, HIKING, NATIONAL PARKS, ROAD TRIPS, SOUTHERN CA, WEEKEND GETAWAY

BLACK ROCK CAMPGROUND IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

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Camping in Joshua Tree is an unforgettable experience, no matter where you end up. The stargazing is phenomenal, and sitting around a campfire next to massive piles of boulders or Joshua Trees makes for an unforgettable experience. There are several National Park campgrounds to choose from, but for reasons I will talk about below, Black Rock Campground is our favorite for camping with kids. If you are looking for more info on visiting Joshua Tree with kids, make sure to read this post!

JOSHUA TREE CAMPGROUND OPTIONS

Joshua Tree has eight campgrounds – five requiring reservations during the peak season of September to May (Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, Ryan).

  • BLACK ROCK CAMPGROUND – 99 sites, $25/night, water, flush toilets, fire grates, dump station
  • COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND – 62 sites, $25/night, water, flush toilets, fire grates, dump station
  • INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND – 101 sites, $25/night, water at ranger station, pit toilets, fire grates
  • JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND – 124 sites, $20/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
  • RYAN CAMPGROUND – 31 sites, $20/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
  • BELLE CAMPGROUND – 18 sites, $15/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
  • HIDDEN VALLEY CAMPGROUND – 44 sites, $15/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
  • WHITE TANK CAMPGROUND – 15 sites, $15/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates

WHY CHOOSE BLACK ROCK CAMPGROUND FOR FAMILIES?

Little “luxuries” can make a huge difference when camping with kids. Safety and convenience factors go a long way, especially with younger kids. You can read more about our favorite things to pack when camping with kids here. We love Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree for the following reasons.

SPACIOUS SITES

Some of the middle sites are pretty close together, with nothing separating them. We were thrilled to be secluded and have plenty of space for our set-up, especially during COVID. There was plenty of room for our large tent, and there was plenty of space for another family to have joined us.

CELL SERVICE

So obviously, cell service is not something you expect or necessarily want when getting into nature. Still, the reality of our “always available world” is that sometimes it is necessary to getaway. Due to COVID, our son was distance learning and could check-in via Zoom while setting up our tent. My husband also had to manage any pressing issues at work. It was great to stay where he occasionally could check on email, as Joshua Tree has NO CELL SERVICE. I know this isn’t the point of camping, but when ducking out of town early on a Friday, it was nice to have service to manage school and work issues that came up!

FLUSH TOILETS

Black Rock Campground has real bathrooms with flush toilets and sinks. Real toilets are great for camping with kids. Although some of the more popular campgrounds like Jumbo Rocks, Indian Cove, and Hidden Valley are at the top of the “best campgrounds in Joshua Tree,” they only have pit toilets and no water available. When camping with kids, real bathrooms and sinks are very helpful!

WATER

In addition to bathrooms, Black Rock Campground has running water available throughout the campground. When I was 27 weeks pregnant, we camped here, so I appreciated an actual toilet and running water. Also, a water spout nearby makes washing dishes easier and assures you will have what you need to put your fire out at night. When camping with no water, you need to pack A LOT of water, especially in the middle of the desert. Water available in the campground alleviates this extra step.

LOCATION

Black Rock Campground is located inside the boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park. However, it is not located inside the main entrances. Just a few minutes off of the highway, the campground offers the beauty and quiet of Joshua Tree, with the convenience of 7-11 and Walmart not too far away. Since Joshua Tree is a park you are primarily driving through and stopping along the way, we found this super convenient for picking up firewood and ice each evening. The drive to the main entrance was only about 15-minutes each morning, and then we enjoyed stopping at our favorite places along the way as we looped through the park.

BLACK ROCK CAMPGROUND NATURE CENTER

Several trails leave from the Black Rock Campground, and the campground is home to the Black Rock Nature Center. Although closed during our COVID visit, the Nature Center is fun for families to explore and learn more about Joshua Tree National Park. The Black Rock Nature Center is also an excellent place for kids to work on their Junior Ranger books!

ABILILTY TO PLAN AHEAD

HOW TO MAKE RESERVATIONS

Although we were visiting when sites were first come, first served, reservations are available for Black Rock, reservations are available August-early June. You can make your reservation on Reservation.gov six months in advance. A reservation lets you know exactly what site you have and takes away the worry of “where will we end up?” Spots fill up fast, so signing on at 7 am is best EXACLTY six months before you want to go. Another option is to sign up for a service like Campnab that will monitor cancellations for you in real-time.

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEASON

Due to Black Rock Campground’s entrance being shortly off of the highway, you do not need to go through the main entrance to get there. This saves time when trying to score a great campsite (especially on a holiday weekend). We talked to the ranger on our drive out that said it is always best to try Black Rock or Cottonwood Campground before heading to the more popular Jumbo Rocks, Indian Cove, or Hidden Valley. You lose time driving into the middle of the park and will almost certainly be met with “Campground Full” signs on a busy weekend.

No matter what campground you choose, during first come, first served, all you do is grab a yellow envelope when you enter the campground. Then, pick an available site and begin setting up. Within an hour, make sure to fill out all of your info on the envelope, put your payment inside and clip it to your site marker. The key is finding a site with no yellow envelope clipped to the number- meaning it is vacant!

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CAMPING IN JOSHUA TREE

Joshua Tree is a beautiful National Park but also an isolated park. When you plan your family’s camping trip, there are several things to consider. First, always remember there is no cellular service inside the park.

FIREWOOD

Joshua Tree DOES NOT SELL FIREWOOD in their campgrounds. Please make sure to purchase your bundles on your way into the park. There are plenty of stores along the highway that sell firewood. Remember always to buy the firewood you burn locally. We found Black Rock Campground the most convenient because we could grab ice and firewood on the way back each evening.

WATER

Unless your campground has water available, like Black Rock Campground, you will need to bring all of your water with you. It is essential to overestimate as you are in the desert. Due to high desert winds, you want to make sure you have enough for drinking, washing up, and putting out your fire each night. You will want to have at least 1 gallon per person, per day, just for drinking. It would be best if you planned to double that in hotter temperatures.

PETS IN JOSHUA TREE

Pets are NOT ALLOWED on the trails in Joshua Tree. The answer to that is not to leave your pet unattended in the car while you hike!! The temperatures in Joshua Tree can soar to 100° plus. We all know that the car heats up much faster than the outside feels.

Pets are allowed on paved and unpaved roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. You can read more specific details about where dogs are permitted in Joshua Tree here. Pets must be on a leash at all times. All leashes (or camping tie-ups) must be less than 6ft long. We all know you need to clean up after your pet.

CAMPSITE RULES

Joshua Trees are very fragile, and hanging anything from them (hammocks, string lights) in your campsite is not permitted. So leave your hammocks at home. However, generators are allowed during certain hours. This is important for us as our son has Cystic Fibrosis and needs to do nebulizer treatments.

HOLIDAY WEEKEND ADVICE

Joshua Tree is only gaining in popularity. Getting a campsite is becoming harder and harder, especially when competing in the first, come, first served scenarios. Here are my tips for being successful when the competition is intense.

CALL THE RANGER STATION – (760) 367-5522

When we visited for Memorial day weekend, everything was first-come, first-served. News stations reported that the heavily sought-after Jumbo Rocks Campground was almost full by Wednesday night. We had no idea where we were going or what we would do there. So I started by calling the ranger station to ask about the status of the campgrounds.

Calling ahead was a great choice. The ranger gave me an idea of how full the different campgrounds were. It was still early, so the ranger station did not have the current count of sites that were left, but he was able to give me a general idea of what was already pretty crowded and probably full. This saved us a lot of time. The ranger advised us that during overcrowded times, you should always head straight to Cottonwood or Black Rock, whichever one is first on your route towards the park.

ARRIVE EARLY

When things are hectic, and everyone is competing for the first-come, first-served campsites, early arrival is essential. I am not talking about an early morning Friday arrival, but ideally, an early week arrival. Some people send members of their party out on Wednesday or Thursday to scoop up a site for the weekend.

If you can’t pull the kids out of school early, definitely get to Joshua Tree as early as possible. When we left our site and returned a few hours later, the campground was a zoo. Lights circled all night with people driving around looking for a site (don’t be those people)!

OUR BLACK ROCK CAMPGROUND WEEKEND ITINERARY

We left San Diego with our car packed in hopes of scoring a campsite shortly before 8 am. Unfortunately, the whole country was kind of chomping at the bit to get out, as quarantine had been going strong for about 12 weeks. We were initially heading to Mount Laguna but after a call with the camp host, we realized the trip would probably be a waste of time and immense disappointment (who wants to do all the organization/packing for camping for no campsite?!?!). So we quickly turned around and headed north to Joshua Tree. I immediately began finding a campground to target and piece together an itinerary.

DAY ONE – 85°

We were thrilled to find a great site in Black Rock Campground, and we were setting up by 11 am. Our son could even attend his class via Zoom while we unpacked the car. We finished a quick picnic lunch at our campsite, and since we were in the blazing sun and anxious to see the park, we headed in pretty quickly.

WEST ENTRANCE STATION

In non-COVID times, the first stop would have been the Joshua Tree Visitor Center for brochures, Junior Ranger books and recommendations. However, the building was closed, so we headed to the West Entrance Station, where all these materials were available in boxes once you entered.

As we headed into the park, we were all filled with anticipation as it was our first visit to Joshua Tree! It is fun to see the trees surrounding the road as you head into the park. It is impressive how so many of one type of tree can pop up in the middle of the desert. We decided to spend our day driving through the park versus coming back out to exit here again. We could go through east to the North Entrance Station in Twenty-nine Palms or head south towards Indio, to the Cottonwood Visitor Center Exit.

KEYS VIEW

We planned our exploring by heading straight out towards Keys View, the highest viewpoint in that park. It is a 20-minute detour from the main road (Park Boulevard). Panoramic views looking out at the San Andreas Fault, Mt. San Jacinto, Mt. San Gorgonio (the highest peak in southern California), and the Salton Sea. Being from California, you hear so many things about the San Andreas Fault and the earthquakes it has caused. It was fantastic to look out and see part of the 700 miles where the fault runs! Keys View has a short, paved path to the viewpoints, and the entire loop is 1/4 mile long. The park had signs that created one-way traffic on the pathway to help with social distancing. It was a great start to the trip, as we could look out and see how expansive the desert is.

Keys View in Joshua National Park

CAP ROCK

After checking out the desert view, we headed back towards Park Boulevard and stopped at Cap Rock. This was a great stop for our son to explore and rock climb. Cap Rock is a short, .4 mile self-guided loop through boulders, Joshua trees, and other plants. Although it is a loop, we took turns taking our son out to explore for a bit while one of us walked our dog around the picnic area, as dogs are not allowed on the trails. There are pit toilets and a picnic area here, and the parking lot is large, which can only be helpful on busy days.

I knew I wanted to check out the Cholla Cactus Garden, a bit of a drive south in the park, so we started heading in that direction. We drove through Jumbo Rocks Campground on the way to check the status (which was packed) and scope out sites we would want to book in a future trip. More on that in my “next time” list. Next to Jumbo Rocks Campground is Skull Rock.

SKULL ROCK

The Skull Rock Trail goes through the campground, so joining it would be easy if you were camping in Jumbo Rocks. We pulled off on the right side of the road at Skull Rock and took turns taking our son in to check it out. I wish we were able to explore this area longer together. I was very cool, filled with boulders, and our son would have climbed all over for hours.

We did get to see the “skull rock,” as it is right off the road at the stop. To complete the trail, you need about an hour or two (depending on how much climbing your little may want to do) as it is a 1.7-mile loop. This was an excellent stop and a trail I would love to hike when we are back without our dog. It is so fun to see all of the kids climbing all over boulders and just LOVING every second of it!

Shortly after Skull Rock, the road ends at a “T,” with Park Boulevard heading north to the North Entrance Station in Twentynine Palms and Pinto Basin Road heading south to the Cottonwood area. I knew I wanted to see the Cholla Cactus Garden in the late afternoon, so we headed south for almost 30 minutes to get there. Sadly, we had to pass the White Tank Campground and Arch Rock on the way. More on that in my “next time” list. In hindsight, we would have stopped here on the way to the cactus garden.

CHOLLA CACTUS GARDEN

The Cholla Cactus Garden is an incredible sight. We took turns taking our son through the 1/4 loop. The cactus garden appears to go on and on, and the colors shining in the sunlight are spectacular. Unfortunately, the needles are sharp, painful, and all around on the ground. The trail and boardwalk keep everyone safe, so stay on the path. The Cholla Cactus Trail is not a spot to let your child wander.

The Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua National Park

From the Cholla Cactus Garden, we headed north to the North Entrance Station park exit. Since we were camping, we wanted time to explore our campground, take care of our son’s breathing treatments and start a fire before dark. We stopped at a gas station to buy ice and firewood for the night in Yucca Valley. We were back at Black Rock Campground before 6 pm.

SUNSET IN BLACK ROCK

The wind was starting to pick up when we were out! We came back to most of our table set up on the ground. We did our best not to let the wind bring us down, and we enjoyed the evening around our campsite. With our site along the trail to the West Side Loop, we could explore the scenery around us while keeping our dog safe!

The wind started picking up even more, so we started our fire early and grilled some hot dogs quickly! It was an easy meal to make in windy conditions. Making dinner under a Joshua Tree is a memorable experience. As the sun went down, the temperature dropped, and the stars came out. Finally, we were able to see what all the hype is about Joshua Tree stargazing. Unbelievable stargazing. We were surprised to be pulling out the sweatshirts we had packed for the mountains. We capped the night with smores (our son’s camping staple) and waited out the wind while we slept.

DAY TWO – 85°

We woke up and were all feeling a little discouraged about how crazy the wind turned through the night. Weather apps said they were about 60mph, and they kept us awake! Meanwhile, I was pregnant and had to pee constantly. So it wasn’t the best night of sleep. However, when the coffee heated (it took forever because the wind was blowing out the stove) and we took in the views, we were ready to go for another day! So if you are camping, know your wind predictions and make sure you have what you need to be comfortable!

Looking out your tent window in the morning at this view – who cares how bad the wind was?

HEMINGWAY

We made a quick breakfast and headed back into the park. As soon as we entered, we could tell that being Saturday, it was far more crowded than the day before. So we decided to stop at a few places we had skipped the day before. We started with Hemingway, which was an excellent spot for rock climbing for our son. It also has an unpaved road where we could walk our dog. We even saw a desert iguana running through the vegetation. Very exciting!

We drove past Hidden Valley and Barker Dam but kept going because the parking was intense. Having our dog with us, we did not have the option to hike the trails. Instead, we headed back to Cap Rock to let our son climb while we walked the dog and enjoyed a picnic lunch. Cap Rock is a less crowded destination but makes for a great time with ample parking. I can see this being great if we were with friends and all in separate vehicles wanting a place to gather for lunch. However, if the crowds feel too much, this is also a great spot to relax.

Cap Rock in Joshua Tree

HALL OF HORRORS

Up next was the Hall of Horrors and my son loved it! My husband took him out on the .6 mile loop so I could stay with our dog. It was an easy loop with lots of rock climbing. Due to COVID, my husband felt uncomfortable with the crowds and had them wear their masks. As I write this in September 2020, it is interesting to think about this now, and masks have become standard. It was just an “idea” that may or may not help back then. They had a lot of fun climbing the rocks and checking out the scenery. Hall of Horrors is an excellent spot for kids.

Hall of Horrors

COTTONWOOD SPRING

From here, we headed south again to check out the Cottonwood Spring Trail. We drove for almost an hour, passing the cactus garden we saw yesterday and several campgrounds along the way. As we turned off the main road, we saw the Cottonwood Visitor Center and stopped to see if anything was open. It was not, but a kind ranger in the parking lot checked our son’s Junior Ranger book and swore him in. It was a sweet moment, as masks were brand new and seemed temporary at the time. I cannot say enough about the Junior Ranger program at the National Parks (more on that here).

We headed out to the Cottonwood Spring Trail, and each took turns taking our son out (again, our dog!). It is a less than 10-minute walk out to the palm oasis. It was easy enough to do, but it seems like the long walk out to the Lost Palm Oasis would give more incredible views. So unless you plan to leave this way to head out towards Indio or other parts of the desert, I would probably say skip anything south of the cactus garden if you are working with limited time.

We left the Cottonwood area and headed north towards the North Entrance Station. It was an hour plus to get back to our campsite, but it was magic when we did. The sun glowing over the Joshua Trees is nuts and obviously why there is so much hype around Joshua Tree.

BLACK ROCK HI-VIEW NATURE TRAIL

Once we got back to our campground, we took a mini stroll to find the Hi-View Nature Trail. We started strong, but our son saw a snake on the trail after a bit. After that, we realized we were going the wrong way, and we headed back to our camp. This trail had a lot of potential, but we were not ready for it. I cannot wait to check it out when we return. As the sun sets, the glow around the Joshua Trees is insane and capped the night with kombucha, smores, and INSANE stargazing.

DAY THREE – HEADING HOME

We woke up pumped on the beauty of the night before. We debated staying another night because it is hard to give up a great spot. But, instead, we decided to make an adventure on the way home. My husband had always wanted to see the Salton Sea from things he had read, so we decided to get a little creative with our day.

PIONEERTOWN

We headed out shortly before 10 am and headed up to Pioneertown. Unfortunately, due to COVID, most things were closed, but we enjoyed checking the vibe and seeing the famous Pappy & Harriets Pioneer Palace. They were serving drinks on the patio, but we were not comfortable yet, so this will hit the “next time” list. This strip looks like a movie set and is worth the 15-minute detour!



THE SALTON SEA

From Pioneertown, we did not take the direct way home. Instead, we headed south to one of California’s lowest points, the Salton Sea. If you are looking for weird, head south from Joshua Tree. The Salton Sea was once a thriving destination. However, the Salton Sea became toxic due to the lack of drainage needed for salt balance in the water. As the toxicity increased, it killed every living thing inside and destroyed the dream of the LA/palm springs lake-side destinations thriving on the salty banks. Coming into town, you can still see the remnants of the heyday. We did a drive-through as the remnants are sad, broken, and not where you are looking to hang out with no destination.

SALVATION MOUNTAIN

In my quest for adventure, I carried us on to Salvation Mountain, a piece of artwork that needs to be seen to be believed. We waited almost 30 minutes to cross the train tracks to get there, but once we pulled up, we knew we had arrived. The message “GOD IS LOVE” can be seen by all from the road not far from Slab City.

From Salvation Mountain, we headed into the Anza-Borrego Desert and Julian (perfect stop for strawberry season). More on these fantastic stops in the linked post!

CALIFORNIA, CENTRAL CA, COVID-19 TRAVEL, HIKING, NATIONAL PARKS, NORTHERN CA, ROAD TRIP - SEQUOIA AND YOSEMITE, ROAD TRIPS, WEEKEND GETAWAY

TWO DAYS IN YOSEMITE

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After an unforgettable two days in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in June 2020, we were ready to start our Yosemite adventure. Due to COVID-19, Yosemite had just reopened with reservations required about a week before our visit. Having an in-park lodging reservation automatically gave us an entry reservation for the park so we did not have to compete with the masses for our entry reservation. Here is what we did with our two days in Yosemite!

JUMP TO

GLACIER POINT
WAWONA TUNNEL VIEW PULLOUT
BRIDALVEIL FALLS
YOSEMITE VILLAGE
YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE
MERCED RIVER & SWINGING BRIDGE
COOKS MEADOW
YOSEMITE FALLS
DINING AT YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE
MIRROR LAKE
THE AHWAHNEE
BIKE RIDING IN THE VALLEY
CURRY VILLAGE
EL CAPITAN
VALLEY VIEW LOOKOUT

OUR PLAN – DAY ONE

OAKHURST, CA to YOSEMITE VILLAGE – 90°

We woke up in the Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites, about a 25-minute drive from the SOUTH ENTRANCE to Yosemite. Our room was large and had a pull-out bed for our son, a coffee maker, and a fridge. All rooms include the fridge which is important when you are planning to do breakfast in the room. We booked with Expedia to ensure flexibility due to COVID and a competitive rate. Oakhurst was a great starting point because it is close enough to get to the park quickly, but also a town with plenty of hotel and gas options. We filled up with gas before heading into the park and were in line for the entry gate in no time.

MARIPOSA GROVE/WAWONA

Since we only had two days in Yosemite, we opted to skip the first right turn towards MARIPOSA GROVE because we had just spent time in the Sequoias. However, this would make a great first stop. The BIG TREES TRAIL LOOP is an easy .3 mile 30 -45 minute walk through the towering Sequoias. Due to COVID, there was an additional 2 mile walk to the grove from the parking area.

Most of the other sites in Wawona, like the Pioneer Yosemite History Museum, Wawona Golf Course and Wawona Hotel were all closed as well. We drove through the area pretty quickly and decided this would be on the “next time” list. This stop would take a full morning between visiting Mariposa Grove and exploring Wawona. After a full morning, it would be nice to enjoy lunch (and a glass of wine!) at the Wawona Hotel Dining Room. There is a 24-hour mini Chevron station in Wawona as well in case you need to fill up before the one hour drive towards the valley.

GLACIER POINT

As we headed towards the valley, our first stop was GLACIER POINT. I highly recommend taking this detour on your way in to the park, as there is no shuttle service to this overlook. After driving into the park from the Wawona area for about 40 minutes, you will see the turn off for Glacier Point Road on the right in Chinquapin. It is about 30 additional minutes out to the overlook on Glacier Point Road, but the views are worth it!

At 3,000 feet above the Valley floor, it is a great introduction to the park. You can see most of Yosemite’s famous sites from this area, such as Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, several waterfalls and Yosemite’s High Country. It is also a great place to picnic and let kids run around a bit. There were families moving around camping chairs just relaxing and taking in the views as the kids enjoyed rock climbing and exploring.

Views of Half Dome and Vernal & Nevada Falls to the right

There are several trails around Glacier Point, including the 4.8 mile FOUR MILE TRAIL that will take you down to Yosemite Valley. We chose to stroll the paved trails along the guard rail and take in the views! It was the perfect introduction to Yosemite for our son. This is a great spot to let your kids break out their binoculars or digital camera. It was fun to “get the lay of the land” by looking down into the valley. The Merced river snakes through the valley floor and the Ahwahnee Hotel looks like a castle peeking out of the trees. It was a great place to stretch our legs from the drive into the park and spark excitement for our two days in Yosemite!

Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point – views of the valley floor, Merced river, Upper & Lower Yosemite Falls
Lots of places to explore and wander at Glacier Point

WAWONA TUNNEL VIEW

Once you drive the 30 minutes back to Wawona Road/Highway 41, you are not too far from the not-to-be missed pullout – the WAWONA TUNNEL VIEW. If you have seen someone post a family in Yosemite, chances are it was from Tunnel View. It is an easy stop, just turn left immediately following the tunnel. As you drive through the dark tunnel, there is excitement approaching the bright light and insane views to follow.

There are parking lots on both sides of the road as you exit, but the grand view is from the parking lot on the left. If parking is too full, do not be discouraged. Just circle around again as people are constantly coming and going very quickly here! I grew up going to Yosemite as a kid, so my brother and I had plenty of photo opportunities at Tunnel View! Of course I had to try to recreate this 80’s photo from my childhood with my son! How did we do?

The Wawona Tunnel and Tunnel View Pullout

BRIDALVEIL FALLS

As we made our way down Wawona Road into Yosemite Valley, the sights surrounded us and did not disappoint. Yosemite truly is a magical place, and it is amazing to look up at the granite rocks knowing there are climbers looking down at our car weaving through the valley floor. Our first stop was BRIDALVEIL FALLS.

With only two days in Yosemite, I highly recommend stopping here as you head into the valley for several reasons. Wawona Road, the road heading in and out of the valley, is one way, so this is an easy pull out as you head in as it is on the right side of the road. In addition, there is no shuttle service to the trailhead. Open year round, the trail is an easy 1/4 mile walk to the base of the 620 foot waterfall. Some of the trail heading up closer to the base of the waterfall was closed for renovations, but we still had great views from the pools below.

TRAIL SAFETY

Please use caution when exploring the rocks below the waterfall as they are very slippery. Also, be very aware and careful near any water areas in the parks as conditions can be unpredictable. Each year visitors are injured (or worse) due to slipping on rocks or being swept away in changing currents, etc. I read earlier this year about a hiker that slipped on the rocks and hit his head in this same area. There were many people hopping the construction fence and scaling the rocks up closer to the waterfall. I just can’t recommend that as it may look exciting, but it is very dangerous. Plus we had great views from the end of the designated trail!

Short hike to the base of Bridalveil Falls

YOSEMITE VILLAGE

DINING OPTIONS

After our stop in Bridalveil Falls, we were more than ready for a late lunch. Once again, due to COVID, our dining options were very limited. With the fluctuating changes surrounding COVID, make sure to check here for updated information about what is open and when if you are traveling in this pandemic. We opted to stop in the village to grab sandwiches at DEGNAN’S KITCHEN, a grab and go deli in the heart of Yosemite Village. In addition to deli offerings, Degnan’s Kitchen has salads, artisan pizzas, baked goods and a variety of beverage choices. It is an easy place to stop in, stock up and continue your adventure! If times were different, I would have loved to check out THE LOFT AT DEGNAN’S for a more leisure-like lunch with a glass of wine or cold craft beer! Another item on my “next time” list!

VALLEY VISITOR CENTER

We also used this stop to check out the (closed due to COVID) VALLEY VISITOR CENTER. Park Rangers had tents set up outside to answer any questions. We were able to purchase the $3.00 Junior Ranger book for our son to complete during our two days in Yosemite. We were also able to grab stamps for our National Park Passports and figure out our parking options as there was no shuttle service available due to COVID. During regular operations, you would spend a little more time checking out all the village has to offer, but our stop was pretty short. Our next stop was within walking distance and a favorite from my childhood, the Yosemite Valley Lodge.

YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE

I cannot recommend the YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE enough. It has a fantastic location along the bike path and provides the comforts of home with the National Park rustic feel. The lodge is home to a gift shop, Starbucks, a large cafeteria open for breakfast/lunch/dinner, a bar/lounge, a swimming pool and a bike rental stand. Those of you that follow my itineraries know how much we love in-park lodging at National Parks. Yosemite Valley Lodge can be very difficult to book, and I made our reservations 12 months in advance. Even then, they only had one night available. However, I continued to check and was able to secure the second night about 10 months in advance. So do not give up! Keep checking availability as I have mentioned in other posts.

Traditional Room at the Yosemite Valley Lodge in the Laurel Building

MERCED RIVER and SWINGING BRIDGE

Once we were settled in our room, we were anxious to head back out because there is so much to do and see in Yosemite! The back door of our room lead right out the the bike path so we followed the path a short distance (10 minutes maybe) straight to SWINGING BRIDGE and the MERCED RIVER. It was a beautiful bike ride for my son and we enjoyed the views across the meadows as we approached the river.

We took time to sit down by the “beach” along the river as my son splashed away in the water. The views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome towering about the river are phenomenal. We sat in awe of our surroundings. We enjoyed a kombucha on the beach, but the lodge had informed us that you are more than welcome to grab a drink at the bar and walk it down to the beach for a fun happy hour!

Biking from Yosemite Valley Lodge to Swinging Bridge over the Merced River
Cooling off in the Merced River under Sentinel Bridge

COOK’S MEADOW

After our swim, we crossed Sentinel Bridge to continue the loop to COOKS MEADOW. My son rode the bike path along Wawona Road and the views were astonishing. It was almost 6pm (late lunch for the win), and we felt like we had the place to ourselves. With only two days in Yosemite, we wanted to make the most of our daylight hours. The boardwalk weaves through the meadow and back to the bike path all along Wawona Road. Right before we turned to cross the meadow towards Yosemite Falls we passed the oldest building in Yosemite, dating back to 1879, the YOSEMITE CHAPEL. This walk/bike ride was beautiful and I cannot recommend it enough! The loop from the lodge is about 1 mile, easy and paved or boardwalk the entire way. Crossing the meadow towards Yosemite Falls is a view everyone should enjoy!

Weaving through Cook’s Meadow on the boardwalk
Views along the Cook’s Meadow Loop – Yosemite Chapel, Showy Milkweed, Sentinel Rock

YOSEMITE FALLS

Although it was getting late, we decided to check out the LOWER YOSEMITE FALLS TRAIL as I knew this is a very busy trail and would be crowded during peak hours. Our son was able to ride his bike for some of the trail and again, the views were remarkable. The trail to the falls is easy, with just a slight incline towards the end. At the base of the 2,425 foot waterfall you can feel the spray as the water flows down. We even saw climbers repelling down from the top of the lower falls. It was a great time to do the trail as it was mostly shaded and not too crowded. Again, please use caution around wet rocks and waterfalls in Yosemite. There were many people climbing all over the rocks to get closer to the base of the waterfall. This is not recommended!

Lower Yosemite Falls Trail – Can you see the climbers repelling down the waterfall?

DINING AT YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE

As we began seeing last light on the valley floor, we knew it was time to head back to the lodge. The Upper & Lower Yosemite Falls trailheads are right next to the lodge, so it didn’t take much time to get back. BASE CAMP EATERY is the cafeteria at the Lodge, and offers a variety of items for dine in and to-go. I have some of my favorite childhood memories adding massive slices of cake to my tray sliding through the line. It has changed a lot since then, but the nostalgia surrounding it made it something we were going to try.

Due to COVID, we decided to take it to go back to enjoy on our room’s porch. We all chose the meatloaf and macaroni and cheese plate and it was really good! We enjoyed an easy night and my husband and I enjoyed a quiet night on the porch as our son fell asleep. In an non-COVID world, I would have loved to have a glass of wine in THE MOUNTAIN ROOM LODGE, dinner in THE MOUNTAIN ROOM and to roast marshmallows for smores on their patio – all on my “next time” list!

Last light on the valley floor – heading back to Yosemite Valley Lodge from the Lower Yosemite Falls trail
Dinner on our porch at the Yosemite Valley Lodge

OUR PLAN – DAY TWO

EXPLORE YOSEMITE VALLEY – 84°

Waking up in the center of the valley is truly incredible and so peaceful. I can only imagine how camping in Yosemite must feel (on the “next time” list!). Morning coffee on the patio while filling my husband in on the adventures I have planned for the day is one of my favorite things. Knowing we only had two days in Yosemite, I loved knowing we had the entire day ahead of us!

As always, I picked something I knew would get crowded to do first thing in the morning. I chose another nostalgic hike to start our day, the hike to MIRROR LAKE. Yosemite Valley offers so many beautiful hikes, but this one stands out from my childhood. We headed out for the day and as we hopped in the car I couldn’t help but smile at the view of Yosemite Falls from the Lodge parking lot. It is all just so beautiful. Yosemite really is magical. I know everyone says that. But really, there is a reason.

MIRROR LAKE

Mirror Lake is an easy, 2 mile flat hike on the east side of the valley. You can park at the horse stables near Curry Village, or during non COVID times, take the shuttle to Mirror Lake Trailhead at shuttle stop #17. As a kid, my family walked this trail in summer and winter. We used to whine and complain like it was the longest walk ever. Not at all. It is incredibly kid friendly and has many beautiful things to see. Mirror Lake is the closest you can get to half dome without actually hiking or climbing it. The tranquil waters act as a mirror for the beauty surrounding it.

PARKING AND TRAILHEAD

To start our hike, we parked at the stables which are right by the service road where the trail begins. Along the side of the service road is an actual trail, so although my childhood memories were walking along the paved service road, I insisted we follow the trail on the side. My son loved climbing along the boulders on the trail. At the first bridge crossing the creek, stay to the left along the road. To get to Mirror Lake in one-mile, follow the service road.

TRAIL TO MIRROR LAKE or MIRROR LAKE 5 MILE LOOP

I took us to the right walking along the right side of Tenaya Creek. Although it was beautiful, we realized about 2 miles in that I had taken us on the 5-mile loop of Mirror Lake. We reached a point along the creek to cut across, but the water was VERY cold to walk through and led us to a marshy wetland with limited options to cross over again. We quickly realized we were in the middle of Mirror Lake!

From the start of the trail my husband had said he was concerned we were on the wrong path, but I insisted I knew what I was doing (because I did it every year 25+ years ago?!?!?). Michael is a good sport and just gave me that “I told you so” look in the middle of the lake! Ha! But good memories. It did not take too long to cross over again and then we were there! We took some time to enjoy the views and have a small snack before walking back on the paved road! There were many people heading up as we walked back, including lots of families biking which would be really beautiful! When we got back to the car, parking was full with people circling for spots. Earlier we had no problem parking, so early was key for this trail.

Mirror Lake
HAPPY ISLES ART & NATURE CENTER

During non-COVID times, the HAPPY ISLES ART & NATURE CENTER is a short walk away and would be fun place to check out with kids too. This would be a great place to attend a Junior Ranger program or let you ranger ask questions, explore and even take his/her Junior Ranger oath! Since the nature center was closed, we headed back to Yosemite Village so our son could take his Junior Ranger oath. I absolutely love the National Park Junior Ranger programs. More on that here. But they really are so special to kids. He talked to this sweet ranger for almost 10 minutes about all of his adventures. It makes me so proud to see him so proud of what he has done and seen! The activity books are the perfect activity for quiet evenings, getting ready in the am, restaurants and specific to CF breathing treatment times.

An official Junior Ranger!

THE AHWAHNEE HOTEL

Once our Junior Ranger was officially sworn in, it was time to have lunch and celebrate! What better place to relax and celebrate than THE AHWAHNEE HOTEL? Unfortunately, due to COVID, the dining room was only open for dinner, so we planned to take advantage of the bar’s “Gourmet Grab & Go” box lunches.

The Ahwahnee Dining room is definitely a special treat and reservations are strongly recommended. Due to the changing situation with COVID, I would recommend checking out the latest offerings. As I write this, everything is take-out only, but it makes for a fun gourmet picnic! Although the Ahwahnee had dining tables set up outside, we decided to picnic on the grass. It was a special time, although it was cut short by some aggressive squirrels! We ended up enjoying the outdoor couches surrounding the dining room and treating our son to an ice cream treat from The Sweet Shop!

A beautiful picnic at the Ahwahnee

BIKE RIDING IN THE VALLEY

After lunch, we headed back to our room to regroup and decided our son should pick the afternoon. He wanted to head back to the Merced River and go on another bike ride. Although we had just done it yesterday, it was a lot of fun so we put on our suits and headed out! Bikes are a great way to navigate Yosemite Valley and if I hadn’t been 32 weeks pregnant, we all would have taken a family bike ride. If your kids are able, I highly suggest enjoying the valley on bike! There are over 12 miles of flat bike paths that take you to a majority of the highlights! The Yosemite Valley Lodge and Curry Village have bike rental stands if you do not want to bring them with you. We had an incredible day in 2021 bike riding and you can read all of the details and our itinerary here!

SENTINEL BEACH

We headed back to the MERCED RIVER along the bike trail and headed north of SWINGING BRIDGE toward SENTINEL BEACH. Hanging out on the shore, we saw so many people come cruising down the river on rafts. The water was so calm, and families looked like they were having a great time. This is another “next time” item and it turns out you can rent rafts through your in-park lodging and enjoy the river starting in Curry Village! We had a lot of fun relaxing on the shore before heading out for an afternoon bike ride/parent walk! We cruised around a similar path as the night before, through Cook’s Meadow and even saw several deer and two brown bears! It was incredible.

The Merced River and biking through the Valley

CURRY VILLAGE

After cruising the valley it was time for dinner! I wanted to check out CURRY VILLAGE, another childhood favorite. Due to construction, Curry Village has a variety of food trucks in the parking lot to add to their dinner options. We had some delicious tacos and checked out the “under renovation” Pizza Patio. I can imagine relaxing with some delicious pizza and a craft beer under the towering views of Glacier Point would have felt pretty good! So again, adding it to the “next time” list. Deer were out and about which was a lot of fun for our son to see.

We went to bed with happy hearts and beautiful views of the moon from our patio. As we enjoyed the moonlight and quiet, we heard some major noises in the bushes and then saw glowing eyes staring at us on the porch. Due to COVID, there was a lot of news about how animals were out and about more due to park closures. After our experience, we could not agree more.

OUR PLAN – DAY THREE

YOSEMITE VALLEY TO SAN DIEGO – 84°

Waking up on the last day of vacation is so hard. Let’s be real. I am always grateful for the time we have had, but it is hard to know it is time to pack up and start our 7-hour drive home! I always have a few last-minute “let’s try this” items so we took our time in the morning and headed out right before check-out to see some last-minute sights!

EL CAPITAN

As much as our son loved the documentary “Free Solo,” I knew we had to take him to look for climbers on the granite monolith EL CAPITAN, or as my son would say, “EL CAP.” We headed west out of the valley and pulled off the side of the road at EL CAPITAN MEADOW to check out the climbers. My son used his binoculars and immediately saw two heading up and it was so exciting! As far as we could tell it was not Alex Honnold, but my son was thrilled anyways! Can you spy them in the photo?

Looking for climbers on El Capitan

VALLEY VIEW LOOKOUT

As you continue towards the park exit after El Capitan on the loop road, the beautiful VALLEY VIEW lookout is waiting for you. We were not sure what we were looking for and it came up quick. We actually had to loop around to get there again! Shortly before the exit to 140 and the turnaround towards Bridalveil Falls, there is a small pullout on the left hand side of the road with incredible views. It is a great way to say goodbye to the valley as you head out. It definitely maximizes your time to hit the one way stops on the way in and the way out versus turning around over and over on one-way roads. As we our two days in Yosemite, it was hard to say goodbye but our hearts were full from the magic.

Valley View Lookout
FINAL GOODBYE AT TUNNEL VIEW

On the way out of the valley, we pulled over at TUNNEL VIEW to say a final goodbye to our two days in Yosemite. It seemed fitting as it we entered the valley here and said our final goodbye here. There are so many amazing ways to experience Yosemite and I feel like we did not even begin to scratch the surface. We had an incredible trip, but I know there are so many more things we want to do and see. In addition, I am only writing about a summer version. Imagine what a winter wonderland in Yosemite can bring you. I have left a few pieces of my heart around CA, but Yosemite definitely has some of it. I am confident we will be back.

Saying goodbye to Yosemite at Tunnel View

I always keep a “NEXT TIME” list when we travel. It is important to share because this blog is subjective and I want my readers to know about the myriad opportunities that I am still hoping to experience. Whenever I read, hear, research something outside of my experience, I will include it here. My hope in to eventually fully experience these destinations when I visit again (and I can’t wait to do so). Next trip, I want to to see more of the park and experiences a few new things. I also want to visit some of the most popular places the were closed due to COVID.

THINGS WE WANTED TO DO THAT WERE CLOSED OR IMPACTED BY COVID
ADVENTURES WE NEED MORE PLANNING TO DO (maybe without kids)

YOSEMITE TRIP PLANNING RESOURCES

Planning a trip to Yosemite? Check out my other Yosemite resources here!