Tag: national park travel

The Best Death Valley Itinerary for 48 Hours of Adventure

Post author By Hannah

The moment you step into Death Valley National Park, it feels like you’ve landed on another planet. As you peer out, towering sand dunes ripple like golden waves under a scorching sun. In the distance, jagged mountains rise and the salt flats stretch endlessly, shimmering like a mirage. This is a land of extremes—the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.—yet within its harsh beauty lies an otherworldly charm. From the ghostly silence of Badwater Basin to the kaleidoscopic colors of Artist’s Palette, Death Valley is a place that both humbles and exhilarates in equal measure. You’ll find that 48 hours of exploring flies by in a blur as you traverse the remote desert.

Two days in Death Valley is the perfect sweet spot for experiencing its most breathtaking sights, without venturing into the rugged backcountry. In just 48 hours, you can stand at the lowest point in North America, wander across the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, drive the scenic curves of Artist’s Drive, and witness the fiery glow of sunrise at Zabriskie Point. You’ll have enough time to explore the highlights—without needing a high-clearance vehicle or hours of off-roading. Whether you’re here for the epic landscapes, the eerie silence, or the thrill of exploring one of Earth’s most extreme environments, a well-planned two-day itinerary ensures you see the best of Death Valley without pushing past your comfort zone.

Fast Facts About Death Valley National Park

Size: 3.4 million acres

Visitors: 1,099,632 visitors annually (data from 2023)

Highest elevation: 11, 049 feet — at Telescope Peak

Lowest elevation: 282 feet below sea level — at Badwater Basin

Distance from Las Vegas Airport: 120 miles — 2 hr & 15 min drive

National Park Initiation: upgraded from national monument to national park status in 1994 by an act of Congress

Timing is Everything

While late fall to early spring (i.e. October to April) is the ideal time of year to visit, what’s most important is knowing when not to visit—- and that’s the middle of the summer. Summer visits are not recommended due to the dangerous heat (regularly > 120°F). It becomes unsafe to spend too much time outside in an area notorious for being as dry as it is hot.

A visit in March or April means you might get to see some wildflowers in bloom. I had an open four day weekend at the end of January, so I decided to go visit! Temperatures ranged from 40s-60s, so it was warm enough to camp without issue, while also staying comfortable whilst hiking around. The quantity of fellow park visitors was minimal. Overall, January was a great month to visit!

Catch Some Zzzzzs

There are loads of accommodation options when you’re visiting Death Valley. In-park accommodations tend to either be very economical (camping) or a little on the spendier side (lodge living). Either way you have quite a few options to choose from— you can explore them below. It’s worth noting, both camping and the lodges will fill up quickly. If you know this is where you want to stay, book sooner rather than later!

LODGE LIFE

For those looking to experience Death Valley without roughing it, the park offers several lodge options. These range from historic luxury to rustic desert stays. The Inn at Death Valley, a beautifully restored 1920s resort, offers the most upscale accommodations in the park. Think elegant rooms, a spring-fed pool, and stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Just down the road, The Ranch at Death Valley provides a more casual, family-friendly experience, featuring a western-style vibe, a general store, and even a saloon. Both properties are located in Furnace Creek, making them ideal bases for exploring Death Valley’s major attractions.

To the northwest, Stovepipe Wells Village offers a mid-range option. You’ll find comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and easy access to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and remote stay, Panamint Springs Resort on the park’s western edge provides basic motel rooms, cabins, and tent sites, along with a small gas station and a restaurant. Whether you’re seeking luxury, convenience, or a rugged desert retreat, Death Valley’s lodges offer a place to cool off and rest after a day of exploring the park’s extreme landscapes.

CAMPING

Death Valley has several developed campgrounds (and even more primitive campgrounds), each catering to different styles of desert camping. Furnace Creek Campground is the most popular, due to its convenient location (just minutes from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center). It’s also the only campground that allows advanced reservations. This makes it the best choice for any planners who love the peace of mind that comes with a guaranteed spot—especially during peak season.

Nearby, Texas Springs Campground offers a quieter alternative with a scenic setting against the foothills, while Sunset Campground provides a massive, open gravel lot that’s ideal for RVs and larger vehicles. These three campgrounds are all within a five-minute drive of the visitor center, making them a convenient base camp when exploring Death Valley’s major sights.

About 30 minutes northwest, Stovepipe Wells Campground offers a rustic stay near the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, with easy access to gas and a general store. For those looking to be a bit more removed, Emigrant Campground is a free, tent-only site along Highway 190, while Wildrose Campground is nestled in the Panamint Mountains, providing a cooler, higher-elevation option. The most remote of the developed campgrounds, Mesquite Spring Campground, sits near Ubehebe Crater and offers a peaceful, less crowded experience.

our campsite at Furnace Creek Campground

Good Eats

Even in one of the harshest landscapes on Earth, you’ll find a surprisingly large variety of dining options. As you might expect, the Furnace Creek area offers the most choices, centered around The Oasis at Death Valley. The Inn Dining Room serves upscale cuisine with desert views that are as memorable as the food is delicious. The Ranch 1849 Buffet provides an all-you-can-eat experience for those looking to refuel after a long day of exploring. Just around the corner, the Last Kind Words Saloon, with its Western atmosphere, serves hearty meals and cocktails. Even if you pack your own meals, the Coffee and Cream is the nice spot to visit for a morning caffeine or post-adventure sweet treat.

If you’re staying or stopping at Stovepipe Wells, you’ll find a couple options: Toll Road Restaurant for casual lunch and dinner fare, and Badwater Saloon, a great place to grab a bite and unwind with a drink— especially after a long day in the desert. The general store here also has some snacks, cold drinks, and basic supplies.

The Panamint Springs Resort, located on the park’s western edge, has a restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner year-round. To really enjoy your meal, snag a patio seat and take in the rugged mountain views. The resort’s general store also carries firewood, camping essentials, and souvenirs.

Death Valley’s limited but well-placed food options ensure you won’t go hungry in the middle of this vast desert wilderness.

Ridin’ Dirty

While Death Valley is home to some rugged, off-the-grid destinations that require a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle, this itinerary is accessible to anyone with a standard vehicle. Almost all the desert landscapes on the list can be reached via paved roads or well-maintained gravel routes. You’ll be able to sample Death Valley’s remote beauty without the risk of getting stuck in deep sand or rough terrain! You don’t need off-roading capabilities to have an unforgettable adventure.

It’s always a good idea to fill up on gas before you head to Death Valley, but there are gas stations in the park. No need to fret about running out of gas!

D A Y O N E

Visitor Center at Furnace Creek

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is a perfect starting point for any Death Valley adventure. They have everything you need to get your bearings before heading out—park maps, trail updates, and a water fountain… all of these things are especially important as the weather in Death Valley grows warmer! It’s nice to have the rangers’ insight, and they can also answer any questions you might have— be sure to ask about the mysterious moving rocks at Racetrack Playa. The visitor center also features informative exhibits on Death Valley’s extreme climate, unique geology, and rich history– particularly regarding the indigenous Timbisha Shoshone culture. For any parks passporters, don’t forget to get your stamp!

Badwater Basin

At an impressive 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America—a vast, surreal expanse of hexagonal salt formations that seem to go on endlessly under the rising sun. While the view from the parking lot is rather impressive, it’s even more enchanting to take the 2-mile walk onto the salt flats. As you venture farther, the ground beneath your feet transforms into a dazzling white crust, crunching with each step.

It’s so wild to think the sandy-looking ground is actually an impressive stretch of salt… I did a quick taste test (not recommended) and can very heartily attest to the salinity. This truly is a beautiful place to start your adventuring— the expanse of salt and distant mountains make this a stark, stunning desert landscape.

Devil’s Golf Course

You won’t find a lush, manicured golf course amidst this desert expanse. The Devil’s Golf Course is a vast field of jagged, twisted salt formations so tumultuous that “only the devil could play golf here.” This peculiar landscape was formed as ancient lake beds evaporated, leaving behind a maze of salt pinnacles, sculpted by wind and time. It’s intriguing to see two salt fields that differ from one another so tremendously. Their similarity? The salt expands as it heats up in the warm sun, causing it to crackle and pop.

Artist’s Drive & Artist’s Palette

Winding through colorful hills and rugged canyons, Artist’s Drive is one of Death Valley’s most scenic roads. This 9-mile, one-way loop twists through a landscape that looks more like a painting come to life than a desert landscape. Especially at Artist’s Palette, where mineral-rich volcanic deposits have stained the hills in hues of red, yellow, green, and even purple, creating a surreal view. In our opinion, the best time to visit is in the late afternoon when the soft light brings out the most vibrant hues.

Dante’s View

Perhaps the most breathtaking panorama in the park, Dante’s View, sits at a perch of 5,475 feet, offering a staggering bird’s-eye view of Death Valley below. From here, you can see the vast salt flats of Badwater Basin stretching to the horizon, framed by towering mountains and, on a clear day, you can even see the distant peak of Mount Whitney. Not only is this incredibly scenic, but the dichotomy of visible elevation stretches from the lowest point in the U.S. at Badwater Basin to the highest peak in the continental U.S. at Mount Whitney. This makes for a serene place to end the day as the soft golden light of sunset rolls through.

Bonus views: Dante’s view is also an awesome place to stargaze. If you don’t mind hanging out for a bit, pack some dinner and hang out while you wait for the stars to make an appearance. Death Valley National Park is an international dark sky park, meaning the stargazing here is far above average.

D A Y T W O

Zabriskie Point

Start the day with an iconic sunrise at Zabriskie Point. As dawn breaks, the soft golden light streams across the rolling badlands, casting deep shadows and highlighting the dramatic ridges and valleys below. There’s a short walk out to a viewpoint, overlooking a labyrinth of eroded rocks, with the Panamint Mountains in the distant background. It makes for an incredibly peaceful and grounding start to the day!

Mosaic Canyon

Tucked into the hills near Stovepipe Wells, Mosaic Canyon is a hidden wonder of smooth marble-like rock and narrow passageways. A 3.5 mile out-and-back trail starts with a short scramble and leads into a twisting slot canyon, where polished walls, shaped by centuries of water erosion, gleam in the sunlight. Even if you aren’t keen on doing the whole hike, the first half-mile or showcases the most stunning formations— making it a worthwhile stop for adventurers of all fitness levels!

Twenty Mule Team Canyon Drive

Up next? A short and sweet peek at the rugged backcountry. The Twenty Mule Team Canyon Drive delivers a thrilling, off-the-beaten-path experience—without the need for 4WD! The road is named for the famous mule teams that once hauled borax out of the valley…. My how times have changed!! While this 2.7-mile loop remains unpaved, you shouldn’t have difficulty navigating through a maze of golden badlands, where rolling hills and eroded ridges create an almost alien-like landscape.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

For being out in the middle of the desert, it’s amazing how many unique, memorable landscapes you’ll find. Trade the plains of salt, for endless sand! The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are a sea of rolling, wind-sculpted dunes— rising up to 100 feet tall. There’s a 2.3 mile trail, for a more immersive experience; however, there’s no official path, so shoe and footprints or hikers are ever-changing in the shifting sands.

Ubehebe Crater

Ubehebe Crater is an enormous, gaping hole measuring 600 feet deep and half a mile across. This volcanic crater was formed by a powerful explosion when rising magma superheated groundwater, creating a violent steam eruption. The resulting dramatic, steep pit is surrounded by layers of dark volcanic rock, making it yet another unique geographical marvel in this desert park. To take it in from every angle, there’s a just-under-2-mile hike around the rim that offers panoramic views of Ubehebe as well as a peek at Little Hebe Crater nearby.

Death Valley National Park embodies such varieties and extremes. From salt flats to mountains to sand dunes to craters, and all the slot canyons in between, this national park is a wonderland of unique experiences in a desert landscape. We hope you have an incredible time exploring and adventuring— it’s action packed, but 48 hours in the park is an awesome glimpse of this natural desert wonder!

Looking to hit another California desert national park? Joshua Tree National Park is a completely different ambiance, only 4.5 hours away. If you head in the opposite direction, Zion National Park is also an easy 4.5 hours away. You never have to go toooo far to find your next adventure in this pocket of the country. Happy travels!

written by Kayla

A literal life saving queen, Kayla Grace is an Army nurse in southern California. She can be found patching patients up in the emergency department but is equally likely to be spotted out hiking or backpacking. She is also quite the coffee connoisseur, and she will go out of her way to find a local coffee shop when she visits somewhere new!

Tags Death Valley National Park, national park camping, national park travel, national parks

lifestyle

A One Day Adventure: Hiking & Beaches at Indiana Dunes

Post author By Hannah

Nestled along the southern tip of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and ecological diversity. Of the 63 national parks, the dunes were the 61st park, making them one of the most recent additions to the illustrious US national park ranks. This Midwest treasure boasts about 15,000 acres of landscapes that range from towering sand dunes to tranquil wetlands, and all the lush forests in between. The park is a testament to the power of nature’s adaptability, showcasing habitats that support over 1,100 plant species and a variety of wildlife. Only an hour southeast of Chicago, a one day adventure in Indiana Dunes is a tranquil escape from the bustling windy city.

There’s immense diversity between the breadth of parks within the national park system. While some areas feature more dramatic topography, much of the Indiana Dunes region is more subtle in its enriching, natural beauty. If you are on a road trip, a half day is sufficient to marinade in the ambiance of the park. For those interested in some shoreside relaxation, a full day is perfect to enjoy some morning activity before a restful afternoon of relaxation. Either way, we have an idyllic itinerary in store for this great lakes gem. Get ready, because a visit to the Indiana Dunes means connecting to nature, with beautiful Lake Michigan as a backdrop!

Fast Facts About Indiana Dunes National Park

Size: ~15,000 acres

Visitors: 2,765,892 visitors annually (data from 2023)

Highest elevation: ~140 feet above the surface of the Lake Michigan — on Mount Baldy (the dune is dynamic so this can change from year to year)

Distance from Chicago Airport (ORD): 55 miles — 1 hour drive

National Park Initiation: on February 15th, 2019 Indiana Dunes was upgraded from National Lakeshore to National Park by an

National park or state park?

Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park lands are rather interspersed throughout the region, creating a patchwork of protected areas that blend seamlessly together. While the state park is managed separately, it has its own hiking trails and activity opportunities. The state park actually has the largest beach area and facilities, along this stretch of Lake Michigan. You will almost assuredly find yourself moving between national and state park areas without even realizing it.

We enjoyed the cohesive, intertwined nature of the park system here. Perhaps this is a hot take, but from the feats-of-nature perspective, Indiana Dunes generally feels like a state park. It’s not like the ‘national park’ parts are significantly different than the ‘state park’ areas. That being said, the national protections, championed by conservationists, have been huge to protect against ‘big steel’. Part of the beauty of the national parks system is the diversity between all the states and regions protected. Plus, it’s still a wayyyy more immersive outdoor-nature experience than visiting the Gateway Arch National Park.

Accommodation Station

Depending on how long you plan to stay in the park, accommodations might not be necessary. However, if you’re looking to spend the night, you have a couple options. There’s no lodge in the park but there is a log cabin! The Cypress Log Cabin is a cozy, rustic abode, able to sleep up to 12 visitors. This is a beautiful, historic house with modern amenities and an amazing view of Lake Michigan.

For any campers, the Dunewood Campground offers spacious sites nestled among the trees, complete with restrooms and showers. The Central Avenue Walk-In Sites cater to those looking for a more secluded experience, as they require a short hike to reach the campsites. This also lends itself to a bit more solitude! Meanwhile, the Dunbar Group Site is ideal for larger groups and gatherings (up to 30 people allowed). Whether you prefer the comforts of a cabin or the simplicity of a campsite, the park’s accommodations ensure a memorable stay surrounded by nature.

*photo by Erin Watson via inthedunes.com*

ONE DAY

The park’s compact size and well-maintained trails make it easy to explore several distinct ecosystems within a few hours. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a sandy beach, taking a leisurely stroll through a wooded trail, or marveling at the sweeping views from a dune summit, you can savor the park’s beauty and still have time to relax. A half-day itinerary is ideal for travelers looking to enjoy nature while leaving room for other regional activities or a peaceful evening to unwind. A full day in the park will leave you time to sink your toes in the sandy beach!

Visitor Center

The visitor center is the logical first stop as you enter the park. Not only is it conveniently located, but you’ll also find all the helpful park resources, detailed maps, interactive exhibits, and (most importantly) expert guidance from rangers. It’s always helpful to know if there’s any closures or areas to be mindful of, when out exploring. For any parks passport enthusiasts, don’t forget your stamp!

Cowles Bog Trail

The Cowles Bog Trail is arguably the best trail in the park, as it explores a variety of ecosystems. This not-quite-4.5-mile trail weaves through wetlands, forests, prairies, and sand dunes, showcasing the park’s remarkable ecological diversity in a surprisingly short round trip distance. As you saunter along the trail, you’ll encounter picturesque views, vibrant plant life, and the chance to spot unique wildlife. And on a clear day, the Chicago skyline, as the trail culminates at a serene beach along Lake Michigan, making it a rewarding adventure for nature lovers.

A word to the wise, hiking back up from the beach is loose, dune sand is humbling— even for more experienced hikers, so be ready for a little challenge. Regardless, the Cowles Bog Trail provides a rich and immersive way to experience the heart of the park.

a couple stands with lake michigan as the backdrop to the forest and dunes, along the Cowles Bog trail — a perfect hike for a one day adventure in Indiana dunes national park

West Beach

If you’re looking for some afternoon relaxation, West Beach is an easy, 20-minute drive from the Cowles Bog trailhead. With its expansive shoreline, it’s an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and post-hike picnicking. It’s also one of the bigger beach areas, which means you won’t have to fret about mid-day parking– there’s over 650 parking spots! It means there’s bathrooms and showers as well, which is always refreshing at the end of a long, warm day.

For any beach-bound families, lifeguards are out during the day, in the summer months. You’ll also find food trucks setting up shop in the West Beach parking lot during the busier months. They vary from day to day but you can get your sugar fix with some kettle corn, cotton candy, and ice cream… or perhaps if you forgot to pack luck, the tacos, hot dogs, or sandwiches will tickle your fancy.

To get from the parking lot down to the beach, there’s an easy paved path— wheelchair accessible!! For anyone looking to take the scenic route, the Dune Succession Trail, winds through the dunes, woodlands, and wetlands behind the beachfront. Truly, West Beach encapsulates a little bit of all the best aspects of the park… stunning views of natural beauty paired with accessibility and fun.

Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk Beach

The Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk Beach is a close second when considering beach options. The parking lot is considerably smaller (still over 100 spots available), making this a less hectic spot, while still having a cafe and bathrooms nearby. The riverwalk stretches out into Lake Michigan, making this a favorite sunset spot. Its peaceful ambiance makes this a relaxing spot to end the day.

Not a very action-packed itinerary? We felt you really can capture the essence of this park with a half-to-full day experience. The Cowles Bog trail does take you down to the beach, so it’s a pretty rewarding one-stop-shop, if you only make one stop in the park. Overall, we felt, when compared to other national parks, Indiana Dunes National isn’t exactly going to blow you away with its topographical magnitude, but there is a peaceful atmosphere of feeling grounded in nature. We hope you enjoy your visit— happy travels!

written by Hannah

Hannah traded the warm beaches of southwest FL for the outdoor adventure locale that is Bend, OR. Despite the distance, Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves making time to explore newfound hikes. These days she has some extra pack weight; however, Xavier is notorious for being unimpressed by sweeping vistas.

Tags Indiana Dunes National Park, national park camping, national park travel, national parks

national parks tropical destinations

A Memorable One Night Backpacking Trip to Santa Cruz Island

Post author By Hannah

Channel Islands National Park encompasses a small five-island archipelago and the expanse of ocean that surrounds them, off the coast of southern California. This rugged yet enchanting landscape is home to one-of-a-kind plants and animals– found nowhere else on the planet. The rustic charm and cultural identity of the Channel Islands make this national park unique in the midst of California’s impressive array of national parks. Located approximately 12 miles off the coast, Santa Cruz is the easiest of the islands to reach. Not only that, it tends to have the most amenable weather as well as the most opportunity for recreational exploration… all the best ingredients for memorable backpacking escapades.

What makes Santa Cruz Island extra special? The remote and wild island may not have any restaurants or concessions, but it boasts quite the seascape. The Pacific ocean is an alluring backdrop to the unforgettable island coastline— the perfect amalgamation of tranquility and pristine panoramas that make for the ideal backpacking adventure. In addition to the natural beauty, Santa Cruz is historically and ecologically meaningful as well. Santa Cruz was once home to the Chumash Indians and remains the only home of the island scrub-jay-only as well as some small island foxes. We were lucky enough to see both while we were there– as well as lots of yarrow, fennel, and California sage bush!

Fast Facts About channel islands National Park

Size: 249,561 acres

Visitors: 328,746 visitors (data from 2023)

Distance from LA: 1-1.5 hour drive + a ferry ride

Became a National Park: March 5th, 1980

Highest point: Diablo Peak at 2,450 ft (on Santa Cruz Island)

Fun Fact: in 2023 there were 23,881 visitors that camped in the backcountry

While I’ve done my fair share of camping before, this was my first non-Army backpacking trip for pleasure. Having a tent, sleeping pad, and jetboil is fancy digs!! The rolling 1,500ft total climb certainly wasn’t easy peasy but the untouched, remote wilderness is hard to beat and so very worth the sweat equity.

Ferry Ferry, Quite Contrary

The rather remote nature of the park means a little extra time and coordination is necessary to plan your arrival. The ferry to Santa Cruz Island is operated by Island Packers. The ferry departs from Ventura Harbor and takes a little over an hour to reach Scorpion Cove. While this is the more popular of the two stops, you’ll want to sit tight a little longer. The ferry waits ~20 minutes to allow everyone time to disembark before cruising to its second destination. About 30 minutes later, you’ll find yourself at Prisoner’s Harbor. Overall you can expect the ferry time to be about 2 hours.

important notes:

you MUST bring all the water you anticipate needing with you onto the ferry because there is no water available at Prisoner’s Harbor and there’s definitely not a tap at the back country campground.
On the ferry, fuel and water cannot stay in your pack → the packs get stacked, so you don’t want the water bursting. Your water should be either in bladders (place in the back of the boat you can store it) or you can also bring gallons and distribute it when you arrive on the island.
When you check in for your ferry, they give you physical tickets to get on the ferry both ways aka do not lose your return ticket!!!
Double check your return time!! Some of them are only 30 min off from one another, but you have to get on the right time (aka actually aim for 30 min early) or else there won’t be enough room for everyone. You don’t want to get left behind!

These Boots Were Made for Walking

Once everyone’s off the ferry, it’s time to get those packs all ready to go! If you plan to bring extra water (to consume after you’ve returned but before you depart on the ferry again) there are fox boxes to store your water in to ensure it’s safe from the wildlife. Just for planning and packing purposes, one gallon of water per person per day is recommended.

Del Norte is a backcountry campground a little over 3 miles from the Harbor. Getting there requires navigating a bit of a rolling hill landscape as you’ll find yourself climbing, descending, and climbing again, for a total elevation gain of around 1,000’. There’s only 4 campsites, and even in April, it was warm enough that we were glad to have the two campsites in the shade! Reservations are required in advance… it’s a bit too long of a trek to be a first come first serve campsite! Reservations are easiest to make online (link here), but you can also call to reserve a campsite (877) 444-6777.

Campfires are prohibited, but jetboils are very much allowed, so it’s still very possible to enjoy a nice hot dinner. The picnic tables make for a breezy spot to relax and play cards together. It’s a lovely spot to spend the evening together, and perfect for stargazing into the night.

Prisoner’s Harbor and Del Norte exude peace and make it easy to imagine what a simple life would have been like hundreds of years ago. The simplicity can be quite the reprieve from the every-day hustle and bustle, but it also means you’ll need to bring EVERYTHING you need with you. This is by no means an inclusive packing list, but here’s a handful of things you’ll be glad to have with you regardless of the time of year!

Packing Up and Packing Out

When morning rolls around, it’s time for a spot of breakfast and then packing everything back up! The trail to the Del Norte campground is an out and back, so you shouldn’t feel too worried about getting lost on the way back— it should all be rather familiar to you.

If you’re wanting to take the path less traveled, there is an option to come back a different way, if you are so inclined (we highlighted this below). Just in general downloading the trail on AllTrails was nice to have, just as a safeguard against any accidental wandering off the intended path.

Keep on Keepin’ On

Once you make it back to Prisoner’s Harbor, take a little break and enjoy a snack because you’ve got more hiking on the itinerary! The ferry should be back by 11am at the latest, which is worth noting because there’s a naturalist aboard that will lead a guided hike (pro-tip: sign the waiver right after you buy your ferry ticket so you don’t have to worry about this later)!

The hike is along the Pelican Bay trail, and is less of a hike to a specific destination and more of a let’s-enjoy-the-journey hike. This can be a perfect opportunity to spot wildlife! We saw a small Island fox while we were on this hike– this fox only exists on Santa Cruz Island!! The Island Scrub Jay is also found only on Santa Cruz and is more commonly seen around Prisoner’s Harbor!

Shippin’ Out

The ferry typically leaves to head back a little after 3pm, so even if you explore along the Pelican Bay trail, you’ll find yourself with a little extra time. We just went down and relaxed in and by the water, but if you bring a snorkel mask, there’s a kelp forest along the shoreline worth exploring. While sea kayaking is a popular activity on Santa Cruz, this is more commonly pursued on the east side of the island, near Scorpion’s Cove.

Before you know it, it’ll be time for the ferry to head back to the mainland, so soak up all the secluded serenity while you can! Keep your eyes peeled as you head back— we spotted a mama whale and her calf on our way back…. an incredible experience!!

Alternate Options

While we found the one-night backpacking trip to be a perfect sampling of Santa Cruz, here’s a few other ideas for folks a little less inclined to backpack or camp overnight.

If you hop off the ferry at Scorpion Anchorage, you’ll want to check out the Potato Harbor Overlook hike. This out-and-back hike clocks in at just over 5 miles, with 660’ of elevation, making it moderately challenging, but nothing too tricky. Definitely worth the effort to take in the gorgeous vista!
Have you ever been sea kayaking? Santa Barbara Adventure Company is the only company on Santa Cruz Island that offers guided kayaking trips. This is another Scorpion Anchorage stop, and it’s the perfect way to take in the iconic caves of the Santa Cruz coastline. Depending on your comfortability in a kayak, there’s a few different options regarding length of time out on the water. They also offer snorkel rentals and guided snorkeling tours!
Island Packers doesn’t just ferry people back and forth, you can opt for a nice day trip adventure with them. After departing from Ventura, you cruise into the Painted Cave, experiencing one of the biggest sea caves in the world. The colorful cave is named for the naturally occurring pigmentations, derived from various rock types and algae that make up its walls. The cave is also home to varied sealife as well– keep your eyes peeled for seals! After the cave exploration, the boat will head over to Prisoner’s Harbor to do the Pelican Bay trail hike (same one we did!). From there you’ll get to head back to Ventura.

the memorable Prisoner's harbor with a simple dock and the hilly green backdrop

final thoughts

Santa Cruz Island, particularly Prison’s Harbor, is an almost-untouched sliver of California’s coastline that calls back to a bygone era of symbiosis between nature and the Chumash Indians that once inhabited. The wild island and its impressive seascape make for an amazing backpacking trip– you won’t regret making the trek out!

Our friend made a lil vlog of our memorable backpacking adventure— check it out here!

If remote, warm island parks are your jam, we sure to check out Dry Tortugas National Park the next time you’re near the Florida Keys!

written by Kayla

A literal life saving queen, Kayla Grace is an Army nurse in Fort Irwin, California. When she’s not fixing up folks up in the emergency department, she is likely to be found running, walking, or hiking outside. She also has quite the green thumb and keeps all her plants alive… not just surviving but thriving! Before moving to CA, Kayla was stationed in Washington for a few years, where she discovered her her love for camping and the general woodland-fairy ambiance she exudes while out adventuring. Still rather new to the southern California region, Kayla is in her desert-girl era, exploring her new state with gusto.

Tags Channel Islands National Park, national park camping, national park travel

national parks

The Most Memorable Day at Gateway Arch National Park

Post author By Hannah

Does an urban national park sound like an oxymoron? While national parks usually embody sprawling, untouched wilderness, the Gateway Arch breaks the mold as it celebrates the Westward expansion of the United States. This eye-catching memorial is the tallest man-made monument in the United States, designed by architect Eero Saarinen. There were over 170 unique designs; however, his particularly memorable design was chosen and has stood the test of time since its inception in 1963.

St. Louis is home to the one and only Gateway Arch National Park, making this park much easier to reach and robustly experience than others in the repertoire. While it might not take your breath away quite like the staggering beauty of some of the other larger, more natural parks, there’s a certain charm to the historic reminder of our country’s growth. While eager history and architecture buffs would likely be keen to make a day of it, for most, a half day is the perfect amount of time to allot for visiting the Gateway Arch National Park.

Fast Facts About GATEWAY ARCH National Park

Size: 91 acres

Visitors: 1,618,774 visitors (data from 2022)

Became a National Park: Feb. 23, 2018

Highest point: the top of the arch is 630 ft high — interestingly it’s also 630 feet wide from leg to leg

The upside of the park’s small stature is that it’s rather easy to get the full experience in a half-day visit. We swung through driving back up to Wisconsin, and this was baby Xavier’s first national park visit. While he *technically* visited Indiana Dunes, Rocky Mountain, and Olympic National Parks in utero, the Gateway Arch made for a very un-intimidating first national park for us to visit with him. I must say, he’s a hard man to impress… he had the audacity to try and sleep through the whole thing!!

Park vs Monument… the NPS tea

The Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the United States, but that begs the question… why is it a national park and not a national monument? There’s not a great answer for this name change and corresponding national park designation, as they were decided upon in Congress. Interestingly, the National Park Service did have something to say on the matter submitted a statement to the hearing on the legislation for the name change that said:

“… the National Park Service strives to provide consistency in the naming of park units. To better align with the standard nomenclature for units of the National Park System, we recommend that Congress re-designate the unit as “Gateway Arch National Monument.” National parks contain a variety of resources and encompass large land or water areas to help provide adequate protection of the resources. The existing 59 designated national parks protect at a minimum thousands of acres each, and some span millions of acres. At only 91 federal acres, we believe that the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial is too small and limited in the range of resources the site protects and interprets to be called a national park.’”

This makes Gateway Arch National Park the only urban national park in the repertoire– certainly unique, but also setting an interesting precedent for future designations. Will this remain the only smaller, more urban national park or will others join its ranks in the years to come? Only time will tell!

When To Visit

While the most popular time of year to visit is in the spring and summer months, we stopped by on a beautiful day in January and very much recommend a mid-winter visit. There were no lines to deal with, and even on a more frigid day, so much of what you come to see is indoors, so the time of year is less important.

TIME TO EXPLORE

Depending on where you’re coming from, getting into the arch may be a bit counter-intuitive. If you head over right from the designated parking garage, you won’t have any problem wandering to the west entrance, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse. If you’re out walking along the river, the entry point is *not* in the base of either arch; however, you can exit from the arch legs, which sometimes confuses people.

Tickets

Upon entering the building, the ticket counter is easy to spot. If you plan to visit in the spring or summer months – especially on a weekend day, you should consider purchasing your tickets in advance, to ensure you’ll be able to make it up!

Security

With your ticket in hand, the next step will be going through security. Think of a more-relaxed version of TSA. You’ll have to empty your pockets and step through a scanner, but no one is going to make you dump out your water bottle. As an important note, no weapons, including pepper spray and fixed-blade knives (except fold-out pocket knives with a blade size less than 4″) are allowed, so if you keep pepper spray on your keychain or in your purse, you’ll want to make sure that stays in the car. Even if you don’t plan to take the tram ride, you will still need to go through the security checkpoint to get to the museum, cafe, documentary movie, and gift shop areas.

Museum of Westward Expansion

The museum is quite lovely to wander through, and rather engaging for visitors of all ages with its interactive displays and exhibits. Not only are there exhibits detailing the nuances of westward expansion in US history, but there’s a rather interesting section about the arch architecture. It’s fun to see the runner-up designs and learn more about the unique tram system that carries visitors to the top. Depending on how early you arrive before your tram time, you can explore the museum before or after you ride… or both!

a memorable museum exhibit, demonstrating the history of the icon Gateway arch

Tram

Once you’re through the museum, the lower level space opens up, and you can head on down to get your tram ticket scanned. As the group awaits the arrival of all its participants, everyone is provided a boarding pass of sorts for their individual tram. Each tram can hold up to 5 people, but man oh man would that be a snug fit to put five grown adults in one tram car. I’m not sure how things go over the summer, but it was definitely nice that groups were more dispersed.

After everyone in the group has arrived, there’s a short background history of the arch provided, and then everyone is led over to their assigned tram. The ride up goes quickly, only taking a couple minutes.

The windows at the top are a little small, but it’s rather amazing to peer out of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis and realize you’re doing so from the top of the arch. Everyone has ample time (about 8-10 minutes) to look around, read some of the signage, and take a picture or two, and then it’s time to head back down. The descent is just slightly speedier than the ascent, and in no time at all, your back– boots on the ground!

Once you’ve ridden the tram, it’s worth a couple minutes of your time to pop back into the museum and read about the unique transportation system constructed to carry people up the arch… it’s one of a kind!

The Extras

We really enjoyed reading, watching, and listening in the museum, but if you’re keen to learn more, there’s a documentary movie you can check out (showtimes here). While tickets aren’t free, it’s likely the cheapest movie ticket you’ve bought in a while! You can also head over to the gift store to collect your passport stamp and pick up any mementos you might desire. There’s a little virtual reality experience you can check out as well– looks like something that could be fun for kiddos.

There’s a cafe if you’re feel pecking, but it’s worth noting, the upside of being an urban national park is that there’s a whole bunch of dining options within easy walking distance

The Old Courthouse

Once you’ve had your fill of arch exploration, you can head over to the courthouse. What is so special about this courthouse? It was the site of not one but two cases that became formative to the cultural landscape. In 1847 Dred and Harriet Scott, an enslaved couple, sued for and were granted their freedom. This case went through appeals and ended up going before the Supreme Court, which overturned the original verdict, stating that since slaves were property they didn’t have the right to sue. BIG YIKES. This case is reflective of culture in the United States at the time and is thought to be one of the precipitating factors of the Civil War.

It’s also where Virginia Minor and her husband sued for her right to vote. She went on to become a huge advocate for suffrage rights for women.

The historic courthouse is currently closed as it undergoes a multi-million dollar renovation project. That being said, it’s set to be finished by 2025, and should be quite impressive whenever it’s completed.

Riverboat Rides

Not exactly a park experience, but you can take in the Mississippi River and view the Arch from the water on a riverboat cruise. The boats are a callback to a bygone era, when steamboats ruled the river and drove local commerce. We visited on a beautiful January day, but it wasn’t quite let’s-take-a-riverboat-cruise warm, which is why the riverboat tours only run March through November.

If you’re passing through town, you could definitely see the Gateway Arch in a few hours, but if you’re looking to make a day of it, this would be a perfect way to savor the Arch and get to know a bit more about St. Louis and the history of the hard-working river.

Gateway Arch National Park is not only an impressive architectural monument, but it serves as an important memory to the westward expansion of our country and journey we took as a nation to get here. It’s certainly worth stopping by if you’re in St. Louis or road tripping nearby. Due it’s rather urban stature, it’s hard to compare the ~natural beauty~ of a man-made arch to some of astounding feats of nature at other parks; however, the very nature of this ‘park’ is a memorable memorial to the country’s growth that houses many of the nation’s most alluring national parks!

If you’re looking for your next national park adventure and you enjoy a national park with a little extra historical significance, Dry Tortugas National Park might tickle your fancy. This old fort can be found about 70 miles off the coast of the Florida keys, making it rather remote but incredibly picturesque.

written by Hannah

Tags Gateway Arch National Park, national park travel, national parks