One day at Joshua Tree National Park, CA - Things to do

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Joshua Tree National Park is the second most visited National Park in California after Yosemite. This is the first national park that we visited in California. It is located near Palm Springs, California, which is 3 hrs from Los Angeles. 

We covered this park on our way to Page, the Grand Canyon, and SanDiego. 

Photo by Kindel Media: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cacti-in-joshua-tree-national-park-8979752/

How to Reach?

Joshua Tree National Park is 3 hrs away from Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas. So, it's very accessible. 

Some Flight options

Where to Stay?

Twentynine Palms is the best place to stay, which is nearer to the Park. But it might be expensive. The towns of Joshua Tree and Palm Springs are other options for staying.

We stayed in Twentynine Palms, and it was around 10 mins away from the Park. 

Here are some options to book accommodations:

Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park

Here is our 1-day itinerary of Joshua Tree National Park.

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There is an entrance fee of $30; you can also use your Annual National Park pass.  The Joshua tree is a succulent variety in the Mojave Desert. It is actually not a tree, but looks iconic with spikes and branches, and it can grow as tall as 40 ft. During Sunset, this tree looks still cool in photos.

Skull Rock:

We entered the park from the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms. We drove through Park Boulevard to reach the Discovery Trail. 

Discovery Trail is an easy 0.5 loop that goes around the iconic rock that looks like a skull. The shape is very prominent. But this stop is usually very busy. So, take time to capture a photo without a crowd. 

We also did some fun rock scrambling here. You can see many other rocks with different shapes. You can also see Jumbo rocks. 

Split Rock is another hike closer to Skull Rock. It is a 2.5-mile loop to Face Rock. We couldn't do this due to a lack of time.

Arch Rock, Heart Rock:

We turned back on Park Boulevard to reach the Twin Tanks parking area on Pinto Basin Road. Arch Rock Trail is just 1.4 mile loop and might take 1 hr. It's an easy walk and a little rock scrambling at the end. 

We loved this hike with the kids. The Arch Rock is difficult to capture unless you climb a rock before it to capture it at the correct angle. But it looks huge and beautiful.

Heart Rock is around 0.2 miles away from Arch Rock. Don't miss this at all. We loved this rock in the shape of a heart. It is Instagram-worthy.

Cholla Cactus Garden:

We continued on Pinto Basin Road to reach Cholla Cactus Garden.

This is another popular spot after Skull Rock. It's an easy 0.25-mile loop, which might take 20 mins or less. 

Don't miss this! 

The Cholla Cactus is a shrub-like cactus, and it is also called 'jumping cacti' as it might detach and cling to nearby people. These are also called 'teddy bear cholla'. Perfectly named, I would say! These cacti really look so cute like teddy bears, ofcourse we cannot hug them 😜

This trail has the largest concentration of these cacti, so we spent a lot of time taking photos. 

We had our packed lunch and drove through Park Boulevard. 

Keys View:

We took a left at Caprock to reach Keysview. This is the best viewpoint in the entire park. There is a 0.25-mile short paved loop, which is steep to reach view point. It gives breathtaking views of all surrounding areas - the San Andreas Fault, Mount San Jacinto, Mount San Gorgonio, and the Salton Sea.

On the way to Keys View, we saw a large concentration of Joshua Trees. This will be a good drive to do during Sunset. 

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-tree-surrounded-by-weathered-bush-on-brown-soil-under-white-and-blue-sky-during-daytime-73820/

There are some hiking areas around. Lost Horse Mine Trail is 4 mile out and back trail. The Ryan Mountain hike is the most popular trail, which is 3 miles out and back. It is a challenging trail. 

Hidden Valley:

Our last stop was Hidden Valley. The trail is a 1-mile loop around a rock-enclosed valley. 

There are some nice trails around this area. Barker Dam is a historic trail with 1.1 mile loop where you can see a water tank built by early cattle ranchers. Wall Street Mill is an easy 2-mile hike to see Wall Street Mill, building ruins, and rusty cars. If you are into history and culture, you will enjoy these 2 hikes.

Other things to do:

Stargazing:

This park is named the International Dark Sky Park. So, your best chance to see the celestial objects at night.

This is the best place to experiment on night time photography. There is an observatory in the park where they conduct skywatching programs. 

Photo by Trace Hudson: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-leaf-tree-2454682/

Off-roading:

If you have a 4x4 vehicle, you can explore the Geology tour road. It is a 18 mile loop dirt road covering some geological history. 

We couldn't do stargazing/off-roading. It's for next time.

So, that's how we ended our day at Joshua Tree National Park before driving to San Diego. 

Hope you liked our travelogue. 

See you with my next travelogue or book review.

Until next time,

Hermit Road Scenic Drive - Grand Canyon National Park

Here is the post on how to plan a trip to Grand Canyon National Park. 

Our Grand Canyon National Park Itinerary - Day 1 

Hermit Road Scenic Drive: Viewpoints You Shouldn’t Miss

The Hermit Road Scenic Drive is one of the most underrated experiences in Grand Canyon National Park, especially if you want fewer crowds and uninterrupted canyon views. Stretching about 7 miles west of Grand Canyon Village, this scenic route offers some of the most dramatic viewpoints along the South Rim.

From March 1 to November 30, private vehicles are not allowed, and visitors must use the free Hermit Road shuttle or walk/bike along the rim. During the winter months, private vehicles are permitted, making it a peaceful and scenic drive if you’re visiting in the off-season.

Photo by Matthew Hernandez: https://www.pexels.com/photo/twisted-juniper-tree-at-grand-canyon-rim-36033571/

What makes Hermit Road special is how different it feels compared to the more popular Desert View Drive—wider canyon vistas, fewer railings, and a raw, untouched feel that truly showcases the scale of the Grand Canyon.

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Must-See Viewpoints Along Hermit Scenic Drive

Here are the Hermit Road viewpoints you should not miss, listed in order from east to west:

Trailview Overlook

This is the first stop and a great introduction to Hermit Road. You’ll get a clear view of hikers making their way down the Bright Angel Trail, offering a unique perspective of how steep and massive the canyon really is.

Maricopa Point

One of the best viewpoints for seeing the Colorado River far below, Maricopa Point offers expansive views and dramatic depth. On clear days, the layered rock formations look especially stunning in late afternoon light.

Powell Point

Named after explorer John Wesley Powell, this viewpoint is perfect for wide panoramic shots. It’s also a popular spot for sunrise and sunset, with golden light washing over the canyon walls.

Hopi Point (Do Not Miss!)

If you visit only one viewpoint on Hermit Road, make it Hopi Point. This is widely considered one of the best sunset viewpoints in the entire park. The canyon opens up dramatically here, with sweeping views that stretch endlessly in both directions.

Mohave Point

Just past Hopi Point, Mohave Point offers incredible views of the Colorado River’s sharp bend, making it a favorite for photographers. The canyon feels deeper and more rugged here.

The Abyss

True to its name, this viewpoint provides a sheer drop of nearly 3,000 feet, with no visible river below—just layers and layers of canyon walls. It’s one of the most jaw-dropping perspectives on Hermit Road.

Monument Creek Vista

This stop gives you a glimpse of Monument Creek Canyon, a side canyon that adds depth and texture to the landscape. It’s quieter than most stops and great if you want to linger.

Pima Point

Another fantastic location to spot the Colorado River, Pima Point offers a peaceful atmosphere and wide-open views. It’s especially beautiful during golden hour.

Hermits Rest

The final stop on the scenic drive, Hermits Rest, features a historic stone building designed by Mary Colter. Inside, you’ll find a small snack bar, restrooms, and a rustic fireplace. Just beyond the building is a short walk to viewpoints overlooking Hermit Creek.

We loved the Hopi Point, Hermit's Rest, Maricopa Point, and Powell Point. 

To be honest, we felt that most viewpoints of the Desert View scenic drive are similar. We loved the above viewpoints from the Hermit scenic drive better. Also, having fewer crowds is a huge advantage. 

On Day 3, we drove through the Desert View scenic drive and covered a few spots for Sunset. The best view was from the Desert View watch tower. 

We drove to Joshua Tree National Park the next day. That travelogue will be published soon. Hope you enjoyed the Grand Canyon travelogues. What places did you like in the Grand Canyon? Did it meet your expectations?

Until next time,

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis - [Book Review]

 

Book Details:

Title: The Stolen Queen

Author: Fiona Davis

Genre: historical fiction

Publisher: Dutton

Print Length: 352 pages

Source: A copy from the local library

Blurb:

*A New York Times Bestseller*

From New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis, an utterly addictive new novel that will transport you from New York City’s most glamorous party to the labyrinth streets of Cairo and back.

Egypt, 1936: When anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she leaps at the opportunity. That is until an unbearable tragedy strikes.

New York City, 1978: Nineteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who’s in the midst of organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum and known across the city as the “party of the year.”

Meanwhile, Charlotte is now leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art. She’s consumed by her research on Hathorkare—a rare female pharaoh dismissed by most other Egyptologists as unimportant.

The night of the gala: One of the Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts goes missing, and there are signs Hathorkare’s legendary curse might be reawakening. Annie and Charlotte team up to search for the missing antiquity, and a desperate hunch leads the unlikely duo to one place Charlotte swore she’d never return: Egypt. But if they have any hope of finding the artifact, Charlotte will need to confront the demons of her past—which may mean leading them both directly into danger.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This is my second book by Fiona Davis. The Magnolia  Palace was great. 

This story is about a stolen antique from the Met Museum in Newyork, Charlotte's research in Egypt, her personal life, and many twists and turns. 

The story is engaging at least till 75% of the book, and of course, thrilling. The amount of research the author has put into this book is really commendable. I loved reading about the tomb extraction process and the excruciating work of the people who work on those digging expeditions. 

I loved the characters of Anne, Billy, Charlotte, and Mark. I was a little disappointed with the ending, though. 

The pace of the story is fine in the first part, but it seems to drag later. The second part became boring. I didn't feel it was realistic that all circumstances coincided perfectly to reveal secrets in Charlotte's life so easily. It surprised me that people like Anne, without real skills or knowledge in archeology, could help Charlotte by just accompanying her and being smart and brave. 

I wish the story had been crisp and shorter, not dragging at the end.

My Rating: 4/5

About the Author:

FIONA DAVIS is the New York Times bestselling author of seven historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including THE STOLEN QUEEN, THE MAGNOLIA PALACE, THE ADDRESS, and THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE, which was a Good Morning America book club pick.

Her novels have been chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads and her articles have appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and the Oprah magazine.

She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and she's based in New York City.

Until next time,

A guide to hiking Bright Angel Trail - Grand Canyon National Park

Here is the post on how to plan a trip to Grand Canyon National Park. Now, let me discuss our itinerary in detail. 

Our Grand Canyon National Park Itinerary - Day 1

Here is our itinerary for Day 2:

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Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park

 (Best Tips, Time, Fitness & More)

If you’re planning a trip to Grand Canyon National Park, hiking the Bright Angel Trail should be at the top of your adventure list. This iconic trail offers some of the most breathtaking views, dramatic canyon landscapes, and a true test of endurance for any outdoor enthusiast. 

Whether you’re a beginner hiker looking for a memorable day hike or a seasoned trekker dreaming of reaching the canyon floor, this guide covers everything you need to know—from the best time to hike to fitness preparation, trail distances, elevation gain, training tips, and more.

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🌄 Why Hike the Bright Angel Trail?

The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular and accessible trail from the South Rim into the depths of the Grand Canyon. Unlike many rim-to-river trails, it offers shade, seasonal water stations, rest houses, and well-maintained switchbacks—making it an ideal option for both day hikers and backpackers alike.

This trail showcases:

• Stunning canyon views framed by massive rock walls

• A gradual descent that reveals the canyon’s geology, flora, and fauna

• Rest stops with water and facilities (seasonal)

• A customizable hike where you decide how far you want to go

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📅 Best Time to Hike Bright Angel Trail

Choosing the right time to hike is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. The Grand Canyon’s inner canyon can be significantly hotter than the rim, especially in summer.

Best Months to Hike:

• Spring (March – May): Mild temperatures on the rim; warmer below.

• Fall (September – November): Cooler days and pleasant hiking weather.

• Winter (December – February): Quiet trails but cold rim temperatures; inner canyon can be moderate.

🔥 Avoid hiking during peak summer heat (June – August) unless you plan to start before sunrise and carry extra water—temperatures deep in the canyon can exceed 100°F (38°C).

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📏 Trail Distance, Elevation & Sections Explained

Bright Angel Trail is fully customizable depending on your fitness and goals. Here are popular turnaround points that most hikers choose:

Turnaround Point	Round-Trip Distance	Elevation Change (approx.)
First Tunnel	~0.4 miles	Minimal
1.5-Mile Resthouse	~3 miles	~1,120 ft
3-Mile Resthouse	~6 miles	~2,120 ft
Havasupai Gardens	~9 miles	~3,040 ft
Plateau Point	~12 miles	~3,080 ft
Colorado River / Phantom Ranch	~19 miles	~4,380–4,500 ft

👉 Note: Going to the Colorado River and back in one day is highly challenging and not recommended for most hikers due to extreme heat, distance, and elevation gain.

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🧗‍♂️ Fitness & Training: Are You Ready?

Hiking Bright Angel Trail isn’t just about endurance—it’s about preparing your body for elevation change, heat, and long hours on the trail.

What Fitness Level Do You Need

• Moderate to good cardiovascular fitness

• Strong leg muscles (especially quads and calves) for steep ascents and descents

• Ability to hike continuously for hours with a backpack

Recommended Training Plan (8–10 Weeks)

1. Cardio Conditioning: Start with 3–5 days/week of jogging, brisk walking, or cycling to build endurance.

2. Hill Workouts: Use stairs or steep trails to simulate canyon elevation change.

3. Weekend Long Hikes: Gradually increase distance each weekend; aim for 10–12 miles with hills.

4. Strength Training: Focus on lunges, squats, core workouts, and calf raises.

5. Practice with a Pack: Break in your hiking boots and carry a light pack to prepare your body for trail conditions.

💡 A good rule of thumb shared by experienced hikers: going down is optional, but coming back up is mandatory! Prepare especially for the climb out—it’s often harder than the descent.

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🥾 What to Expect on the Trail

Trail Conditions

Bright Angel Trail is well-maintained and marked, but expect:

• Switchbacks that test your stamina

• Shady and exposed sections

• Seasonal water stations at rest houses (water availability depends on the time of year)

Weather & Heat

Below the rim, temperatures often soar much higher than on the South Rim. Start early, avoid midday heat, and always carry plenty of water and electrolytes.

Wildlife & Scenery

You’re likely to spot mule deer, rock squirrels, and massive geological formations. The shift in vegetation and colors the deeper you go makes every step worthwhile.

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Our Bright Angel Trail Hike Experience

We started our Bright Angel Trail hike around 9:00 am on a cold winter morning in December, right after breakfast. The temperature hovered around 45°F, and the chill was very real, so we layered up with jackets, gloves, and scarves—something I’d highly recommend if you’re hiking in winter. 

Unlike the South Kaibab Trail, which offers dramatic canyon views almost immediately, the Bright Angel Trail feels more gradual and enclosed. You don’t get sweeping views throughout the hike, but there are a few scenic spots that make the descent worthwhile. 

The First Tunnel, just 0.4 miles from the trailhead, is a perfect early turnaround point for families and casual hikers, with great photo opportunities. We continued descending through a series of switchbacks and reached the 1.5-Mile Resthouse, which has a basic restroom. Since it was winter, refillable water was not available, so carrying enough was essential. We took a break there, had some snacks, and decided to head back, while my husband continued further down to the 3-Mile Resthouse.

It is a little difficult to see, but we could find the Colorado River while hiking. Many people stay / camp at Phantom Ranch for the night and hike back. That would have been a great experience. Especially in the videos I saw, the views from Plateau Point are extraordinary. Maybe someday, we will do it in the future.

 As we made our way back up, the weather started turning—light drizzle and gray skies rolled in—but we were lucky to reach Bright Angel Lodge just in time. The lodge is a wonderful place to warm up, rest, refill water bottles, and use the restrooms. 

There’s also a small ice-cream shop next door—nice for a treat, though not as memorable as the fresh, homemade ice creams we’ve had at some other national parks. 

Overall, the hike took us about 4 to 5 hours, including breaks, and felt like a rewarding winter adventure despite the changing weather.

We visited the Kolb Art studio after the hike. It was beautiful.

See the play of Light and shadows on a cloudy day.

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🧳 Packing List for Bright Angel Trail

Here’s what to bring for a safe and enjoyable hike:

• 3–4 liters of water per person (more in hot weather)

• Electrolyte drinks/snacks

• Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, UV sunglasses

• Light layers: Temperatures can vary

• Trekking poles: Especially helpful on the ascent

• First aid kit

• Trail map/guide

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🏁 Final Tips for Hikers

✅ Start at sunrise to beat the heat
✅ Refill water at rest houses (seasonal)
✅ Turn back before fatigue sets in (especially on long distances)
✅ Don’t underestimate the climb back up—pace wisely
✅ Check trail conditions at the park visitor center before you go

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🎒 Is the Bright Angel Trail Worth It?

Absolutely! Whether you choose a short 3-mile out-and-back to the 1.5-Mile Resthouse or push deeper into the canyon via Indian Garden or the river, the Bright Angel Trail is one of the best hikes in Grand Canyon National Park—packed with diverse scenery, a real sense of adventure, and an unforgettable sense of achievement.

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After the hike, we relaxed at Bright Angel lodge, had lunch, and we drove through Hermit Scenic Drive. 

If you loved this guide and want more travel tips for the Grand Canyon (itineraries, logistics, scenic viewpoints, and more), just let me know—I’d be happy to help you plan your dream trip!

Happy hiking! 🥾🌞🧭

Until next time,

Grand Canyon National Park - Day 1 Itinerary

Here is the post on how to plan a trip to Grand Canyon National Park. Now, let me discuss our itinerary in detail. 

Our Grand Canyon National Park Itinerary - Day 1

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Photo by Sleepy Cat on Unsplash

Desert View Scenic Drive:

On Day 1, we drove from Page, Arizona, to Grand Canyon National Park. It takes around 2.5 to 3 hrs to reachthe  South Rim from Page. It takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hrs to reach the North rim from Page. We visited the Grand Canyon during winter, and so the north rim is closed. 

We started around 9 am and reachedthe  Grand Canyon South Entrance by 1 pm with a lunch break in the middle. This drive takes us to the East entrance through the Desert View watch tower. 

Desert View scenic drive is a 23-mile scenic drive connecting the East entrance and the Grand Canyon Village.

After turning right at Cameron, on the way to the East entrance, you will come across a sign to 'Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook'. It's also a tribal park, and there is an entry fee of $10 per vehicle. I didn't find this overlook that great as the water levels are too low. But, if you want a place to stop for restrooms, it's good. 

After you pass the national park entrance sign, there are many viewpoints to stop and enjoy. Don't miss Grand View, Yaki point and Desert View Watchtower. These are great introductions to the park. Other Viewpoints are Lipan Point, Moran Point, and Navajo Point.

I like the view from the Desert View Watchtower. It is free to climb the steps of the watch tower, but there are long queues when we reached around 1 pm. We had to skip that.

Since we had some time before sunset, we decided to hike the popular South Kaibab Trail. 

When we visited in December, the entry to the South Kaibab trail is through the orange route shuttle only. No cars are allowed. So, we parked our car at the Grand Canyon South visitor center, got into the free shuttle (Orange route) to the trailhead after packing our backpacks with water and snacks. 

South Kaibab Trail:

The South Kaibab Trail is one of the most popular trails. It is steeper and more challenging than the Bright Angel Trail and has better views of the canyon.  

These are a few major landmarks:

• Ooh Ahh Point – 1.8 miles roundtrip (790 ft elevation change)
• Cedar Ridge – 3 miles roundtrip (1,120 ft elevation change)
• Skeleton Point – 6 miles roundtrip (2,040 ft elevation change)
• The Tipoff – 9 miles roundtrip (3,280 ft elevation change)
• Phantom Ranch – 14.6 miles roundtrip (4,700 ft elevation change)

You can hike as much as you can and return. For an average hiker, Ooh ahh point is the best starting point. It takes 1 to 1.5 hrs to reach the ooh ahh point. It takes double the time to climb back.

Be aware of the following:

1. Every hiker needs 1 to 2 gallons of water

2. Hiking poles definitely help

3. Don't underestimate the hike. It takes double the time to reach back when compared to hiking down

4. Carry salty snacks, protein bars, and ensure proper hydration. 

5. Hiking down is easy, enjoyable, but hiking up is mandatory and challenging. 

We hiked with kids aged 11 and 14 yrs. We did some warmups before attempting and reached the ooh-ahh point in 1 hr itself. Climbing up took almost 1.5 hrs. The total hike is around 1.8 miles round-trip. 

The first part of the hike is called the chimney and features many switchbacks. While returning, only that part seemed challenging. We took some breaks in between. Ooh ahh viewpoint is completely worth the effort. It was very windy for us to take good photos, but we enjoyed our first hike in Grand Canyon National Park.

The views were amazing on this hike. They were better than all other hikes in the national park. So, this is a must-do if you want to see the canyon up close.

My husband continued to Cedar ridge which is 3 miles round-trip and a lot of elevation. It is important to train for this hike beforehand. Climbing elevations, training knees, trying knee strengthening exercises, wearing knee pads, using hiking poles etc defenitely will help. 

Mule crossings:

Mules also use the same trail to pick trash from Phantom Ranch and come up. We saw mules on the way while returning. They have the right of way. The trails are maintained very well, but the trails have mule shit at many places, which made the hiking experience a bit uncomfortable. 

We took the shuttle back to Grand Canyon Village and spent time exploring the visitor center exhibits. The Grand Canyon visitor center has a lot of information about different hikes and the junior ranger badge activities for kids. 

Restrooms were clean, but water filling stations were closed in December when we visited. We watched the free movie "We are Grand Canyon", a movie about the different tribes who made this canyon their home and sacred place. 

We had an early dinner at Maswik Food Court. This food court looked vintage and had a lot of food options, including vegetarian options. 

Thus, we ended day 1 hiking the South Kaibab trail and covering the Desert View scenic drive. 

See you in the next travelogue covering the Hermit Road scenic drive and Bright Angel Trail. 

Until next time,