On my June trip, I spent 3 nights in Mammoth, 3 nights in the backcountry and 3 nights at Norris. It was a bit of a last minute trip so we made due with what we could get. However… I always want to make sure I’m choosing the best option. So while we were touring around the park, I checked out most of the other campgrounds to see which campgrounds were awesome… and which were not.

I’ve put together a truly MASSIVE guide to camping in Yellowstone for you, updated for the 2025 season. It’s got literally everything you need to know including:

• How to make reservations for camping in Yelllowstone
• My recommendations for the best campgrounds in Yellowstone
• A detailed breakdown of what you’ll find at each of Yellowstone’s 12 campgrounds
• A complete list of all the campgrounds outside Yellowstone
• Rules and tips for camping in Yellowstone

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

WANT MORE YELLOWSTONE INFO?  Check out these posts:

• 70 Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
• The Ultimate Yellowstone Packing List for Every Summer Visitor
• Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park

How to Make Camping Reservations in Yellowstone

There are three main types of campgrounds in Yellowstone: National Park-run campgrounds, privately-run Yellowstone National Park Lodges campgrounds, and backcountry campgrounds. You can drive up to the first two types but you’ll need to walk, paddle or ride a horse into the backcountry.

The reservation process for each type is different.

Yellowstone National Park-Run Reservable Campgrounds

These campgrounds are rustic – they don’t have showers and some do not have flush toilets. Scroll down for details about each campground.

A few years ago, all of these campgrounds were first-come, first-served. However, since 2023, all campgrounds run by Yellowstone National Park have been reservable.

You can make reservations on Recreation.gov. You can make a reservation exactly six months in advance of the date you want to camp. So if you want to camp on July 15, the earliest you can make a reservation is January 15.

If your dates are sold out, keep checking back. They do get last minute cancellations and sites open up again.

As well, some campgrounds have a handful of first-come, first-served sites. Some campground also have sites that can be booked two weeks in advance.

If you don’t get a reservation, don’t worry – you can use an app like Campnab to automatically scan the booking site, then send you a text or email when a site becomes available to book. Learn more about how these apps work in my guide to camping cancellation apps.

Yellowstone National Park-run campgrounds are:

• Indian Creek Campground (closed in 2025)
• Lewis Lake Campground
• Mammoth Campground
• Norris Campground (closed in 2025)
• Pebble Creek Campground (closed in 2025)
• Slough Creek Campground
• Tower Fall Campground

Yellowstone National Park Lodges Privately-Run Campgrounds

The Yellowstone National Parks Lodges campgrounds are run by a park concessionaire. They are not run by the parks service. These campgrounds are huge, with hundreds of sites. They all have flush toilets and RV-friendly sites and some have showers. Scroll down for details about each campground.

You can make reservations on the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website. They get fully booked up for the summer months in advance, so make a reservation as early as you can. (The earliest you can book is 13 months before your trip, starting on the 5th of the month. So if you want to book July 20, 2024, you can book starting on July 5, 2023.)

If your dates are sold out, keep checking back. They do get last minute cancellations and sites open up again.

If you don’t get a reservation, don’t worry – you can use an app like Campnab to automatically scan the booking site, then send you a text or email when a site becomes available to book. Learn more about how these apps work in my guide to camping cancellation apps.

Yellowstone National Park Lodges-run campgrounds are:

• Bridge Bay Campground
• Canyon Campground
• Fishing Bridge RV Park
• Grant Village Campground
• Madison Campground

First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds in Yellowstone.

In previous years, many campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park did not accept reservations – they were available on a first-come, first-served basis. Starting in 2022, all camping is Yellowstone National Park is reserveable.

However starting, the Yellowstone National Park campgrounds have “secondary release” sites that are reserveable two weeks in advance. This makes last-minute camping possible.

• Indian Creek Campground – 20% of sites are available to reserve 2 weeks in advance – Note closed in 2025
• Lewis Lake Campground – 20% of sites are available to reserve 2 weeks in advance.

Another way to get last-minute camping is to hope some doesn’t show up or checks out early. If this happens, their site may become available. Check with the campground host at each campground to see if they have any sites available. Go early in the morning (before 8 a.m.) for the best chance of getting a spot.

Backcountry Campgrounds in Yellowstone

There are over 300 backcountry campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park that you can reach by foot, horseback or boat. Some of them are less than a mile from the road, while others are a LOT further.

I stayed at three of them along the Yellowstone River Trail during my trip to Yellowstone, and they were all pretty gorgeous.

However, info on backpacking in Yellowstone is outside the scope of this campground guide, so I won’t get into details. If you want more info, see the Backcountry Camping page on the Yellowstone National Park website.

Which Yellowstone Campground Should You Stay At?

That’s a tough question to answer. It really depends on what you are looking for in a campground. As well, Yellowstone is a REALLY big park so many attractions are hours apart. It might make sense to stay in one campground for a night or two, then move to another one to be close to other sights.

On my visit we stayed at Mammoth for three nights, then at Norris for three nights. I also visited most of the campgrounds just to see if we might want to consider trying to get a site there.

Here’s my campground-by-campground breakdown of each of the places to camp in Yellowstone National Park. I’ve got all the info on each campground so you can decide for yourself which Yellowstone campground is the best.

However, if you need some recommendations for the best campgrounds in Yellowstone, here are mine:

Most central campground: Norris (closed in 2025)

Best campground with showers: Canyon Village

Best Yellowstone campground for wildlife watching: Slough Creek

Best campground for RVs: Fishing Bridge

Details for Every Yellowstone Campground

Mammoth: $25/night, 85 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near Mammoth Hot Springs, reserve via Recreation.gov

Indian Creek: Closed in 2025 – $20/night, 70 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near Mammoth Hot Springs, reserve via Recreation.gov

Norris: Closed in 2025 – $25/night, 111 sites, flush toilets, no showers, near Norris Geyser basin, reserve via Recreation.gov

Madison: $33/night, 276 sites, flush toilets, no showers, near Old Faithful, reserve via Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Grant Village: $39/night, 430 sites, flush toilets, showers, near West Thumb Geyser Basin, reserve via Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Lewis Lake: $20/night, 85 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near West Thumb Geyser Basin, reserve via Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Bridge Bay: $33/night, 432 sites, flush toilets, no showers, near Yellowstone Lake, reserve via Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Fishing Bridge RV Park: $89/night, 310 sites (RVs only), flush toilets, showers, near Yellowstone Lake, reserve via Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Canyon: $39/night, 273 sites, flush toilets, showers, near Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, reserve via Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Tower Fall: $20/night, 31 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near Tower Fall, reserve via Recreation.gov

Slough Creek: $20/night, 16 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near Lamar Valley, reserve via Recreation.gov

Pebble Creek: Closed in 2025 – $20/night, 27 sites, pit toilets, no showers, near Lamar Valley, reserve via Recreation.gov

Yellowstone Campground Map

Want to know where to find every single campground in Yellowstone? I made this custom Google map for you. It shows all the campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park as well as key attractions and places to buy groceries.

Mammoth Campground

Open: Year-round (part of the campground is closed from mid-October to the end of March)

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $25/night

Sites: 85 total.

RVs: Some sites will fit a max combined length of 40′ and a few will fit max 75′ combined length. Max 30′ in winter. Sites are pull-through or back-in and there may be limited width for slid-outs. Sites may not be level. No hookups.

Elevation: 6200 ft (1890m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, cell phone reception, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale. No showers. (Closest pay showers are at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.)

Nearest Grocery Stores: Mammoth town, Gardiner, MT

Location: Mammoth Campground is in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, just a few minutes from the north entrance at Gardiner, Montana. 

Pros: It’s a good place to base for a night or two to see the sights in the northern part of Yellowstone. It’s easy to drive to Gardiner for groceries or a dinner out.

The Mammoth area is very popular with elk, especially in the spring. You may even see elk in the campground. On my visit, there were protective elk mamas with calves hanging around. We had to give them a wide berth. 

This campground used to have a fair amount of road noise, but since the entrance road was rerouted away from the campground after the 2022 floods, it is now quite quiet.

Cons: The campground is in an open sagebrush environment with few trees. Some sites don’t have much shade and it’s pretty hard to string up a tarp in wet weather.

Indian Creek Campground

NOTE: Indian Creek Campground is closed for the 2025 season due to road repairs in the area.

Open: Mid-June to early September

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $20/night

Sites: 70 total.

RVs: 10 sites with 35′  combined length. 35 sites with 30′ combined length. Sites are pull-through or back-in and there may be limited width for slid-outs. Sites may not be level. No hookups.

Elevation: 7300 ft (2225m)

Amenities: Pit toilets. No generators allowed. no cell reception. No showers. (Closest pay showers are at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.)

Nearest Grocery Stores: Mammoth town, Gardiner, MT

Location: Indian Creek Campground is south of Mammoth, but higher up in the mountains. From Indian Creek, it’s a 20-minute drive to Mammoth Hot Springs. 

Pros: Indian Creek is a rustic campground so it’s great if you want a more natural experience. The no generator rule and the location away from the main road also makes it nice and quiet. It also is usually one of the last campgrounds to fill up.

There is lots of tree cover at this campground, which is good for shade or stringing up a tarp on wet days.

Cons: There isn’t anything to do nearby. There are a few backcountry hiking trails in the vicinity, but unless you’re a hardcore hiker, you’ll need to drive a good distance to get to any of the sights from Indian Creek. 

Norris Campground

NOTE: Norris Campground is closed in 2025 and for the foreseeable future due to washed out roads. Yellowstone National Park has actually removed Norris from its website for this reason.

Open: Mid-May to late September

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $25/night

Sites: 111 total, including some walk-in sites.

RVs: 2 sites with 50′ combined length and 5 sites with 30′ combined length. Sites are pull-through or back-in and there may be limited width for slid-outs. Sites may not be level. No hookups.

Elevation: 7,500 feet (2286 m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale. No cell reception. No showers. (Closest pay showers are at Canyon Village)

Nearest Grocery Store: Canyon Village General Store

Location: Norris Campground has a good central location on the western side of the park. It’s about 35 minutes to Mammoth, 25 minutes to Canyon Village, 55 minutes to Old Faithful and 55 minutes to Yellowstone Lake.

Pros: Norris is really central. It’s easy to see the whole park from here since most attractions are less than an hour drive. The only thing that is further is the Lamar Valley. The campground is located along the banks of a creek, which is really pretty. If possible, get a site in loop A or a walk-in for the best views. Bison often hang out in the area, so you might be able to spot them grazing without leaving your campsite. There is also a 1-mile trail directly from the campground to Norris Geyser Basin so you don’t have to deal with finding a parking spot there.

Cons: Norris is really popular and can fill early. As well, some of the sites are really close together (especially the walk-in sites), so they don’t feel that private.

READ NEXT: Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park

Madison Campground

Open: Early May to mid-October

Reservations: Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Price: $33/night + tax.

Sites: 276 total.

RVs: Some sites will fit rigs up to 40′ long. Sites are pull-through or back-in. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 6,800 feet (2073 m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale, dump station. No cell reception, no showers. (Closest pay showers are at the Old Faithful Lodge.)

Nearest Grocery Store: West Yellowstone, MT

Location: Madison Campground is just 25 minutes from the west entrance of the park. It’s also only about 30 minutes to Old Faithful. It’s about an hour to Mammoth, an hour to Yellowstone Lake and 45 minutes to Canyon Village.

Pros: Camping at Madison puts you within an easy drive of all the major geyser basins on the west side of the park. It’s also not that far from Mammoth, Canyon Village or Yellowstone Lake. And if you need a bit of civilization, its easy to drive out of the park to West Yellowstone to get dinner at a restaurant. The campsites are also near the Madison River, which is good for fishing.

Cons: There’s not too much to do nearby. There are a few hiking trails (Harlequin Lake and Purple Mountain), but otherwise, you’ll have to drive everywhere from your site. Loops G and H (for tents only) are the quietest. The rest can get a lot of road noise from the highway to West Yellowstone. As well, since the campground has hundreds of sites, it can feel crowded as the sites are close together. 

Grant Village Campground

Open: Early June to mid-September

Reservations: Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Price: $39/night + tax

Sites: 430 total.

RVs: Some sites will fit rigs up to 40′ long. Sites are pull-through or back-in. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 7,800 feet (2377 m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, cell reception, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale, two free showers a night, dump station.

Nearest Grocery Store: Grant Village

Location: Grant Village Campground is situated on the west shore of Yellowstone Lake. It’s part of the large Grant Village community that includes a visitor centre, hotel, grocery store, marina, restaurant, and gas station. West Thumb Geyer Basin is a 5-minute drive. It’s also about 40 minutes to Old Faithful.

Pros: You can walk over to Grant Village from your campsite to check out the visitor centre, buy groceries or go to the restaurant. If you are into boating, the location on Yellowstone Lake is great. Grant Village is also an easy drive to Old Faithful. If you get a spot towards the end of loops E, G, H, or on the north side of I, you’ll be really close to Yellowstone Lake

Cons: Loops J, K, L and get road noise from the highway south to Grand Teton National Park. The sites are small and close together, without too much privacy. Being located in the south of the park means this campground is a far drive from many attractions.

Lewis Lake Campground

Open: Late June to late October

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $20/night

Sites: 85 total including some walk-in sites.

RVs: Some sites fit RVs 25′ combined length or less. Sites are pull-through or back-in. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 7,800 ft (2377 m)

Amenities: Pit toilets. No cell reception. No generators allowed. No showers. (Closest pay showers are at Grant Village.)

Nearest Grocery Store: Grant Village

Location: Lewis Lake Campground is on the shores of Lewis Lake in the southern part of Yellowstone. It’s a quiet part of the park, but Grant Village is only 20 minutes away. It’s a longer drive to the rest of the park.

Pros: Lewis Lake is popular with boaters. It’s also the gateway to the backcountry of Shoshone Lake, which is only open to canoes and kayaks. The campground is rustic with no generators and pit toilets, so it’s great if you want a more natural experience. It also tends to fill up later than other campgrounds.

Cons: This is the southern-most campground in the park. That makes it the farthest away from most attractions. 

READ NEXT: 70 Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Bridge Bay Campground

Open: Mid-May to early-September

Reservations: Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Price: $33/night + tax.

Sites: 432 total.

RVs: Some sites will fit rigs up to 40′ long. Sites are pull-through or back-in. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 7,800 ft (2377 m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, cell reception, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale, dump station. No showers. (Closest pay showers at Grant Village and Fishing Bridge RV Park.) 

Nearest Grocery Store: Lake Village, Fishing Bridge

Location: Bridge Bay campground is located on the northern part of Yellowstone Lake in the southern part of the park. The Bridge Bay Marina is right next door. It’s a short drive to Canyon Village and West Thumb Geyser Basin, but other sights are much further away.

Pros: This is a good campsite to choose if you brought a boat since the marina is nearby. It’s a short drive to Lake Village and Grant Village if you need groceries or want to eat at a restaurant. And you can hike the popular Natural Bridge Trail right from your campsite.

Cons: Many of the campsites are very close together with no privacy since there aren’t many trees. As well, some people have complained that the tent sites are not very level.  Being located in the south of the park means this campground is a far drive from many attractions.

Fishing Bridge RV Park

Reservations: Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Price: $89/night + tax and utility fees

Sites: 310 total for hard-sided RVs only. No tents. No tent-trailers.

RVs: Sites are 30-95′ long. Most sites are pull-through. 30′, 35′ and 40′ sites are back-in and some allow for side-by-side parking of truck and unhooked trainer. Full hookups for electricity, water, and sewer (50 or 30 amp).

Elevation: 7,800 ft (2377 m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, cell reception, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, pay showers, full hookups, dump station. No campfires allowed.

Nearest Grocery Store: Lake Village, Fishing Bridge

Location: Fishing Bridge RV Park is at the north end of Yellowstone Lake. It’s close to the Fishing Bridge over the Yellowstone River and a general store. Lake Village is a short drive away. It’s a short drive to Canyon Village and West Thumb Geyser Basin, but other sights are much further away.

Pros: If you camp in an RV and want full hook-ups, this is your only option for that in Yellowstone National Park. The campground got a complete renovation (finished in 2022) with larger sites, bigger parking lot, new dump station, more showers and laundry, and updated comfort stations.

Cons: The campground is set up like a traditional RV Park with rigs parked very close together. The hard-sided RV requirement is because grizzly bears frequent the campground. You aren’t allowed to have a campfire at these sites, which is a bummer on cold nights.

Canyon Campground

Open: Late-May to mid-September

Reservations: Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Price: $39/night + tax

Sites: 273 total.

RVs: Some sites will fit rigs up to 40′ long in pull-through and back-in sites. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 7,900 feet (2408 m)

Amenities: Flush toilets, cell reception, generators allowed, amphitheater with ranger programs, firewood for sale, two free showers a night dump station.

Nearest Grocery Store: Canyon Village.

Location: Canyon campground is located in Canyon Village near the north rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It’s a pretty central location on the east side of the park.

Pros: Canyon Village is within walking distance of the campground and it has a grocery store and restaurants. The campground is away from the village and the main road so it is quiet. If you don’t want to worry about parking on the canyon rim, you can follow a trail one mile from the campground through the cabins to the North Rim.

Cons: The sites are small and close together. As well, people complain that some of the sites aren’t very flat.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Yellowstone Packing List for Every Summer Visitor

Tower Fall Campground

Open: Late May to late September

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $20/night

Sites: 31 total.

RVs: Best for rigs 30′ combined length or less due to a hairpin curve. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 6,600 feet (2012 m)

Amenities: Pit toilets, amphitheater with ranger programs. No cell reception, no showers, no generators allowed. (Closest pay showers are at Roosevelt Lodge.)

Nearest Grocery Store: Tower Fall

Location: Tower Fall campground is located across the road from Tower Fall in the northern part of Yellowstone. It’s a 10-minute drive away from Tower Junction and the Roosevelt Lodge.

Pros: It’s a small campground so it won’t feel crowded. You can walk to Tower Fall from your campsite. If you want a restaurant meal, the Roosevelt Lodge is a short drive away.

Cons: The sites are smaller so they are better for tents, not RVs (although shorter RVs are permitted.)

Slough Creek Campground

Open: Mid-June to mid-October

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $20/night

Sites: 16 total.

RVs: 14 sites fit rigs up to 30′. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 6,250 feet (1905 m)

Amenities: Pit toilets. No cell reception, no showers. (Closest pay showers are at Roosevelt Lodge.)

Nearest Grocery Store: Tower Fall

Location: Slough Creek is located on a gravel road in the northeast part of Yellowstone. It is in the Lamar Valley, one of the park’s best wildlife watching destinations. Since it’s the remote northeast of the park, it’s not near any of the other attractions.

Pros: There is a wolf den nearby so this is the best place in the park to try to spot a wolf. Bison, bears, pronghorn, and elk are also common. It’s a small and quiet campground with a wilderness feel. 

Cons: RVs won’t really fit in this campground. (Although very small rigs may fit.) This campground is a long drive from the rest of the park and frequent bison jams can make the drive even longer.

Pebble Creek Campground

NOTE: Pebble Creek Campground is closed in 2025 due to flood recovery work.

Open: Mid-June to late September

Reservations: Recreation.gov

Price: $20/night

Sites: 27

RVs: Some sites have long pull-throughs that will accommodate RVs. There may be limited clearance for slide-outs and not all sites are level. No hookups.

Elevation: 6,900 feet (2103 m)

Amenities: Pit toilets. No cell reception, no showers. (Closest pay showers are at Roosevelt Lodge.)

Nearest Grocery Store: Tower Fall, Cooke City

Location: Pebble Creek Campground is in the northeast corner of Yellowstone at the foot of the Absaroka Mountains. It’s a 20-minute drive to Cooke City, MT on the eastern edge of the park. Otherwise, it’s not near anything else in the park.

Pros: Pebble Creek is a small and quiet campground with a wilderness feel. There’s a pretty little creek right in the middle of the campground. Nearby Soda Butte Creek is popular with anglers. It’s also close to the wildlife mecca of the Lamar Valley.

Cons: It’s a LONG drive to the rest of the park.

Campgrounds Outside Yellowstone National Park

If you can’t get a campsite inside the park, you aren’t out of camping options. There are first-come, first-served campgrounds in the National Forests outside Yellowstone. There are also RV parks in some of the nearby towns. I haven’t visited any of these, so I can’t give you any recommendations.

But here’s the list of all the campgrounds near Yellowstone I know of, sorted by which park entrance they are closest to:

North Entrance:

• Eagle Creek Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (reserveable)
• Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North (reserveable)
• Yellowstone RV Park (reserveable)

Northeast Entrance

• Soda Butte Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (first-come, first-served)
• Colter Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (first-come, first-served)
• Chief Joseph Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (first-come, first-served)

East Entrance:

• Threemile Campground, Shoshone National Forest (reserveable)
• Eagle Creek Campground, Shoshone National Forest (first-come, first-served)

West Entrance:

• Yellowstone Cabins and RV Park (reserveable)
• Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Cabins (reserveable)
• Wagon Wheel RV Cabin Campground (reserveable)
• Yellowstone Park West Gate KOA (reserveable)
• Buffalo Crossing RV Park (reserveable)
• Baker’s Hole Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest (first-come, first-served)

South Entrance:

• Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch (reserveable)
• Lizard Creek Campground, Grand Teton National Park (reserveable)

Yellowstone Campground Rules and Tips

In most ways, camping in Yellowstone is a lot like camping in any other National Park. Except for the bears… and a few other things. Here are some tips and rules you need to know about camping in Yellowstone.

And to get you in the camping mood (and help give you a better idea about what campsites look like in Yellowstone) here’s a somewhat cheesy National Parks video about camping in Yellowstone.

Campfires in Yellowstone

Each campsite at all campgrounds except Fishing Bridge RV Park has a fire ring. However, there may be seasonal fire-bans during dry summers when the fire danger is high.

You can buy firewood at some campgrounds. Keep in mind that the firewood kiosk may only be only open in the evening from 6 to 8 pm. You can also buy firewood at most stores and gas stations in the park.

Drinking Water at Yellowstone Campgrounds

There are water taps in all campgrounds in the park. It’s fresh mountain water and is safe to drink. You can fill up there or water bottle refill stations at visitor centres. There’s no need to bring wasteful and expensive bottled water!

Group Size at Yellowstone Campgrounds

You are only allowed to have six people per campsite. If you have more than that, you’ll need more campsites.

RVs in Yellowstone

Most campgrounds in Yellowstone accept RVs. RVs are welcome at all of the campgrounds. Just make sure you book a spot that is big enough to accommodate your rig – many won’t fit longer RVs and have maximum length restrictions. Check site details when making a reservation.

Bear Safety in Yellowstone

All of Yellowstone’s campgrounds have strict bear safety rules. You’ll get an info sheet about it when you check in to your campsite, and maybe a mini-lecture too! The reality is that bears walk through all the campgrounds.

To ensure the safety of campers and bears, you have to protect all your food and smelly stuff. Of course, bears (and other critters) are interested in your food, but they might also like your dishes, pots, stove, drinks, cooler, pet food, garbage, and toiletries. 

Unless you are actively using them, you need to put those items away. You can’t leave them sitting out in your campsite or store them in your tent. You can put them in your car or you can store them in the bear-proof storage box.

The bear-proof storage boxes are large metal lockers big enough to store a few large coolers. In most campgrounds, you’ll get your own, but in some of the reservable campgrounds, you will need to share them between 2 or 3 campsites.

If a ranger or campground host finds unattended food or smelly items in your campground, you could get a fine or a ticket. They will also put your gear away for you. We saw that happen to three different groups during our trip! For more tips, read my post about bear safety for campers and hikers.

READ NEXT: Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers

Camping With Dogs in Yellowstone National Park

Dogs are allowed in Yellowstone National Park and at campgrounds, but there are quite a few restrictions. They must be in a car, in a crate, or on a leash that is less than six feet long.

Dogs are allowed on leash within 100 feet of roads, parking lots, and campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails or boardwalks. You are not allowed to leave your dog unattended in a car or tied to an object.

What to Pack for Camping in Yellowstone National Park

All of Yellowstone’s campgrounds are above 6000 feet so it can get cold at night. As well, it can rain at any time in the mountains. Make sure you’re prepared. For my recommendations on what to bring camping, see my Yellowstone Packing Lists. 

READ NEXT: How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

Final Thoughts

So that’s everything you need to know about camping in Yellowstone. I know you’re going to have an AWESOME trip! If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section. I’ll be happy to answer!

READ NEXT:

• 70 Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
• The Ultimate Yellowstone Packing List for Every Summer Visitor
• Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
• The Best Camping Cancellation Apps
• 25 Things to do in Grand Teton National Park
• How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

The post Camping in Yellowstone in 2025: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Yellowstone presents some unique challenges for visitors. It is located in the Rocky Mountains and the park is at a high elevation. Most of it is over 7000 feet (2100m) above sea level and subject to unpredictable mountain weather.

I saw lots of unprepared people shivering in the cold, soaking wet in rainstorms or with lobster-like sunburned skin. (And to be honest, sometimes I was one of them.) Even though June, July, and August are summer in Yellowstone, it’s not like summer everywhere else in America!

To have an awesome time on your summer trip to Yellowstone, you should pack a few key items along with your regular travel gear. Below you’ll find a complete Yellowstone packing list for all visitors.

I also have a bonus list of what hikers should bring to Yellowstone and one for campers too. AND, I’ve got a Yellowstone packing list for picnickers. (Since I think picnicking in Yellowstone National Park is way better than eating at restaurants every day, and cheaper too.) [Insert your own Yogi Bear picnic basket joke here ;)]

In this post you’ll find:

• Things everyone needs to pack for Yellowstone
• Yellowstone packing list for hikers
• Yellowstone packing list for picnickers
• Yellowstone packing list for campers
• Things you don’t need to pack for Yellowstone
• How cold does it get in Yellowstone? (Weather and temperature info)

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

WANT MORE YELLOWSTONE INFO?  Check out these posts:

• 70 Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
• Everything You Need to Know About Camping in Yellowstone
• Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

The Basics: Things Everyone Needs to Bring to Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a unique place. It can be brutally sunny, cold and wet… all in the same afternoon. The wildlife watching is  spectacular… and they are also not to be messed with. It’s also pretty remote.

While there are a few small stores in the park, they don’t have everything. I found it helped to be self-sufficient. Here’s my list of the things I think every single visitor to Yellowstone should pack.

Sun Protection

The sun can be really harsh in Yellowstone since it’s at such a high elevation. Bring a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap for protection. You’ll also want lots of high SPF sunscreen and some SPF lip balm to avoid burned lips.

I used my Outdoor Research Oasis Sun Hat in Yellowstone since it has a wide brim and I can fold it up into my pack when I’m not wearing it.

READ NEXT: Tips for Hiking in Hot Weather

Polarized Sunglasses

I like to wear polarized sunglasses as they let you see colours that are truer to reality than what you get with regular sunglasses. They also help you see into the water.

In Yellowstone, that lets you see deeper into the hot pools and lakes, which is really cool. I like Goodr sunglasses since they have fun frame options and they aren’t too expensive for polarized glasses. 

Camera with a Long Lens

The main reasons people come to Yellowstone are the amazing scenery and abundant wildlife. And of course, you’ll want photos of both. Your phone is fine for shots of scenery, but for wildlife, you’ll want an SLR camera with a long lens.

I’m the biggest idiot and forgot mine at home! I was cursing myself the whole time I was in Yellowstone as I missed out on some amazing wildlife shots. And if you are shooting with a long lens, you’ll want a tripod for stability. (I forgot that at home too! Oops.)

I did remember to bring my Sony A6400 camera. It’s a mirrorless camera which is more compact than a full DSLR but still produces high-quality images. I find it easy to use, plus it’s not that expensive.

When I remember to bring it, I use a budget Sony 55-200m lens to shoot wildlife. I also have a lightweight Sirui T-025SK carbon fiber tripod.

Binoculars or Spotting Scope

I’ve never seen more people carrying binoculars than I did in Yosemite. Binoculars are essential for watching wildlife since you need to stay so far away from them for safety. My advice would be to get the most powerful binoculars or spotting scope you can afford. It really makes a difference.

If you’re like me and know nothing about shopping for binoculars, check out this post on the best travel binoculars for wildlife watching.

We brought a compact GoSky Titan monocular that my husband found on Amazon. It’s pretty compact and not too expensive, but it still has great magnification. Our favourite part is that it comes with an adapter to attach your phone. That way you can turn it into a giant zoom lens for your cell phone. Pretty cool!

Bear Spray

Yellowstone has a very high population of both grizzly bears and black bears. While both species usually stay away from people, they have been known to prowl through campgrounds, defend their cubs, or surprise people on trails. I saw both grizzlies and black bears on my trip – a grizzly bear walked right past our backcountry campsite one night after dinner!

Carry bear spray and make lots of noise when hiking. You can buy bear spray at most stores inside Yellowstone National Park, but it’s MUCH more expensive compared to buying it beforehand.

Buy bear spray and make sure you get a a holster so you can attach it to your backpack or belt.

READ NEXT: Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers

Fleece or Puffy Jacket

Even if you visit in the middle of summer, Yellowstone can be chilly since it’s over 6000 feet (1800 meters) above sea level. Pack a cozy fleece or puffy jacket to wear for cold mornings and evenings. On my visit in mid-June, I ended up wearing mine at some point every day.

My husband brought his Patagonia Nano Puff insulated jacket. It packs down super-small but still has plenty of warmth.

I packed my favourite MEC Rockwall fleece, which I love since it is soft and has a bit of stretch. But any fleece jacket will do. You also can’t go wrong with the budget-friendly REI Trailmade Fleece.

Reusable Water Bottle and Travel Mug

You need to stay hydrated at high elevations. But adding plastic waste to our world sucks. Bring your own reusable water bottle and fill up at visitor centres, hotels, and campgrounds.

I don’t go anywhere without my Hydroflask. (My husband jokes that it’s my emotional support water bottle!) It keeps my water cold all day, which makes it worth the price.

If you’re a coffee drinker, it also makes sense to bring your own mug to avoid a throw-away paper cup. Plus that way your coffee stays warm longer. I love my YETI Rambler Tumbler. It keeps coffee hot for hours and the magnetic slider lid keeps it closed. It’s also easy to disable the lid to clean it.

Phone and Power Bank

These days, we all take our phones everywhere. So, of course, you’ll want yours in Yellowstone. Keep in mind that there is no cell service in most of the park, and in the areas where there is coverage, it can get spotty.

This means that your phone battery will die quickly while it keeps looking for a signal. (And also because of all those geyser videos you’ll be taking!) Make sure you bring a portable power bank so you can charge your phone on the go.

I use a tiny Anker power bank that charges my phone a couple of times. Unlike some of the crappy power banks you can buy on Amazon (or at gas stations) these are high quality – I’ve had mine for years and it’s still going strong.

Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizer

There are lots of toilets around Yellowstone National Park. Most parking lots and trailheads have one. However, the toilets don’t always have a good supply of toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Keep some with you just in case.

And if you really need to go and can’t make it to a toilet, go to the bathroom the Leave No Trace way: Dig a small hole 70 big steps away from trails, roads, campsites, and water. Then bury your waste, and pack out your toilet paper in a plastic bag. I carry a super lightweight titanium trowel for backcountry poo-mergencies. Hilariously, it’s called the Deuce of Spades.

Bug Spray

The mosquitos in Yellowstone can be bad, especially in early summer. If you’re sensitive to bites, bring some insect repellent. I use bug spray made with picaridin since it is scientifically proven to be the most effective and isn’t as harsh as DEET. Skip the herbal and citronella insect repellents – they don’t work.

Rain Jacket

Yellowstone still gets rain in the summertime. It’s very common for thunderstorms to spring up in the afternoon, leading to a quick (and intense) rain showers.

Bring a lightweight rain jacket just in case you get caught in the rain. I love my Mountain Hardwear Minimizer Gore-Tex Paclite Plus Jacket since it is insanely light, packs down super-small and breathes well. The only downside is that it’s not cheap.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly packable rain jacket I recommend the Outdoor Research Helium or the REI Rainier.

READ NEXT: 5 Tips for Hiking in the Rain

First Aid Kit

You can buy basic first aid supplies at stores in the park. But that won’t seem like a good option when the nearest one is 30 minutes away and someone needs a bandaid or a Tylenol. Pack a basic first aid kit. Make sure it includes bandages, gauze, and medical tape. 

You’ll also want to have lots of foot care supplies such as Moleskin or Second Skin for blisters. (Check out my full list of blister care and prevention tips and tricks.)

Bring anti-inflammatory painkillers like Advil, and anti-diarrhea pills like Immodium just in case. And don’t forget your usual prescription medications.

I like the Adventure Medical Ultralight first aid kits since they come in a water-resistant pouch. I always add more stuff to them, like more blister care and bandaids.

Bathing Suit and Quick-Dry Towel (Optional)

If you’re visiting during the warm summer months, bring a bathing suit so you can cool off in one of Yellowstone’s two swimming areas: Boiling River and Firehole River. Due to high water levels and strong currents, both of these spots are usually closed until early July, so I wasn’t able to swim on my mid-June visit. Some of the hotels in the area also have pools or hot tubs.

Don’t bring a traditional cotton beach towel – they take up tons of space and take forever to dry. I use a quick-drying microfibre travel towel from PackTowl. It absorbs lots of water and dries really fast.

Moisturizer (Optional)

If you come from a humid, coastal climate like me, you will find the high mountain air really drying. My skin complained for our entire visit! I wish I had brought some good moisturizer.

Fishing Gear (Optional)

Fishing is REALLY popular in Yellowstone. If you want to fish, you need to get a special Yellowstone fishing permit and comply with tackle restrictions. My husband didn’t bring his fishing gear since we didn’t think we’d have time to fish. He was definitely jealous of all the fly fishers we saw!

Dog Leash (If Applicable)

You can bring your dog to Yellowstone, but it has to be on a short leash (less than 6 feet) at all times. Dogs must also stay within 100 feet of roads, parking lots and campgrounds. That means your dog can’t hike with you or visit any of the thermal features.

You can find more info about visiting Yellowstone with dogs on the National Park website.

Hiking Gear to Pack for Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone has TONS of hiking trails. Most visitors stick to the roadside pullouts and never venture on to a trail. That means the hiking trails are MUCH less crowded than the rest of the park.

If you’re planning to go hiking in Yellowstone, you’ll need to pack the 10 essentials, just as you would on any hike. But here are a few other things you should bring for your Yellowstone hike.

READ NEXT: The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike

Day Pack

If you’re going hiking, you’ll need a backpack to carry your gear. You can use any old backpack you have lying around the house. But I find it much more comfortable to hike with a dedicated hiking backpack.

For day hikes, I like ones that have about 20 litres of capacity and have a spot to hold my hydration reservoir. I also love ones with hip belt pockets so I can easily grab snacks, lip balm or my phone without taking the pack off.

I’ve been using a Gregory Maya for years and absolutely love it! It’s a women’s pack but it comes in a men’s version too called the Miko.

Hiking Boots

The trails in Yellowstone are pretty well maintained, but they can be steep or muddy. Wearing hiking boots gives you ankle support and keeps your feet dry in wet conditions. The tread on hiking boots also gives you better traction on steep slopes so you won’t skid out the way you might in running shoes.

I brought my trusty Salomon X Ultra Mid hiking boots to Yellowstone and wore them a LOT. They’re pretty lightweight and breathable, so they don’t get too hot.

Hiking Socks

One of the biggest mistakes new hikers make is wearing their regular cotton socks on a hike. Cotton socks hold in your sweat. That’s a surefire way to get blisters!

Wearing proper hiking socks made of wool or synthetics will help keep your feet dry. I love Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew socks. They’re comfortable and they have a lifetime warranty. They’re made in America too!

READ NEXT: How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking

Quick-drying Hiking Clothing

You can definitely hike in your regular clothes, but they won’t be as comfortable. Bring some hiking pants or shorts and a hiking shirt made of quick-drying synthetic material. They’ll keep you cool and dry when you get sweaty!

My current hiking favorites are the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie (it’s one of my favourite sun hoodies) and Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Shorts. In hot weather, quick-drying hiking underwear are a must have to avoid discomfort “down there”. Read my guide to hiking underwear to see my top picks.

Guidebook and Maps (Optional)

You can get ideas about where to hike from the visitor centres or the park brochure, but I found having a guidebook really helpful. It was great to see all the hike options, then choose one that sounded best to us.

We bought the Yellowstone Trails guide from Yellowstone Forever. (It’s a non-profit organization that supports the park.) Other great options are A Ranger’s Guide to Yellowstone Day Hikes and Hiking Yellowstone National Park.

National Geographic makes the best topographic maps of Yellowstone National Park. They show all the trails. We just brought the general Yellowstone National Park map, but there are smaller, more detailed maps for various park regions too. 

Trekking Poles (Optional)

Some trails in Yellowstone have a lot of steep ascents and descents as well as some uneven terrain. Trekking poles can be really helpful for saving your joints on the downhills or keeping your balance in the mud.

I’ve been hiking with poles for the last 15 years and can’t imagine going without them. So of course, I brought my Black Diamond Trail trekking poles to Yellowstone. If you want a budget pair, the Cascade Mountain Tech trekking poles get great reviews.

Yellowstone National Park Picnic Gear

Yes, Yellowstone has restaurants. But they are expensive and many of the attractions far from the nearest restaurant.

We packed a picnic lunch for most of our days in the park. It was a fun way to slow down in the middle of the day and just chill out at a beautiful spot. It was also MUCH less expensive than eating out every day.

Yellowstone National Park has lots of picnic areas with tables and restrooms. Many of them are a little bit off-the-beaten-path so you get to explore some of the quieter parts of the park. Here’s my picnic packing list for Yellowstone:

Groceries and Snacks

There are a few small stores in Yellowstone, but they have very limited groceries. And the prices are expensive! If possible, stock up before you get to the park.

During our trip, we shopped at grocery stores in Gardiner, MT, West Yellowstone, MT and Jackson, WY. They all had a pretty good selection of things at reasonable prices. 

Cooler

It can get really warm in the afternoon in Yellowstone, so a cooler is a must. You don’t need anything super fancy. We have a small 18 quart Coleman cooler. It held ice for a day or so, then we just bought more at the park store.

Since our trip to Yellowstone we splurged and got a YETI Roadie 24 cooler. It’s definitely expensive, but the increase in performance is huge! We’ve used it on tons of trips (including to Moab, Utah) and it holds ice for days and days.

Pro tip: To make your ice last longer, cover your cooler with a warm jacket, blanket, or sleeping bag to provide more insulation and shade when you leave it in a hot car.

Plates, Forks, Cutting Board, and Knife

We brought a couple of camping plates and our trusty camping sporks to eat off of. Having a cutting board and knife to cut up veggies, sausage and cheese was also helpful. We have this cutting board and knife set. It folds in half and the knife stows inside!

Reusable Food Containers and Ziploc Bags

We brought a couple of plastic food containers and a handful of Ziploc bags and they were so helpful. We stored leftovers in them and used them to protect groceries from getting soggy in the cooler.

Table Cloth (Optional)

The one piece of picnic gear that I forgot to bring was a plastic table cloth. I was definitely jealous when I saw other groups using one. They are handy to have to cover less-than-clean picnic tables. And they are easy to wipe down when you’re done. Plus they make you feel a bit fancy!

Yellowstone National Park Camping Gear

One of the best ways to experience Yellowstone National Park is to camp. (I liked it so much I wrote a whole guide with everything you need to know about camping in Yellowstone.)

Most of the crowds go back to their hotels in the evenings and the park really quiets down. You may also get to see more wildlife as some animals like to hang around the campgrounds.

When planning to camp in Yellowstone, keep in mind that all the campsites are above 6000 feet (1800 meters), which means they can be chilly at night, even in the summer. The average low temperature in June, July, and August is between 34 and 39F (1-4C). Brrrr!

As well, afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common, so you’ll want to make sure you are prepared for rain. Use these tips for camping in the rain to make sure you stay dry.

For camping in Yellowstone, bring all the things on my picnic gear list above, plus these items:

Tent

Bring a waterproof tent that can stand up to rain and wind. Choose one with a full-length rain fly that reaches all the way to the ground and covers the door. That offers MUCH more protection than the ones with a little fly on the top.

We brought our MEC Volt 4 tent to Yellowstone and it held up well. Another good option is the REI Base Camp.

Warm Sleeping Bag and Insulated Sleeping Pad

The campsites in Yellowstone are all over 6000 feet (1800m) elevation. Many of them are over 7000 feet (2100m). It can be cold at night up there.

Pack a sleeping bag rated at least 32F (0C). Choose one with a hood for extra warmth. The REI Siesta 20 sleeping bag is a great budget pick that will still keep you warm.

Even the warmest sleeping bag can’t protect you from the cold ground. Sleeping pads don’t just provide comfort – they also provide insulation since you lose heat to the ground.

Choose a sleeping pad that has an R-value of at least 2.5. (R-value measures insulation and warmth). The Sea to Summit Comfort Light sleeping pad is a good budget pick that gives you comfort and warmth.

If you expect really cold weather or know you feel the cold at night, pick a pad with an even higher R-value. I use a Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xtherm since I sleep really cold. A cheaper option is the Big Agnes Rapide SL.

READ NEXT: How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

Thermal Base Layer Top and Bottoms

When it’s chilly, I sleep in thermal base layers while camping. They keep me way warmer than regular PJs. They are also nice to wear around the campsite under my clothes on cold evenings and mornings.

Choose mid-weight thermals made of polyester or merino wool and be sure to pack both bottoms and a long sleeved top.

I sleep cold so I wear the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew top and Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer bottoms. If you’re looking for a budget option, the REI Midweight base layer top and REI Midweight base layer bottoms are good.

Warm Hat and Gloves

You lose a lot of heat through your head and hands. Pack a cozy beanie and some lightweight fleece or wool gloves to wear in the evenings.

Headlamp or Flashlight

Pack a headlamp or flashlight to find your way around at night. I like using a headlamp since it keeps my hands free. I use a Fenix HM50R headlamp. It’s super bright and easy to use. Plus the battery is rechargeable and lasts a long time.

Stove, Fuel, Pots and Cooking Utensils

Most campsites in Yellowstone have fire pits, but there can be campfire bans in dry weather. Cooking on a campfire can be fun, but using a stove is much easier and more reliable.

We use a basic Coleman 2 burner stove. The design has been around for decades for good reason – they are simple to use and super-durable.

Dishwashing Basin, Soap and Scrubber

Most of the Yellowstone campgrounds don’t have dishwashing sinks and you aren’t allowed to wash dishes in the restrooms or at the water taps. Instead, they ask you to wash dishes at a basin in your campsite, then dump the soapy water in the restroom toilet.

We didn’t bring a basin so we had to wash our dishes in our largest pot. Next time I’ll definitely bring a wash basin. We saw some campers with this nifty collapsible dish basin. It stows flat when you aren’t using it and has handles for carrying it to a place where you can dump it out. I think I’ll definitely be picking one up for our next trip.

Camping Chairs

Sure, you could sit around your picnic table. But that means you can’t get close your to campfire! You need chairs. We brought our Helinox camping chairs since they pack up super small and are pretty comfortable.

Kitchen Tarp

Most of the campers we saw in Yellowstone didn’t have a kitchen tarp. That meant that on the stormy evenings, they were cooking dinner in the rain.

We brought our lightweight backpacking tarp and strung it up on ropes over our picnic table. It gave us a dry place to eat and cook, which was so nice during the storms. You could also just get a cheap blue poly tarp.

A few groups had fancy free standing kitchen shelters with bug screens. One of those is definitely going on my wish list.

READ NEXT: Camping in Yellowstone: Everything You Need to Know

Things You Shouldn’t Bring to Yellowstone

• Drones: They aren’t allowed in any national park.
• Fancy clothes: You won’t need them. All the restaurants in the park are pretty casual and everyone else will be wearing hiking clothes.
• Elk buglers: It’s against the rules to imitate elk calls or use buglers. You also aren’t allowed to imitate wolf calls. 

How Cold Does it Get in Yellowstone? What is the Weather Like?

Yellowstone is in the Rocky Mountains and on average, the park is at an elevation of 8,000 feet (2,400 m). That means that it can be cold, even in the summer. The weather is also very unpredictable and it changes often.

Here is a chart that show’s Yellowstone’s average high and low temperatures for each month as well as the number of days with rain. If you’re camping, keep in mind that the lows are overnight temps.

Summer in Yellowstone is generally warm but not hot. Daytime temperatures are around 70°F. Nights are much cooler, especially at high elevations. Expect thunderstorms in the afternoons.

The best general weather forecast is the Yellowstone National Park forecast from NOAA. Don’t use forecasts for nearby towns since they are too far away and at lower elevations.

Since the park is so big, look for a weather forecast for the area you want to visit. I like to use Spotwx to get a forecast for the exact place I’m visiting.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

Final Thoughts

With these Yellowstone packing lists, you should have everything you need to have an awesome trip, whether you are hiking, camping, picnicking or just touring around. If you’ve already been to Yellowstone, what was your one “must-have” item you brought? Tell me in the comments.

MORE YELLOWSTONE POSTS:

• 70 Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
• Everything You Need to Know About Camping in Yellowstone
• Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
• 25 Things to do in Grand Teton National Park

MORE ADVICE FOR CAMPERS AND HIKERS:

• Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• 16 Things to do Before a Hike
• How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear

The post The Ultimate Yellowstone Packing List for Every Summer Visitor appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I recently spent a week in Moab and did a ton of hiking. As a long-time hiker and guidebook author, I’m used to tackling long and difficult hikes. But on this trip I was recovering from an injury so I focused on short and easy trails that would be kind to my body.

I was worried that the easier hikes wouldn’t be as good… but I was so wrong! We saw incredible scenery every day from arches to canyons to rock formations. We also visited must-sees like Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch.

Now that I’m back from my trip, I’ve put together my list of the 15 best easy hikes in Moab for you. While all of these hikes are on the easier side, some of them are harder than others. I’ve rated them either “super-easy“, “easy” or “moderate” so you know what to expect.

Most of the hikes take less than 1 hour, but a few take up to 3 hours. In general, these trails aren’t too steep – most climb less than 100 feet. But a few have more hills. Some also contain slickrock sections, stairs, ladders, and ledges that some people will find challenging.

This guide to short hikes in Moab includes:

• Quick picks – my top 4 easy Moab hikes
• Moab hiking map that shows the location of every trailhead
• Hikes in Arches National Park
• Hikes in Canyonlands National Park
• More hikes near Moab
• Moab hiking tips including fees, reservations, weather, dogs, and more

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Easy Hikes in Moab Quick Picks

Best Easy Hike to an Arch: Double Arch

Best Easy Hike to a Canyon Viewpoint: Grand View Point

Best Super-Short Easy Hike: Balanced Rock

Best Longer Easy Hike: Corona Arch

Moab Hiking Maps

All of the hikes on this list are easy to follow with lots of signs and trail markers. But using a hiking app like Gaia GPS or AllTrails+ can help if you’re worried about getting off track.

If you want a paper map, we bought the Classic Moab Trails Recreation Topo Map which shows tons of hiking, biking, and OHV trails.

I also made a custom Google Map for you that shows the locations for the start of all the easy hikes in Moab. But don’t use Google Maps once you are on the trails – in some places, there is no cell service and Google doesn’t have all the trail details anyway.

Easy Hikes in Arches National Park

One of the main places to hike near Moab is Arches National Park. You’ll find lots of easy hikes there.

• Entry Fees: Entry to the park costs $30 per vehicle and is good for one week. Annual passes are also available.
• Reservations: Between April 1 and October 31 visitors entering the park between 7 am and 4 pm need to make a reservation for a timed entry ticket. (You don’t need a reservation at other times.)

Park Avenue Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 1 hour

Distance: 1.8 miles round-trip

Elevation Gain: 322 feet

This trail starts at the paved Park Avenue viewpoint platform. From there, it goes down a set of stairs and follows a wide canyon between tall rock towers… kind of like walking down Park Avenue in New York!

The trail heads downhill to the Courthouse Towers viewpoint, which means the way back is entirely uphill so save your energy for that.

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Park Avenue trailhead.

Balanced Rock

Difficulty: Super-easy

Time Needed: 15 minutes

Distance: 0.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 35 ft

Balanced Rock seems to defy gravity. When you see it from the road it looks precarious, but it isn’t until you walk the short loop trail around the base that you really understand how crazy it is that it’s still standing. The hike is short and easy, but worthwhile.

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Balanced Rock trailhead.

Windows Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 30 minutes

Distance: 1 mile loop

Elevation Gain: 99 ft

This short and easy trail has a great payoff – these are some of the most spectacular arches in the park. It’s a loop hike that starts and ends with a few stairs. I recommend going counterclockwise. On this route, you will start at Turret Arch. Next, you will visit South Window and North Window.

Since this hike is so short, you can do Double Arch at the same time – it starts from the other side of the parking lot.

Pro tip: This is a great place for a sunset hike since the North Window frames the setting sun.

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Windows trailhead.

Double Arch

Difficulty: Super-easy

Time Needed: 20 minutes

Distance: 0.6 mi round-trip

Elevation Gain: 30 ft

Double Arch was one of my favourite arches – it’s two arches stretching across the same alcove. It’s also the tallest arch in the park at 112 ft. The hike to Double Arch is one of the easiest trails in Moab.

You can see the arch from the parking lot, but you will still want to follow the path downhill to get closer. There is a great view from the base but you can also scramble up into the arch.

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Double Arch trailhead.

Delicate Arch Viewpoint

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 30 to 45 minutes

Distance: 0.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 171 feet

This trail is the easiest way to see the famous Delicate Arch. But to be clear, this trail does not take you TO Delicate Arch (info on that trail is below). Instead, this trail takes you to two different viewpoints where you can see Delicate Arch.

The first viewpoint is only 100 feet from the parking lot and is wheelchair accessible. It’s worth continuing up a hill to the Upper Viewpoint where you can look across a deep canyon to Delicate Arch a mile away.

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint trailhead. Note that this is a different parking lot than the Delicate Arch parking lot.

Delicate Arch

Difficulty: Moderate

Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours

Distance: 3 miles round-trip

Elevation Gain: 538 feet

Fair warning: This trail isn’t easy – it’s the hardest trail on my list. However, since it is the most popular trail in Arches National Park and most hikers (even beginners) are determined to visit it, I included it on my list.

If you bring lots of water, avoid hot weather, and go slow, this hike is doable for most people with reasonable fitness. There are lots of unprepared hikers on this trail and unfortunately, lots of rescues (especially when it’s hot out). If you aren’t sure about your ability to complete this trail, go to Delicate Arch Viewpoint instead.

The first few minutes of the trail are flat (don’t miss the detour to the petroglyph panel here), but the rest is a fairly relentless climb up a steep rock. At the end, you’ll have to walk along a wide ledge with a sharp drop-off. People who have a fear of heights may not like this trail.

You won’t get to see Delicate Arch until the very end, which is frustrating as you climb, but it makes it even more special when you finally arrive.

Pro tip: This is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset. It’s a great place to watch the sunrise. You won’t see the sunset, but it does light up the rock – the arch turns red!

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Delicate Arch trailhead.

Sand Dune Arch

Difficulty: Super-easy

Time Needed: 15 minutes

Distance: 0.4 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 0 feet

Sand Dune Arch is a short and easy walk from the parking lot. Although the hike is short, there are patches of deep sand, so it takes a little longer than you might think. You won’t see the arch until you get there since it is tucked away in steep rock fins.

Since this hike is so short, it’s worth combining it with the hike to Broken Arch and Tapestry Arch (below). They share a parking lot.

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Sand Dune Arch trailhead.

Broken and Tapestry Arches

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 30 to 60 minutes

Distance: 1.2 to 2.4 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 59 to 150 feet

Broken Arch isn’t actually broken – but it does have a big crack in it that shows where it will break eventually! The trail to Broken Arch and Tapestry Arch starts at the same parking lot as Sand Dune Arch. You have a few route options. The shortest choice is to hike out and back to Broken Arch.

If you want to extend your hike, you can hike the Broken Arch Loop past Broken Arch. It includes a side trip to Tapestry Arch (one of my favourite secluded arches). Watch for markers carefully on the Tapestry Arch trail as it is less travelled.

If you are camping in Arches National Park, this is a great trail to do right from your campsite since the Broken Arch Loop goes through the campground. We did it after dinner and had it almost to ourselves.

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Broken Arch trailhead. (It’s the same trailhead as for Sand Dune Arch.)

Landscape Arch

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 30 to 60 minutes

Distance: 1.8 miles round-trip

Elevation Gain: 40 feet

At 306 feet across, Landscape Arch is the longest arch in North America. Until you see it in person, it’s really hard to understand just how huge it is. Photos really don’t do it justice.

Landscape Arch is located in the Devil’s Garden section of Arches National Park. Hiking the entire Devil’s Garden Trail is very challenging, but you can just do the easy first section up to Landscape Arch.

The trail winds between towering rock fins. Near the beginning, take a quick side trip to the right to visit Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch. Once you reach Landscape Arch be sure to explore the various viewpoints – but stay behind the barriers as pieces of the arch can fall at any time!

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Landscape Arch trailhead.

Easy Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

The Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park is close to Moab and offers lots of great easy hikes. (The other districts are a few hours’ drive away.)

• Entry Fees: Entry to the park costs $30 per vehicle and is good for one week. Annual passes are also available.
• Reservations not required: While reservations are required at some times of the year at Arches National Park, you do not need a timed entry reservation for Canyonlands. The park is open 24/7 to anyone.

Mesa Arch

Difficulty: Super-easy

Time Needed: 30 minutes

Distance: 0.6 miles loop

Elevation Gain: 56 feet

While the arches in Arches National Park bridge gaps between rock fins, the ones in Canyonlands National Park perch on the ends of big drops. Mesa Arch sits at the edge of the Colorado River canyon. It’s a short and easy loop hike, but it does require walking up and down a rocky hill with some uneven stairs.

When you look through the arch you can see the White Rim and canyon bottom far below. You can also use the arch to frame rock pinnacles and the distant La Sal Mountains. It’s a popular sunrise spot, especially for photographers, since the sun shines under the arch.

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Mesa Arch trailhead.

Upheaval Dome Overlook

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 30 minutes

Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip

Elevation Gain: 100 feet

The hike to the Upheaval Dome Overlook is short but steep with lots of stairs. At the top, you can look down on the collapsed dome. There are also info displays explaining two possible scientific theories for how the dome formed: A meteorite impact or a salt dome.

You can also hike a little further to the Second Overlook. This adds 1 mile and 50 feet of elevation gain.

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Upheaval Dome Overlook trailhead.

Grand View Point

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 1 to 1.5 hours

Distance: 1.8 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 73 feet

You can get a great view of the canyons of the Colorado and Green Rivers from the paved platform by the parking lot at Grand View Point. But walking the Grand View Point trail will give you an even better perspective.

The trail follows the edge of the cliff but stays far enough back that even people with a fear of heights won’t mind it. It has by far the best views in the Island in the Sky district. You can see The Maze and The Needles far across the canyon. Stunning.

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Grand View Point trailhead.

Other Easy Hikes in Moab

There are lots of other easy hikes near Moab on BLM land or in state parks.

Mill Creek Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 1 hour

Distance: 1.6 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 59 feet

Mill Creek is a great hike for a hot day. The trail follows the Mill Creek canyon upstream to a small pool below a waterfall where you can swim.

Within a few minutes of the parking lot, the trail passes an old dam and a few small pools. But continue onwards up the canyon. The trail crosses the stream multiple times so be prepared to get your feet wet. Hiking sandals are a good idea.

Your turn-around point is a pool and waterfall about 30 minutes from the trailhead. If you have more time and good route-finding skills, you can follow the trail above the waterfall up the canyon for about 3 more miles.

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Mill Creek trailhead.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Time Needed: 45 minutes to 3.5 hours

Distance: 1.2 to 6.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 65 to 630 feet

Dead Horse Point State Park occupies a spectacular mesa top with incredible views. A network of trails snakes around the edge of the mesa and gives you incredible views from the cliff tops. I actually enjoyed the views from here better than most places in Canyonlands National Park.

You have two choices for hikes: The shorter option is to do an easy 1.2-mile loop from the main viewpoint, around to the neck where you cross the road, then follow the trail on the other side back to the viewpoint.

But if you have more time, the longer 6.1-mile loop leads around the south end of the park from the viewpoint to the visitor center, then back to the viewpoint. Be sure to follow the signed side trails to great viewpoints. While the loop is long, it’s never very steep.

Heads up: Utah Parks charges $20 per vehicle per day to enter the park. Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Dead Horse State Park trailhead.

Corona Arch

Difficulty: Moderate

Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours

Distance: 2.3 to 3.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 462 to 765 feet

Corona Arch is a great short hike near Moab that leads to a spectacular arch, nicknamed Little Rainbow Bridge. The trail climbs up above a canyon to a sandy area. At a fork, you can go left on a spur trail to Pinto Arch or continue straight toward Corona Arch. (I recommend doing Pinto Arch on the way back if you have the energy.)

From the fork, the trail climbs up over slickrock. There is one section with a chain and stairs carved out of the rock and then a ladder. But it is fairly straightforward and most people won’t struggle here. After the ladder, you’ll pass Bowtie Arch and then arrive at Corona Arch.

Here are Google Maps driving directions to the Corona Arch trailhead.

Moab Hiking Tips

Park Entry Fees

You will need to pay park entry fees for most of the easy hikes in Moab.

Arches National Park: $30 per vehicle per week

Canyonlands National Park: $30 per vehicle per week

Dead Horse State Park: $20 per vehicle per day

There are no fees to hike anywhere else in Moab outside of these parks.

Pro tip: If you plan to visit both Arches and Canyonlands Parks, you can buy a Southeast Utah Annual Pass that covers both parks and is a bit cheaper. Or you can buy an America the Beautiful Pass that covers all National Parks for a year.

National Park Reservations

Between April 1 and October 31, visitors entering Arches National Park between 7 am and 4 pm need to make a reservation for a timed entry ticket. (You don’t need a reservation at other times.)

You do NOT need reservations for Canyonlands National Park or Dead Horse Point State Park.

Weather in Moab

Moab is in the desert so it is blazing hot in the summer and chilly in the winter. In general, spring and fall are the best times to hike in Moab since the weather is just right – not too hot or too cold. It also rarely rains all-year – about 3 days a month.

The chart below has Moab’s average high and low temperatures for each month. The temperature plummets at night so the average lows are nighttime temps.

In Mob, it’s always a good idea to start your hike early in the day to beat the heat and the sun. Avoid hiking if it’s over 90°F – it can be dangerous. Every year people suffering from dehydration or heat exhaustion need to be rescued. Read my tips for hiking in hot weather before you go.

What to Bring Hiking in Moab

It’s important to stay hydrated. The National Parks Service recommends drinking 4L (one gallon) of water per person per day. It’s a lot of water, but since it’s so hot and dry here, you’ll need it. You can get water at Park Visitor Centres and campgrounds.

You also need to protect yourself from the sun. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. I also like to cover up in a long-sleeved sun hoodie. The fabric provides sun protection so I don’t have to worry about reapplying sunscreen! My guide to the best sun hoodies for hiking has six great options.

And just like on any other hike, you need to bring the 10 essentials. These are key safety items you need on the trail including food, a first aid kit, etc.

If you plan to do a sunrise or sunset hike, pack a headlamp or flashlight for each person. Make sure your batteries are fully charged!

For lots more advice, check out my tips for hiking in the desert.

Hiking with Dogs in Moab

Dogs aren’t allowed on hikes in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks.

In Dead Horse Point State Park, dogs are allowed on trails but they must be on a six-foot leash.

Dogs are also allowed on leash at Corona Arch, but some dogs will struggle with the slick rock and the ladder section. You can also take your dog on the Mill Creek Trail.

Drones

Drones are not allowed in Canyonlands or Arches National Parks. In Dead Horse State Park drones are allowed from November to February by permit only. Drones are prohibited the rest of the year and are never allowed at the main Dead Horse Point viewpoint.

Stay Off the Arches

It is illegal to walk on top of the arches in Canylonands and Arches National Parks. It’s also pretty dangerous since rocks can fall at any time! In the 1990s, huge sections of Landscape Arch fell into a visitor viewing area. Thankfully no one was hurt, but now that area is closed.

Leave No Trace

Learn the Leave No Trace principles before you hike in Moab. This is a sensitive desert ecosystem. Pack out all your trash. Use toilets at trailheads before you hike. If you have to go on the trail, bring a WAG bag to pack our your poop.

One of the most important things to remember is to stay on the trail so you don’t Bust the Crust. The fragile biological soil crust here is alive and a single footstep can destroy it for decades.

Indigenous Context

The Moab area is the traditional territory of the Diné Bikéyah (Navajo), Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), and Timpanogos. It’s important to be respectful of this land.

If you’re looking for an easy hike in Moab, you’ll find one on this list. What’s your favourite short trail in Moab? Tell me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• Tips and Tricks for Hiking in the Desert
• Tips for Hiking in Hot Weather
• Best Sun Hoodies for Hiking
• Take an Epic Outdoors Arizona Road Trip
• 14 Best Outdoor Activities Near Las Vegas

The post 15 Best Easy Hikes in Moab appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Put these dates in your calendar! (Or if you’re like me, agonize over which trip to pick since they all sound amazing!)

I’ve got Washington backpacking reservation dates for you for 4 different areas in Washington including the Enchantments, Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, an Olympic National Park.

Plus I’ve also got details on how to reserve, which trails I recommend, and my top tips for getting those hard-to-get reservations.

Quick Calendar

Enchantments Backpacking Reservations for 2024

What: The Enchantments are a high alpine area in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Most people do a 19 mile (30km) thru-hike to see the whole area, but numerous side trips are also possible. For a full guide to the area check out Clever Hiker’s Enchantment Lakes Backpacking Guide.

When to Reserve: Enchantments reservations work on a lottery system. You can apply for the lottery between February 15 and 29, 2024. Then, you check back on March 14, 2024 to see if you “won” the lottery and got a reservation. You have until the end of March to convert your lottery win to a reservation.

Where to Reserve: Online on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: There is a $6 application fee plus a $5/person/night fee if your application is accepted.

Do You Have to Reserve? No. In 2024 they have resumed the walk-up lottery. There is one permit per zone available for walk-ups each day. To get a walk-up permit, you must go to the Leavenworth Ranger Station at 8:15 a.m. on the day you start your trip and enter the walk-up lottery. Your designated group leader must have a recreation.gov account already set-up.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: The Enchantments are one of the most difficult Washington backpacking reservations to get.

• Pick a start date in the middle of the week.
• Consider applying for the Snow Zone or the Colchuck Zone and then day hiking into the Core Zone, instead of applying for a difficult-to-get Core Zone permit.
• Get everyone in your group to submit an application to increase your chances.
• If you don’t win a permit in the original lottery, check back at the end of March – sometimes people who win the lottery forget to convert their win to a reservation. And then keep checking every few days to see if the walk-up quota is released for booking.
• If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Mount Rainier National Park Backpacking Reservations for 2024

What: The crown jewel of Mount Rainier National Park is the 93 mile/105km Wonderland Trail which circumnavigates the mountain. If you aren’t up to the entire Wonderland Trail, you can tackle shorter sections of it or backpack on some of the parks other trails. Find out more on the Mount Rainier National Park website.

When to Reserve: Mount Rainier permits work on a lottery system. In 2024 you can enter your reservation requests between February 12, 2024 and March 4, 2024. All reservation requests during this period go into a lottery for priority. If you donn’t enter the lottery, you can make reservation applications starting April 25, 2025.

Where to Reserve: Online via Recreation.gov. You will receive an email on March 14 if you “won” the lottery. It will include information on how to confirm your reservation.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: There is a non-refundable $6 lottery fee, and a $20 reservation fee.

Do You Need to Reserve? It’s a good idea. Approximately 2/3 of backpacking and climbing permits are made available for advance reservation for trips between May 26 and September 9. The remainder are first-come, first-served.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: 

• Submit several alternative itineraries.
• You can only submit one reservation request per person so consider having everyone in your group submit requests.
• If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Olympic National Park Backpacking Reservations for 2024

What: Olympic National Park is a huge park with a variety of rainforest, alpine and beach backpacking trips. For beach backpacking trip ideas, check out my guides to the beautiful coastal backcountry areas of Ozette Loop, Toleak Point, and Shi Shi Beach. For a complete list of trails, see the Olympic National Park website.

When to Reserve: Advance reservations open on April 15, 2024 at 7 a.m. PST.

Where to Reserve: Reserve online via recreation.gov.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations are $6/trip. You will also need to pay wilderness fees of $8/person/night.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. While in the past walk-up permits were available, as of 2021 all backcountry camping is 100% reservable.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation:

• You need an account on recreation.gov to make a reservation so set one up in advance to save time on the day.
• Consider going on coastal trips in the off-season (before May 1 or after September 30th) when reservations aren’t required but the weather can often be good.
• If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

North Cascades National Park Backpacking Reservations for 2024

What: North Cascades National Park is a huge park with tons of backpacking options, most of them high in the mountains. Reservations are not required for the more remote corners of the park. But if you want to visit the most popular areas, a reservation is a must. You can find info on all the trails on the North Cascades National Park website. Looking for trip ideas? Check out my trail guide for the East Bank Trail on Ross Lake.

When to Reserve: Early access lottery is open March 4-15, 2024. On March 22, lottery applicants will find out if they “won” a chance to make a reservation. If you won, you will be assigned a time between March 25 and April 23 to go to log-in to the site and make a reservation. On April 29, all reservable sites that weren’t allocated as part of the lottery will be available.

Where to Reserve: Online via recreation.gov

How Much Do Reservations Cost: There is a $6 non-refundable transaction fee and a refundable $20 fee to complete a permit reservation.

Do You Need to Reserve? No. About 40% permits are available for walk-ups. To get a walk-up permit you need to go to a ranger station either the first day of your trip or the day before your trip.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation:

• Come up with lots of alternative itineraries.
• You can only submit one reservation request per person so if cost isn’t an issue, consider having a few people in your group submit requests.
• If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

So there you have it: 2024 Washington backpacking reservation dates for 4 different parks. How many of these parks have you done already? Tell me in the comments. I’ve been backpacking in all of them except Mount Rainier National Park. But the real question should be: which of these parks do you want to visit next? (My answer might be all of them. Eep.)

READ NEXT:

I’ve got trail guides for a few hikes in Washington’s parks

• Shi Shi Beach Hiking and Camping Guide
• Ozette Loop Backpacking Trip Guide
• How to Hike and Camp at Toleak Point in Olympic National Park
• The East Bank Trail in North Cascades National Park

MORE BACKPACKING POSTS:

• BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• 9 Best Washington Road Trips
• Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking
• How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)
• 16 Things to do Before a Hike
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike

The post 2024 Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Death Valley National Park is the perfect stop to add to a Nevada or California road trip itinerary. The park is close to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Nearby Death Valley are some of Nevada and California’s famous ghost towns. And, other epic parks like Sequoia National Forest aren’t too far away. 

Dawn Outdoors contributor Erin from Pina Travels recently spent a few days in the park and wrote a comprehensive guide for you.

This guide to Death Valley National Park includes:

• A custom Death Valley National Park map that highlights all the locations in this post
• When to visit Death Valley National Park – the best time of year to go
• How long to spend in Death Valley? How many days is best?
• Death Valley fees, passes and reservations: Which ones do you need?
• How to get to Death Valley from both Las Vegas and Los Angeles
• Getting Around Death Valley: Self-driving and tours
• Where to stay in Death Valley including hotels and campgrounds
• The 10 best things to do in Death Valley National Park from hiking to scenic drives and more

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Death Valley National Park Map

Are you curious about where to find all the places I recommend in this post? I made a custom Death Valley National Park Google Map for you. Click on the map to zoom in.

When to Visit Death Valley National Park

Before we dive into the best things to do in Death Valley, it’s important to note that the best time to hike in Death Valley is from November through March. 

During spring, summer, and early fall, temperatures are so high it’s important to be extremely cautious when hiking. I visited Death Valley in early May and found it taxing to be outdoors at midday. 

If you plan to hike in Death Valley, prepare properly. Bring lots of water, wear good footwear, wear a hat, wear sunscreen, and watch yourself and others for signs of overheating. Read these tips for hiking in the desert and hiking in hot weather before you go.

I found that the best time to hike in Death Valley is early in the morning, or in the late afternoon. At these times of day, the sun is lower in the sky, which means there’s less direct sun on you. 

The good news about Death Valley? You can do a lot of fun things that don’t involve long hikes! This list covers some hikes, yes, but I’ll also cover activities that aren’t as physically demanding. 

Why is Death Valley So Hot?

Death Valley National Park is the lowest point in all of North America! The lowest region of the park, Badwater Basin, is 282 feet below sea level. 

It’s the fact that Death Valley is so low, and shaped like a big valley, that makes this park so hot. Sunlight heats the surface of the desert, and the heat radiates from the rocks. Because the park is a valley, heat settles and becomes trapped. As a result, Death Valley is famous for its record-breaking temperatures.

How Long to Spend in Death Valley National Park

There’s a lot to do in Death Valley National Park. Especially because it’s so hot, it’s difficult to fit several activities into one day. You can easily spend 4 days seeing the park’s highlights, watching epic sunsets, and hiking. 

If you’ve only got 1 or 2 days I recommend seeing the main highlights: Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Drive, Badwater Basin, and the Mesquite Flats. (More on these below!)

Death Valley National Park Fees, Passes, and Reservations

Admission to Death Valley National Park costs $30 per vehicle and is valid for one week. You can pay at park entrance kiosks or automated fee machines.

If you plan to visit more than one National Park, consider buying an America the Beautiful Pass for $80. It covers over 2000 federal recreation sites and all National Parks. It’s valid for one year.

While you need reservations to visit some popular National Parks, you do NOT need reservations to visit Death Valley. Just show up!

How to Get to Death Valley National Park 

The largest cities near Death Valley National Park are Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Las Vegas is the closest, making it a popular city to fly into to access the park. 

Psst! If you’re staying in Vegas, don’t miss our guide to Incredible Outdoor Activities Near Las Vegas!

From Las Vegas: 2-Hour Drive

Take the NV-160 through Pahrump and Death Valley Junction. Alternatively, you can take the US-95 through Indian Springs and Amargosa Valley, which takes a bit more time. 

From Los Angeles: 4.5 Hour Drive

Take Interstate 10 or 210 to Interstate 15 north to Baker, then California 127 to California 190 E into the park. The alternative option is to take California 14, then U.S. 395, then California 190 E. 

Getting Around Death Valley: Self-Drive or Tours

You will need a car to explore Death Valley National Park since there is no public transportation in the park. The easiest places to rent a car nearby are Las Vegas and Los Angeles. I use Discover Cars to search for car rentals since it compares prices across tons of different companies.

Keep in mind that many of the roads in the park are dirt with no cell phone reception or services. If you aren’t experienced in off-road driving, stick to the main park roads.

Another option is to visit Death Valley with a tour. There are lots of options leaving from Las Vegas. This five-star-rated small-group tour takes you through the park’s highlights as a day trip. Or book this full-day tour from Las Vegas that includes an incredible evening of stargazing.

Where to Stay in Death Valley

There are two options for staying within Death Valley National Park. You can camp or book a hotel. Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells are the two villages within Death Valley, and it’s in these villages that you’ll find the park’s hotels and campgrounds.

Camping in Death Valley 

The two most popular campgrounds within the park are Furnace Creek and Texas Springs. Sunset, Death Valley’s largest campground, almost always has sites available, even in the busy season. Furnace Creek campground requires reservations while the others are first-come, first-served. There are also several smaller campgrounds.

It’s worth noting that most campgrounds are open from October to April only. They close in the hot months.

Hotels in Death Valley 

Now, let’s talk about hotels. There are three hotels inside Death Valley National Park:

The Ranch at Death Valley has air-conditioned rooms with hot showers, an outdoor swimming pool, a playground, a tennis court, a bar, a restaurant, and a general store. Check prices.

The Inn at Death Valley is a historic hotel that’s been in operation since 1927. This hotel has a spring-fed pool, a bar, a restaurant, a gym, and gardens to enjoy. It was renovated recently, and so it tends to be a bit more expensive than The Ranch at Death Valley. Check prices.

Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel is at the northern end of Death Valley, so it’s in a less convenient location. But this is your budget option! Here you’ll find simple rooms, and lots of amenities on-site, including a Western-style saloon, restaurant, general store, and pool. Check prices.

You can also book a hotel just outside the park. The closest option is the eclectic Amargosa Opera House and Hotel in Death Valley Junction. You will also find a Best Western and a Holiday Inn Express in nearby Pahrump, about an hour from the park entrance.

Because there are so few hotels in the park, they book up quickly. Be sure to reserve your hotel in advance. 

Best Things to Do in Death Valley

Golden Canyon Trail 

The Golden Canyon trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park. It’s a 4.3-mile (6.9 km) loop trail that takes you through surreal landscapes. 

Golden Canyon is an easy to moderate trail that takes most people 2-3 hours. It starts by taking you through a beautiful canyon, Golden Canyon, and then onward to Red Cathedral, Manly Beacon, and Gower Gulch. Along the hike, you’ll see tall rock walls, narrow slots, badlands, and desert. 

This is a popular trail because it’s not too difficult (particularly if you do it at a cooler time of day), and it gives you a taste of Death Valley’s various landscapes. 

Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point is one of the best lookout points in Death Valley National Park. To reach the lookout point, you’ll park in a big parking lot, and then walk about a quarter mile up a paved path that’s on an incline. 

At the top there is signage explaining what you’re seeing, and benches where you can rest. You can see the badlands as well as incredible jutting stone faces in the distance. From this viewpoint, you can really see the diversity of Death Valley’s landscapes. 

Zabriskie Point is one of the best spots in the park to watch sunrise and sunset, so it’s worth planning this stop on your itinerary as either an early morning start to the day or for when the sun goes down. 

Artists Drive

Artists Drive is a scenic 9-mile (14 km) drive that takes you through hills that are famous for their pastel hues. This is the perfect activity to do when it’s especially hot because you can take in the beautiful Death Valley views from the comfort of your air-conditioned car. 

As you drive, you’ll see hills that have shades of green, pink, red, yellow and more colours. This rainbow phenomenon on the rocks is caused by volcanic deposits rich in compounds such as iron oxides and chlorite.

Artist’s Drive is just off Badwater Road, south of Furnace Creek. The start of the drive is clearly marked. It’s a loop drive that brings you back out to Badwater Road. The road is well-paved and single-lane. It’s best to drive slowly, so you can really take in everything around you!

Throughout the drive, there are pull-offs with parking lots, where you can get out of your car to take a closer look at the rocks and the view.

Artist’s Palette is the most popular pull-off. From this viewpoint, you can see some of the park’s most vibrant, colorful rocks. 

Artist’s Drive takes the average person 30 minutes to an hour. It all depends on how fast you drive, and how many stops you make along the way. 

Badwater Basin

Badwater Basin is a massive salt flat, the lowest point in the park. At 282 feet below sea level, it’s the lowest point in all of North America. 

A few thousand years ago, Badwater Basin was a big lake, about 30 feet deep. Over time, the lake evaporated, leaving a 1-5 foot layer of salt, which created the salt flat that’s there today. 

Because Badwater Basin is at such a low elevation, it’s one of the hottest parts of the park, and there’s no shade to shield you from the sun. Given this, the best time to visit Badwater Basin is at sunrise or sunset. Coming at these times means you’ll also get treated to beautiful lighting as the sun rises, or goes down. 

Due to years of visitors, the salt flat area near the parking lot has been flattened. You’ll need to walk 15-20 minutes out into the basin to reach the area where you can see the intricate salt crystals that form the cracked patterns that Badwater Basin is known for. 

Be sure to bring lots of  water out into the basin with you – I found that the salt made me very thirsty!

And, before you leave the basin, look up at the rock face opposite the parking lot. Up on the rock face is a sign that marks sea level. Seeing the sign, high up on the rock face, helps you understand how low below sea level the basin truly is. 

Natural Bridge Trail

The Natural Bridge Trail is a 1.4-mile (2.3 km) there-and-back hike through the Amargosa Mountain foothills. It takes you through a canyon, to a massive natural bridge that’s 35 feet tall. 

This is a great trail to do on a hot day because it’s easy and short. It usually takes 45 minutes – 1 hour to complete.

Before starting the trail, be sure to look at the information panel at the trailhead. It provides illustrations of the geological features that you’ll see in the canyon, making it easy to spot features like faults, chutes, and mud drippings as you hike. 

Harmony Borax Works

At Harmony Borax Works, you can explore the remains of a mining operation that dates back more than 120 years. Back in 1883, William Tell Coleman built the Harmony plant to process ore. 

Harmony Borax Works employed around 40 people to extract and produce three tons of borax every day. However, the plant didn’t last long. It was only in use for about 5 years, going out of operation in 1888. 

A short walk from the Harmony Borax Works parking lot, you can see remnants of the mining operation. You also have views of the area of the park where borax was extracted – and you can still see borax out on the plains. 

There is signage at Harmony Borax Works that explains the history of the mining operation, and how it worked. For example, miners used 20-mule teams to haul borax 165 miles to the railroad town of Mojave! 

Mosaic Canyon Trail

Mosaic Canyon Trail is a 4-mile (6.4 km) out-and-back hike. It’s considered moderately difficult because there are some areas where you need to scramble up rocks that can be quite slippery. 

The best part of this hike comes right at the beginning. You’ll walk through narrow canyon walls that are made of wavy rock, which over time has been smoothed out by flash floods.  

It’s best to do this trail first thing in the morning. For most of the trail, there’s very little sun coverage, and so doing it midday is too hot. It takes most people 2-3 hours to complete. 

If you aren’t up for a few hours of hiking, you can still stop by Mosaic Canyon Trail to walk the beginning part, which takes you through the canyon. This is a particularly beautiful part of the trail, and since it’s right at the trailhead, you can spend 30 minutes to an hour exploring just this portion. 

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes are a fascinating part of Death Valley National Park. These sand dunes were created through a combination of sand, wind, and surrounding mountains. The dunes are named for the mesquite tree that grows throughout the area. 

Because Mesquite Flats are sand dunes, there’s very little sun cover, so it’s best to visit the dunes either first thing in the morning, or at sunset time. The views of the desert and mountains in the distance are gorgeous as the sun disappears. 

No official trails lead out into the dunes. You’re free to wander wherever you like. Just be sure to watch your step as you walk, and try not to disturb any wildlife. Be careful of wandering out too far – Walking in sand can be very taxing. 

Elevation Sea Level Sign

The Elevation Sea Level signs display the elevation level in the park. You’ll actually notice them all throughout the park, but the one worth stopping at is near Furnace Creek, right where Badwater Road intersects with California State Route 190. 

This particular elevation sign has a shoulder where you can safely pull off the road and stop to take a photo with it. Although this isn’t the most necessary stop in Death Valley, it makes for a very memorable photo opp!

Darwin Falls

Darwin Falls is one of the few year-round waterfalls in Death Valley National Park. These falls are 18 feet tall, and they create a small oasis inside a rocky canyon. 

At the bottom of Darwin Falls is a small pool that has served as a water source for people and wildlife in Death Valley for hundreds of years. It might be tempting to go for a swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls – but don’t! This water is used as a drinking source for a nearby hotel. 

To reach Darwin Falls, you’ll take a 2-mile (3.2 km) out-and-back trail. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to finish this hike. It’s considered an easy trail to follow, and easy to walk. 

Thanks to Erin for sharing this incredible guide to the best things to do in Death Valley National Park. You can read more about Erin’s adventures on her website, Pina Travels. She also hosts the travel podcast, Curious Tourism, where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism.

READ NEXT:

• 14 Best Outdoor Activities Near Las Vegas
• Take an Epic Outdoors Arizona Road Trip
• 18 Awesome Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
• 15 Best Easy Hikes in Moab
• Tips and Tricks for Hiking in the Desert
• Tips for Hiking in Hot Weather

The post 10 Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Dawn Outdoors contributor Kristen has spent tons of time hiking in the Grand Canyon, including completing the tough Rim to Rim hike in a single day! So you can trust that she has all the insider info on the Bright Angel Trail.

This Bright Angel Trail guide includes:

• Know before you go – key info about location, permits, when to go, and more
• Bright Angel Trail stats – length, duration, difficulty and elevation gain/loss
• Bright Angel Trail map – a custom map showing all the key locations
• Mile-by-mile Bright Angel Trail overview – what to expect every step of the way
• Info about connecting trails so you can vary or extend your hike

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Know Before You Go

Location: Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim (Grand Canyon Village)

Closest Cities: Flagstaff, Williams, or Tusayan (all in Arizona)

Fees: $35 per vehicle to enter Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) – good for up to 7 consecutive days

Permits: No permits are required for a day hike of the Bright Angel Trail. (You only need a permit if you are camping overnight along the trail.)

Best Time of Year to Hike: Fall, winter, or spring

Best Time of Day to Start Hike: Early morning

Parking: Multiple parking areas near the trailhead

Facilities: Bathrooms and water refill stations near the trailhead, at parking lots, and along the trail

Lodging: There are lodges, hotels, and campgrounds both at the South Rim within Grand Canyon Village, and just outside the National Park borders.

Pets: Not allowed on the Bright Angel Trail

Weather: Summer temperatures are regularly over 100°F. In spring and fall, temperatures of 40-80°F are common. Winter temperatures are usually between 35°F and 60°F. Check the weather before your hike. Check out these tips for hiking in hot weather.

Tours: Going with a guide can make your hike safer and more enjoyable. There are several popular Bright Angel Trail hiking tours you can book.

A Quick Note on Safety

It is important to note that the official stance of the National Park Service recommends against hiking Rim to River in one day. While it is doable as a day hike, hiking the entire Bright Angel Trail should not be done on a whim, and should not be done unprepared. It requires months of intentional training, the proper gear, and the right mindset. Here are a couple key questions to ask yourself when preparing to hike the Bright Angel Trail:

• do you have experience hiking long distance day hikes?
• do you have experience hiking 4,000+ feet of elevation gain in one day?
• have you trained extensively / committed to training for the Bright Angel Trail?
• do you have a portable water system and backup filter system?
• do you have the proper food and snacks?
• do you have the proper gear, including a first aid kit, emergency shelter, daypack, and proper footwear?
• are you comfortable hiking in triple digit temperatures with minimal shade?
• have you researched the trail and know where water, bathrooms, and your break spots are located?
  

If you are not properly trained, or do not have experience with long distance day hikes of this nature, it is not recommended to hike the Bright Angel Trail in one day. Instead, consider an earlier turn around point, like roundtrip to Havasupai Gardens Campground and back.  

Bright Angel Trail Stats

Length: 19 miles (30.5 km) round-trip

Duration: 10-13 hours (including breaks)

Rating: Very Difficult

Highest Elevation: 7,200 feet (2,195 meters)

Lowest Elevation: 2,500 feet (762 meters)

Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,800 feet (1,463 meters)

Bright Angel Trail Map

Here’s a custom Bright Angel Trail map that we made just for you using Gaia GPS. It shows the locations of all the points of interest along the trail.

Bright Angel Trail Overview

The payoff for hiking the Bright Angel Trail is indescribable, but it comes with a proportional amount of challenge! 

Descending Bright Angel Trail to the bottom of the largest canyon in the United States and then hiking back up, otherwise known as a Rim to River hike, is a feat not to be underestimated. So before you take on the Bright Angel Trail, make sure you are prepared with the right training and the right gear!

This trail is long and challenging and hikers need to be rescued every year. If you aren’t sure about your abilities, consider turning around at Havasupai Gardens (or making the side trek to Plateau Point) instead of continuing down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Parking

The Bright Angel trailhead is located in Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, in Grand Canyon Village. There are multiple parking lots in the vicinity of the trailhead. 

There are also free park shuttle buses that pick up at the South Rim Visitor’s Center and drop off at the Bright Angel trailhead. 

During peak season and peak hours, expect parking to fill up quickly. Just another good reason to arrive early and start hiking early!

Trailhead

Almost immediately, the breathtaking views begin the moment you step on the Bright Angel Trail.  It is also an immediate descent down. 

The first 4 miles of the Bright Angel Trail switchback down the South Rim canyon wall. The trail is well maintained here, and there are several places on this portion of the trail with bathrooms and water refill stations.

Mile 1.5 and Mile 3 Resthouses

The first place you will find bathrooms and water is at the Mile 1.5 Resthouse, which is 1.5 miles from the start of the Bright Angel Trail. 

The second is the 3 Mile Resthouse, which is 3 miles down from the start of the Bright Angel Trail. However, sometimes the resthouses are closed or the water is shut off, so it is always important to check the National Park’s website prior to starting your hike.

Regardless, always bring enough water with you, a minimum of 3 liters, and refill as often as you can.

After passing both Resthouses, hikers will continue descending until they reach the bottom of the South Rim wall, and the trail begins to level out. This brief level portion of the Bright Angel Trail leads to the lush canyon oasis of Havasupai Gardens Campground, a favorite among hikers!  

Havasupai Gardens (Mile 4.5)

Havasupai Gardens Campground (sometimes called Indian Garden) is located 4.5 miles from the start of the trail. While you may not expect to find green life, tall trees, and a babbling creek in the heart of this red rock canyon environment, that is exactly what you will find at Havasupai Gardens Campground.

With bathrooms, water, and shade, this is the perfect spot to take a quick break, refuel, and rehydrate, before continuing on. If you want to make the side trip to Plateau Point, it starts at Havasupai Gardens. (See the Connecting Trails section below for more details.)

Departing from Havasupai Gardens Campground, the trail stays relatively level and flat for a brief portion, as it parallels Garden Creek and shallow canyon walls. You will pass the turn-off for the Tonto Trail not long after leaving Havasupai Gardens. (See Connecting Trails below for more.)

There is another series of downhill switchbacks that carry you further deep into the Grand Canyon until the trail converges next to Pipe Creek.  

Hikers will continue to follow the trail as it weaves through the canyon parallel to Pipe Creek until the walls begin to open up. You can catch your first glimpse of the mighty Colorado River at Pipe Creek Resthouse and Pipe Creek Beach!  

Pipe Creek Resthouse (Mile 7.7)

Pipe Creek Resthouse and Beach are mile 7.7 from the trailhead. There are bathrooms and a water refill station here.

While the use of the word “beach” makes it sound like this is a good spot to wade into the river, do not do so!  The Colorado River and its current can be deceptively dangerous. 

Instead, continue on along the trail as it overlooks the Colorado River below and to the left.  Your next landmark looming in the distance is the Silver Suspension Bridge across the Colorado River!

Bright Angel Campground (Mile 9.5)

The Silver Suspension Bridge over the Colorado River carries you the rest of the way to the halfway point of your hike because after you cross it you will have arrived at Bright Angel Campground and the end of the Bright Angel Trail. 

This is not only the turnaround spot in this out-and-back hike, but it is also an ideal place to take a meal, rest, and hydration break in the shade of this surprisingly foliaged and protected location in the canyon. 

Top it off by taking your socks and shoes off and soaking your tired feet in the icy Bright Angel Creek that runs through the campground! Just be sure to pack a second pair. Bright Angel Campground marks mile 9.5 on the 19-mile round-trip Bright Angel Trail.

Starting the Return Trip

After departing Bright Angel Campground, hikers will head back the way they came, cross back over the Silver Suspension Bridge on the Colorado River. Hang a right to stay on the Bright Angel Trail. (Left will take you up the South Kaibab Trail – details on that below.) Get ready for the hardest part of the hike – the climb up and out!

This time, you will pass by the Colorado River on your right side, as you head back towards Pipe Creek Beach and Resthouse. 

For hikers that started at daybreak or early morning as recommended, this portion of the trail will likely be receiving a good amount of direct sunlight by now. It will warm up very quickly, even in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Take care to hydrate consistently from this point on! These tips for hiking in hot weather can help.

Things will stay majority flat with some minor sections of incline as you pass by Pipe Creek Beach and Resthouse, but remember those downhill switchbacks following Havasupai Gardens Campground? Well, you have to climb back up them now, and in stronger sun and warmer temperatures. 

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Dip your shirt or cooling towel in every creek crossing you encounter, and know that when you finish climbing up the switchbacks, you will be almost to Havasupai Gardens Campground and a welcome break spot!

Havasupai Gardens (Mile 14.5)

When you reach Havasupai Gardens Campground, you will be at mile 14.5. Since the final climb up the South Rim wall is approaching, it is a good idea to take a final break to rest, refuel, and rehydrate in the shade of Havasupai Gardens Campground. 

The good news is that the worst of the full sun and temperatures are over, as they will continue to lessen as the elevation gains, and the sun gets lower in the sky.  

The Final Climb to Mile 19

There is no easy or quick way to finish the last 4.5 miles up the Bright Angel Trail. It is a slow, gruelling climb up the South Rim switchbacks, but don’t forget to stop, rest, and appreciate the magnificent views over the canyon from this unique perspective, as you soak in the surrealness of what you have accomplished so far. 

And know that all the hard work is almost paying off!  If you look hard, you can even see the green spot below that is Havasupai Gardens Campground getting smaller and smaller!

Mile 19 concludes back at the top of a hard-earned climb of the South Rim wall, and the Bright Angel Trailhead!

Connecting Trails

While this guide is aimed at day hiking the Bright Angel Trail roundtrip point to point, it is possible to connect to other trails in the Grand Canyon when on the Bright Angel Trail.  

You can take the short Plateau Point spur trail from Havasupai Gardens Campground to enjoy a breathtaking lower viewpoint over the canyon. It is 1.5 miles each way from Havasupai Gardens to Platea Point. The trail is nearly flat.

You can also connect to the Tonto Trail just south of Havasupai Gardens Campground. The Tonto Trail is a popular backpacking route between Bright Angel Trailhead and Hermit Trailhead, for a total distance of 24.8 miles.

You can connect to the South Kaibab Trail on the south side of the Silver Suspension Bridge over the Colorado River. You can climb up and out of the South Rim via the 6.5-mile-long South Kaibab Trail, but it is important to note that there are no water sources on the South Kaibab Trail. That is why the Bright Angel Trail is highly recommended and safer.  Also, the South Kaibab Trail is steeper than the Bright Angel Trail, and therefore, slightly more difficult.

Finally, for those who want to take on one of the hardest long-distance day hikes in the country, you can connect to the North Kaibab Trail to complete a Rim to Rim hike.  A Rim to Rim hike is a 24-mile-long roundtrip hike from South to North Rim (or North to South Rim), via the Bright Angel Trail and the North Kaibab Trail, which join in Bright Angel Campground.

Thanks to Kristen for sharing this great guide to hiking the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park. You can read more about Kristen’s adventures on her website, Yonderlust Ramblings.

READ NEXT:

• Take an Epic Outdoors Arizona Road Trip
• 14 Best Outdoor Activities Near Las Vegas
• 15 Best Easy Hikes in Moab
• 10 Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
• 18 Awesome Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
• Tips for Hiking in Hot Weather
• Tips and Tricks for Hiking in the Desert

The post Hike the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve put together a list of must-do things for you. Think of it as your Joshua Tree Bucket List. So here you go: 18 awesome things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. If you have questions about Joshua Tree, check out the FAQ section at the bottom.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Check out the Joshua Trees

There are tons of things to do in Joshua Tree National Park, but the checking out the joshua trees is the main attraction.

Joshua trees are pretty insane: they look more like something Dr. Seuss dreamed up than an actual tree. And in fact they aren’t technically trees since they have fibres instead of growth rings – they are part of the yucca plant family.

The early Mormon settlers thought the trees looked like Joshua from the Bible raising his arms to the sky in prayer, hence the name: Joshua tree. 

They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. And like snowflakes, I think no two are exactly alike. I spent hours taking photos of Joshua trees on my trip and I’m sure you’ll want to as well.

Best Place to See Joshua Trees: Stop your car at any of the pull outs along Park Drive – the Joshua trees are pretty much everywhere in the northern section of the park.

Visit the Unique Rock Formations

If you’ve watched a western film or been on the Thunder Mountain Railroad ride at Disney, you’re familiar with the cartoonish landscape of piled round rocks.

Well it turns out it doesn’t just exist in fiction – at Joshua Tree this landscape is real! The park is covered in unique jumbles of rocks. Some of them are famous enough to have their own names and are tourist attractions!

Best Places to See the Rock Formations in Joshua Tree:

• Skull Rock is near the Jumbo Rocks campground is a must see (although I didn’t think it looked that much like a skull.) You can see it right from the park road.
• Arch Rock near White Tank campground is also cool, and it’s the only a half mile walk.
• Split Rock is a giant boulder with a split running through it (they named it well). You can drive right up to it.

Go For a Hike

Besides checking out the Joshua trees, going for a hike is one of the must-do things in Joshua Tree. There are tons of options for hiking from short nature walks to long treks so there’s something to suit every fitness level. 

Make sure to bring lots of water, a hat and sunscreen as the desert weather can be harsh, even in the winter.

If you want a local’s perspective, sign up for a guided hike. Your guide will pick the best hike for your group and the season, then help you understand the plants, animals, and geology that you will spot along the way.

Best Hikes in Joshua Tree:

• For a short and easy walk check out the Barker Dam Trail. This 1.5 mile loop goes past a dam and some pictograms and takes about 45 minutes.
• A great moderate trail is the hike to Lost Horse Mine.
• For a longer and more challenging hike I liked the trail to the Willow Hole. It’s an out and back trip of 7 miles that leaves the desert on the Boy Scout Trail and heads deep into the Wonderland of Rocks to a subsurface oasis of willows. There’s lot of interesting vegetation, plus you might see wildlife. (We saw a fox!!)
• Here’s 6 more easy hikes you can do in less than 3 hours.

READ NEXT: Tips and Tricks for Hiking in the Desert

Try to Spot Some Wildlife

While the desert can look uninhabited, it’s actually home to lots of wildlife. You just need to slow down, be quiet and know where to look. On my visit I saw a gray fox, coyotes, lizards, cottontail rabbits, Jack rabbits, ground squirrels, chipmunks, a golden eagle, hawks, quails, hummingbirds and bats.

Joshua Tree National Park is also home to big horn sheep and an endangered tortoise, but we weren’t lucky enough to see them. There are also rattlesnakes, scorpions, tarantulas and mountain lions in the park, but I wasn’t enthusiastic about running into them. (And thankfully I didn’t!)

Best Places to Spot Wildlife in Joshua Tree:

If you camp in the park you’re likely to see some of the more common animals that hang around the campgrounds. These include rabbits, ground squirrels and chipmunks. You might also hear bats chirping or coyotes howling at night.

Your best chance to see big horn sheep and other more reclusive wildlife (like foxes) is to venture into the Wonderland of Rocks on the Boy Scout Trail or the Willow Hole Trail.

Camp in the Desert

You might picture the desert as bathed in sunlight, but you haven’t experienced it until you’ve seen it at night too when the stars come out and the heat of the day fades away. The best way to do that is to camp.

Joshua Tree National Park has 9 campgrounds, some of which require reservations and some of which are first-come-first-served. Most of them don’t have water or flush toilets, so camping is a rustic experience. But it’s sooo worth it.

Camping is pretty popular so make a reservation or plan to show up early to try to get a first-come-first-served spot.

For the more adventurous, you can also backcountry camp in the park. You have to start at one of 13 backpacking trailheads and your campsite must be more than 1 mile from the trailhead and at least 100 feet from any water sources.

Best Places to Camp in Joshua Tree National Park: If you want to be close to town and like the certainty of a reserved site, stay at Black Rock or Indian Cove campgrounds. You’ll be a bit further from the main sites at these locations, but you won’t have to rough it as much. Plus Black Rock has water and flush toilets!

If you want to stay in the heart of the park camp at Hidden Valley. This campground has sites set amongst boulders and outcroppings and is very popular with climbers. My tip: Campsites 32-45 along the road to the right are quieter and more private than the sites in the main loop. Camping costs $15-20 a night. Unless you reserved online, bring cash.

READ NEXT: Best Campgrounds and Hotels Near Joshua Tree

Watch the Rock Climbers

Rock climbing is one of the most popular activities in Joshua Tree National Park and climbers travel here from all over the world. Many climbers will spend a few weeks here each winter, enjoying the mild weather and living in their vans. There are over 8000 established rock climbing routes in the park! Watching the climbers can be really entertaining as they scale seemingly impossible cliffs.

Best Places to Watch Rock Climbers in Joshua Tree National Park: There are tons of climbing areas in the park so you are likely to see people climbing or bouldering almost anywhere. (FYI: Bouldering is climbing on small rocks that aren’t very high off the ground without using a rope.)

Some popular places to see climbers are:

• Quail Springs picnic area
• Intersection Rock
• the cliffs around the Hidden Valley campground
• the Hall of Horrors climbing area pull out.

Visit the Cactus Garden

The cactus garden is full of teddybear cholla cactus (pronounced choy-ya).

These fuzzy looking cactus also have the nickname “jumping cactus” since if you brush against them parts of the cactus will break off and get embedded in your skin or clothes. There is even a first aid kit chained to a post near the entrance since so many people accidentally get cactus spines stuck in them!

There also lots of other desert plants in the cactus garden, but there are just SO MANY teddybear cacti that it is hard to see anything else.

How to Find the Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park: The Cholla Cactus Garden is located in the southern portion of Joshua Tree National Park along the Pinto Basin Road. It’s a 20 mile drive from the Cottonwood Visitor Center in the southern part of the park or a 14 mile drive from the intersection of Pinto Basin Road and Park Drive in the north.

Check out the Panorama at Keys View

Make the drive up to 5185 feet to the Keys View for panoramic views to the south. From up there you can see Palm Springs, the Salton Sea and even Signal Mountain in Mexico. You can also see the Indio Hills, which are the result of movement along the San Andreas Fault.

It’s one of the few places you can actually look right at the San Andreas Fault, besides from an airplane. Bring binoculars if you have them.

How to Get to Keys View in Joshua Tree National Park: From the intersection of Park Drive and Keys View Road in the northern part of the park it’s a 20 minute drive up the mountain to the viewpoint. At the top there is a short viewpoint loop.

Go Star Gazing

Joshua Tree National Park has very low levels of light pollution, making it perfect for star gazing. They even host a Night Sky Festival in January.

My Tips for Star Gazing in Joshua Tree National Park:

• Even if the desert is warm during the day, the temperature drops at night so bundle up with warm clothes.
• Pick a night with no clouds and avoid the full moon.
• If you want to take photos of the night sky you’ll need a tripod and a camera that has a manual mode to shoot long exposures.

Best Places to Star Gaze in Joshua Tree National Park:

• The most convenient place to star gaze might be right at your campsite, especially if you stay at one of the campgrounds in the heart of the park.
• Turn off your flashlights and put out your campfire for the best visibility.
• For even better star gazing, consider backcountry camping.
• If you aren’t camping, you can drive into the park at any time (it’s open 24 hours) and stop anywhere to look at the stars.
• Choose a roadside pullout as far from light sources as possible. Consider driving down the Pinto Basin Road towards the Cholla Cactus Garden for the darkest skies.

Drink a Date Shake

Date Shakes have been popular in the Palm Springs area since the 1920s. Date growers in the Coachella Valley south of Joshua Tree National Park needed to figure how to market dates to Americans… so they added them to milkshakes. If you’ve never had a date shake before, you’ve got to try one.

Where to Get Date Shakes Near Joshua Tree National Park: There are tons of places to find date shakes in the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs, south of the park.

Shields Date Garden in Indio is where it all started. It’s a 40 minute drive from the Cottonwood Visitor Centre at the southern edge of the park to Shields.

If that’s too far to go, don’t worry. North of the park you can get Date Shakes at Natural Sisters Cafe or Country Kitchen, both on 29 Palms Highway near the intersection with Park Boulevard.

Check out the Ocotillo Patch

Joshua Trees and cacti aren’t the only interesting plants in Joshua Tree National Park: enter the ocotillo. It looks kind of like a super tall, spindly cactus, but it’s actually a deciduous shrub. Unlike most deciduous plants which shed their leaves once a year in the fall, the ocotillo grows and sheds it’s leaves multiple times a year – each time in rains.

It sometimes blooms bright red flowers as well. These plants are really cool to see and make for great photos, especially against the blue sky of the desert.

How to Find the Ocotillo Patch in Joshua Tree National Park: The Ocotillo Patch is located on Pinto Basin Road in the southern part of the park. It’s a 25 minute drive from the Cottonwood Visitor Centre in the south or a 5 minute drive from the Cholla Cactus Garden to the north. There’s a small sign just before a parking pull out. There are ocotillo on both side of the road.

READ NEXT: Tips for Hiking in Hot Weather

Go Rock Climbing or Scrambling

If you’re an experienced rock climber, Joshua Tree is a paradise. If you’re new to climbing, sign up for a beginner-friendly group rock climbing lesson.

But rock climbing doesn’t have to be a hard core activity with ropes, harnesses and dangling over the abyss – there are lots of short rock scrambles in the park that you can just walk up on your own.

Many of the rocks are arranged in easy stair steps that make climbing easy, even for those who don’t like heights. Just remember that it’s way easier to climb up than to climb down, so choose your route carefully and don’t take any unnecessary risks.

Best Places to Go Rock Scrambling in Joshua Tree National Park: There are good roadside rock formations for scrambling all over the park. My favourite areas to explore are:

• Quail Springs picnic area
• near Skull Rock
• on the Arch Rock trail
• near the Hidden Valley campground.

Walk Among the Palm Trees at an Oasis

The word oasis conjures up stereotypical images of a group of palm trees growing up out of the desert. It turns out that’s totally a real thing and there are a few different oases in Joshua Tree National Park. (“Oases” is the plural of oasis – the more you know, right?)

Some of them you can drive right up to and a few of them you can hike to. They all have groves of palm trees and other water loving plants like willow trees. Unlike the manicured palms you see in cities, these ones are all shaggy since no gardener removes the dead fronds to keep the trunk exposed.

How to Find the Oases at Joshua Tree National Park:

• The easiest oasis to visit it the Oasis of Mara at the 29 Palm Visitor Centre. A short half mile paved trail winds around the oasis.
• The Cottonwood Spring Oasis near the Cottonwood Visitor Centre is also easy to visit since you can see it from the parking lot.
• For more challenging hikes, check out the 3 mile 49 Palms Oasis Trail in the north of the park or the 7 mile round trip hike to the Lost Palms Oasis near Cottonwood Spring.

Spend Some Time People Watching

Joshua Tree attracts an eclectic bunch: dirtbag rock climbers living in vans, ageing hippies looking for enlightenment in the desert, L.A. hipsters on weekend Instagram photoshoot missions, U.S. Marines from the nearby base, European families on camping vacations in rented RVs, grey haired retirees taking a break from golfing in Palm Springs… and regular old tourists.

They all seem to love the wide open desert and blue skies of Joshua Tree, and since it’s a pretty chill place, they all get along. The people watching is amazing here… almost as good as on the New York Subway 🙂

Of course, remember to be respectful and avoid staring because everyone deserves to enjoy the park.

Best Places for People Watching Near Joshua Tree:

• Start with any of the three visitor centres. You’re sure to spot some interesting people browsing the bookstores or asking questions at the info desk.
• Outside the park check out the restaurants, cafes and outfitters near the intersection of 29 Palms Highway and Park Boulevard in the town of Joshua Tree.
• Inside the park take a stroll through the Hidden Valley campground on weekend mornings to grab a free cup of coffee and chat with climbers and climbing rangers at the park’s Climber Coffee program.
• Head to Keys View at sunset to see a wide cross section of visitors enjoying the beautiful colours at the end of the day.

Explore an Abandoned Mine

Most of Joshua Tree National Park is littered with old mines. The area was part of a large land grab starting in the 1800s as western settlers scrambled to find gold and other minerals. Many of the mines in the park operated for only a short time.

The mining ruins have left rusty metal and machinery strewn about so watch your step when exploring. Never go inside or climb on anything since it’s definitely not safe. Many of the mine shafts drop straight down!

How to Visit an Abandoned Mine in Joshua Tree National Park: There are tons of mines but most are well off the beaten path and involve cross-country travel in trail-less terrain.

• One of the easiest hikes to a mine is the 1.6 mile trip to the Desert Queen Mine.
• Another easy option is heading to Wall Street Mill which was used for processing gold ore. This 3 mile out and back trail passes some ruined buildings before ending at the ruins of the mill.
• In the southern part of the park, check out the Mastodon Peak trail, a 3 mile loop that goes right by the ruins of the Mastodon Mine.
• For the more adventurous, hike to the Lost Horse Mine. It’s a 7 mile loop that passes lots of ruins and visits the mine.

Shop and Eat in the Town of Joshua Tree

Located just north of Joshua Tree National Park, the funky town of Joshua Tree is a worth a visit. Make time to browse through the unique local shops including the Coyote Corner gift shop, Grateful Desert Apothecary, and the Joshua Tree Rock Shop.

There are lots of unique restaurants too. Don’t miss Natural Sisters Cafe for vegetarian food, Joshua Tree Coffee Company, drinks at the Joshua Tree Saloon, breakfast at Joshua Tree Country Kitchen, and the quirky diner-style Crossroads Cafe.

Visit Pioneertown

We didn’t have time to visit Pioneer Town on my visit, and I really wish we’d made it there. It’s a really cool Western-style town, built in 1946 as a movie set. Today it’s home to fun shops, restaurants, and even a unique hotel.

Go Off-Roading

Huge parts of Joshua Tree National Park are very remote and can only be accessed by 4×4 vehicle. Your rental car isn’t up to the challenge of these rough roads (and you’ll void your insurance if you take it off the pavement anyway), so it’s best to go with a tour.

There are several options available including family-friendly jeep tours or rides in an open-backed safari-style Hummer.

Joshua Tree National Park FAQ

What are your favourite things to do in Joshua Tree National Park? Can you recommend any hikes I should hit up next time I’m there? (Because you know there will be a next time!)

READ NEXT:

• Best Places to Stay Near Joshua Tree
• 14 Best Outdoor Activities Near Las Vegas
• 10 Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
• Take an Epic Outdoors Arizona Road Trip
• Things to Do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
• 10 Under-the-Radar US National Parks to Add to Your Bucket List
• 70 Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
• 25 Things to do in Grand Teton National Park

The post 18 Awesome Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The Ozette Loop is gorgeous! I like this area so much I’ve backpacked here twice. It has great tide pools, and beautiful sunset views. And about 1/3 of the hike is directly along the coast. As day hike, it’s moderate. But if you split it up into 2 or 3 days as a backpacking trip, it’s ridiculously easy, which makes it great for kids and beginners.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Ozette Loop Trail Overview

The Ozette Loop trail has an equilateral triangle shape with the parking lot at it’s apex (in fact it is also known as the Ozette Triangle Trail). Two sides of the triangle are trails through the woods out to the coast, and the third side where the campsites are is along the coast.

The loop is only 9.2 miles (15km) long so you can definitely hike it in one day. But given how long it takes to get there (and how beautiful the area is) I recommend camping and spending a few days on the trail. It’s an easy trip that is perfect for beginner backpackers or kids.

The coastal section is also part of the much longer North Coast Route in Olympic National Park so there are lots of options for extending your trip. (You can hike from Cape Alava all the way to Shi Shi Beach.)

Ozette Loop Trail Fees, Permits and Reservations

Olympic National Park Entrance Fee

You need to buy a Park Entrance pass for your car to hike or camp in the park. It’s $30 per vehicle and is good for 7 days. You can buy your pass online at Recreation.gov or in the park. Leave it on the dash any time you park your car inside the National Park.

If you are day hiking, this is the only fee you need to pay.

Camping Permits and Fees

You must obtain a backcountry permit to camp at any of the campsites on the Ozette Loop Trail or any other backcountry location in Olympic National Park.

You can obtain a permit online via Recreation.gov. This is a very popular area and it does get fully booked up. Your best bet is to come before Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) or after Labour Day (the first Monday in September) or plan a trip that avoids weekends.

The earliest you can make a reservation for a permit is six months before your trip. Reservations cost $6 per trip. You will also need to pay a wilderness fee of $8 per person per night.

READ NEXT: 2022 Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates

Ozette Loop Trail Description

Unlike some loop hikes, there is no recommended direction of travel on the Ozette Loop. However, I like to start with the southern section and then hike north as the sun as it at your back rather than in your eyes.

From the parking area, follow the trail across the bridge. A few minutes later, arrive at a junction, where you go left. The trail on the right is your return route.

For the next three miles the trail heads southwest towards the ocean on a mix of gravel trail and boardwalks. In general, it’s very easy hiking, unless the boardwalks are slippery.

The trail emerges on the beach at Sand Point. Take some time to explore the area including a collapsed sea stack hill you can climb for great views. If you are camping and want to extend your trip you can turn left here and hike south down the beach to Yellow Banks.

But if you just want to complete the Ozette Loop hike, turn right and follow the coast. The next three miles will be along the beach. Sometimes it is easy walking on sand, but in other places, you may have to pick your way across slippery rocks. Try to time your trip for low tide for the easiest passage.

READ NEXT: Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Hiking and Backpacking

About four miles from the start (and one mile from Sand Point) you will arrive at a tidal obstacle. If the tide is below 5.5 feet, you can walk on the beach. If it is not, you will need to take a short and rough overland trail. Look for the red and black circular markers to find the bypass trail.

Continue along the beach. About five miles from the start you will arrive at Wedding Rocks. If you look carefully here, you will discover some Indigenous petroglyphs.

Wedding Rocks is another tidal obstacle. You can remain on the beach if the tide is 5 feet or lower. If not, you can scramble around on the rocks or use a network of trails that cross over the bluff.

Keep hiking down the beach until you reach the camping area at Cape Alava. It has great views of Ozette Island just offshore as well as Tskawahyah Island to the north. You may also be able to spot sea otters in the kelp forests just offshore.

The land just to the north of the campground (including Cape Alava proper and Tskawahyah Island) are part of the Ozette Indian reservation so you can’t camp there and you should not climb on the island as it is sacred to the Indigenous Makah people (although you can walk the beach around it at low tide).

The area was the site of an archeological dig in the 1980s as historically it was an important village. Today, the only thing that remains now is a falling down shack that was once a ranger station and a little hut with a memorial plaque and some pieces of whale bone.

Once you have finished exploring Cape Alava, find the start of the inland trail in the campground near the creek. Follow the trail for three miles as it heads back to the parking lot on a mix of boardwalk and gravel trail. It is mostly in the forest, but does pass through some sections of interesting coastal bog.

Arrive back at the junction and go left and over the bridge to return to the parking lot.

How to Get to the Ozette Loop Trail

There is no public transportation to the trailhead so you’ll have to drive yourself. However, there may be hiker shuttle companies operating in the area – call the Wilderness Information Center to ask.

Travel time to the trailhead is time consuming: about 6.5 hours from Vancouver or about 4.5 hours from Seattle both of which involve a trip on a Washington State ferry.

If you need a car, the best places to rent a car are Vancouver or Seattle. You can also rent cars in Port Angeles. I use Discover Cars since it lets you compare prices from lots of different companies. That way you can be sure you are getting the best deal.

There is a big gravel parking lot at the trailhead. You must display proof of National Park entry fees on your dashboard.

Where to Stay Near the Ozette Loop Trail

Given the driving distance to the trailhead, you may want to stay in the area the night before you start the trail.

Hotels Near the Ozette Loop Trail

There are several good hotels in Port Angeles, the closest city to the trailhead at 2 hours away. The Aircrest Motel gets great reviews and is budget priced. The Red Lion Hotel is right on the harbor and has great views.

There aren’t a lot of places to stay closer to the trailhead since it is such a rural area. One of the closest places is Curley’s Resort in the town of Sekiu, which is 40 minutes away.

Camping Near the Ozette Loop Trail

There are several campgrounds in between Port Angeles and the trailhead.

• Lake Ozette campground in Olympic National Park:$20/night, first come first served, 15 sites, right at the trail head.
• Olympic National Forest Klahowya Campground along the Sol Duc River on highway 101: $17/night, first come first served, 50 sites, 1.25 hours from the trailhead.
• Fairholme campground in Olympic National Park on Lake Crescent: $24/night, 88 sites, reserve at Recreation.gov, 1.5 hours from the trailhead.

Tides on the Ozette Loop Trail

Unlike the rest of the Olympic coast routes, you aren’t entirely dependent on the tides on the Ozette Loop since there are rough bypass trails around both of the tidal obstacles. Large red and black circular markers show all the places where the main trail or a tidal obstacle bypass trail hits the beach. You’ll want to print out and carry the La Push tide table with you along with a wristwatch.

There are two places on the loop where you need to be aware of the tides: one mile north of Sand Banks and at Wedding Rocks. Find details on both in the trail description above.

Backcountry Camping on the Ozette Loop Trail

The main camping areas on the Ozette Loop are the two locations where the inland trail hits the beach: Sand Point and Cape Alava. There are also several other sites along the trail or nearby.

Camping at Sand Point

The Sand Point campsite has a pit toilet and numerous campsites in the forest. With a few exceptions, the campsites at Sand Point do not have views as they are set back in the trees. You can also camp on the beach above the high tide line but in some places there may not be much beach left when the tide comes in. Right at the point, there are two grassy collapsed sea stack hills that you can climb for a great view.

The main water source at this campsite is Wish Creek, located about 400 meters down the beach to the south of the point. You may have to walk up into the forest along the creek bed to find a place where it is flowing deep enough.

Campfires are not permitted at Sand Point.

Camping at Cape Alava

Cape Alava has quite a few very nice campsites that are off the sand but have a view of the water or you can camp on the beach above the high tide line.

This campsite has two pit toilets. One is easily visible from the main trail through the campsites. The other one is hidden a bit behind some trees directly behind a campsite at the northern end of the campground (I didn’t even know it was there until my third visit to the area!)

The water source at Cape Alava is located right near where the inland trail hits the beach and there is a log bridge over the creek so it’s hard to miss. However, the creek often has very low flow so you will have to climb down into the creek bed and follow it inland for a bit. Alternately you can walk out to Cape Alava, then about 400m down the beach to the north to find a better water source hidden back in the trees next to a couple (illegal) campsites.

Campfires are permitted at Cape Alava but you can only use driftwood (not wood from the forest) and there isn’t that much of it.

Other Camping Options on the Ozette Loop

If you want to beat the crowds at Sand Point and Cape Alava you have a few other options for camping.

Camping at South Sand Point

On my last trip we made a reservation for the campsite at South Sand Point, about a mile south of the main Sand Point camping area and had it all to ourselves. This campsite has 4 or 5 level tent sites in the trees on a bluff above the beach, a throne style pit toilet and a creek for water. Despite what is marked on some maps, you can find the campsite right where the South Sand Point Trail to Lake Ozette meets the beach. Campfires are not permitted at South Sand Point.

Camping at Wedding Rocks

You can also make reservations to camp at Wedding Rocks, a rock outcropping with some Indigenous petroglyphs. The camping here is not actually right at the rocks but at a few locations just to the south or north up the bank in the trees. The sites aren’t marked.

There are no pit toilets so you will need to dig a cat hole and go to the bathroom the Leave No Trace way. There are also no water source so you will have to haul water in from one of the sources near Cape Alava or Sand Point. Campfires are not permitted at Wedding Rocks.

READ NEXT: Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

Ozette Loop Trail Backpacking Itineraries

One Night: Break the trip up into one 3 mile day and one 6 mile day, staying overnight at either Sand Point or Cape Alava. camp about halfway through the loop at Wedding Rocks to make two 4.5 mile days.

Two Nights: For a very relaxed trip, stay one night at Cape Alava and one night at Sand Point, hiking 3 miles each day. Or stay one night at South Sand Point and another at Cape Alava. Staying at South Sand Point will add 2 miles to your trip.

READ NEXT: Backpacking for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started

Food Storage on the Ozette Loop Trail

Bear Canisters Required

Apparently the racoons on the Olympic Coast are particularly intelligent and have figured out how to eat hiker’s food if it is hung in a tree (which usually works to keep bears out if it).

The National Park’s Wilderness Food Storage Policy now requires that all backcountry campers on the entire coast store their food in bear canisters.

You can borrow canisters from the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles. There is no charge as long as you have a wilderness permit. They even have a handy drop slot if you need to return your canister after they have closed for the night.

Bear Canister Packing Tips

Travelling with a bear canister requires a bit of advance planning. Store all of your scented items (toiletries, etc.), garbage and food in the canister at night or if you aren’t right next to it (for example if you are off on a day hike).

Plan lightweight and compact meals and bring minimal toiletries. If you pack efficiently you can usually share one canister between two people for a two night trip. Planning for one canister per person (or perhaps two canisters between three people) is a bit more prudent.

Most people choose to put the canister inside their pack as they are difficult (though not impossible) to strap to the outside. In camp, store your canisters away from your tent and kitchen area. Make sure they can’t be rolled away (or into the water!) Here are more tips about using a bear canister.

If you plan to do multiple trips in areas where bear canisters are required, it’s easier to just buy your own instead of renting one. I own both the Garcia Machine Backpackers Cache and the Bear Vault. I prefer the Bear Vault since it has straight sides so it’s easier to pack, and it’s clear so you can see whats at the bottom. Check prices: MEC | REI | Amazon.

Water Sources and Water Treatment on the Ozette Loop Trail

There are few water sources on the trail: just the ones already mentioned at South Sand Point, Sand Point and Cape Alava. The water sources are coastal swamps and can be quite tea-colored. Some people prefer to add drink powder to their water to disguise the color.  

Later in the season the streams can be dry so inquire with the WIC before your trip.  As well, reports show that there are parasites (cryptosporidium and giardia) in the streams. Iodine is not an effective treatment for parasites so filter or boil your water before drinking.

I use the Platypus Gravity Works filter. You can fill up the dirty water reservoir at the creek, carry it back to the campsite, then let gravity do the work of filtering your water. We have the 2L size, but our friends have the 4L size which is great for groups. Buy: MEC | REI | Amazon.

Further Reading and Maps for the Ozette Loop Trail

You can find more information about the Ozette Loop on the Olympic National Park website. It has a good overview map of the park with campsites and trails marked. For actual travel on the trail you should purchase the North Olympic Coast topographic map by Custom Correct maps as it has trails, distances, and tidal obstacles marked. You can buy it online from REI. You can also buy it at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles

Before you hike the trail check the trail conditions page on Olympic National Park website. You can also read trip reports on the Washington Trails Association website.

READ NEXT:

• Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• 20+ Ways to Reduce Your Backpack Weight
• Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates
• 9 Best Washington Road Trips
• Shi Shi Beach Hiking and Camping Guide
• How to Hike and Camp at Toleak Point in Olympic National Park
• Backpacking for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started
• Backpacking with Kids: Tips from a Tween and His Mom

The post Ozette Loop Hiking and Backpacking Guide appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Rasika says “This was our first time hiking through a cave. While it was exciting, it was also intimidating! The hike to and from the cave was also fun; we loved seeing these captivating rock formations that were formed due to volcanic eruptions and erosions from water and wind over time. If you’re visiting California, Pinnacles National Park is a must-do on your itinerary as it shows you how nature changes over the years.”

Read on for Rasika’s full Bear Gulch Cave Trail guide. It includes:

• Trail information you’ll need to know for hiking the Bear Gulch Cave Trail
• The best time to hike through the Bear Gulch Cave Trail
• How to get to Pinnacles National Park and the Bear Gulch Cave trailhead
• What makes the Bear Gulch Cave Trail so special; is it worth hiking? 
• Hiking directions for the Bear Gulch Cave Trail

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Bear Gulch Cave Trail Basics

This trail takes you through the Bear Gulch Cave and finishes at the Bear Gulch Reservoir. The Bear Gulch Cave is one of the two talus caves in Pinnacles National Park. When huge boulders fall into a canyon or a mountain slope, the space underneath is a talus cave.

This isn’t your average hike; hiking through this cave requires your full attention as you will be moving through some narrow passages with low ceilings. Even though some of the areas are narrow, it is a two-way hike so be prepared to see hikers coming back and make way when necessary. Follow the arrows to stay on the correct route.

Make sure that you’re packing the 10 essentials when hiking this trail: flashlights, water bottles, and a first aid kit in case you hit your head/feet on one of the rocks. (They should all be on your California packing list anyway!)

Is the Bear Gulch Cave Trail Worth Hiking?

So, with all these precautions, is it really worth hiking the Bear Gulch Cave Trail? That’s what we thought when we were preparing for the hike. But yes, it was worth it!

If you’ve ever wanted to visit a bat cave, this is it. Townsend’s big-eared bats reside in this cave. Plus, there are 16 species of bats in the Bear Gulch Cave. The trail takes you through an immersive cave experience and you get into survival mode.

After you exit the cave, you hike up to a scenic view of the Bear Gulch Reservoir, the second-best attraction in the park after the Bear Gulch Cave. 

Bear Gulch Cave Trail Information

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip (2.2 miles/3.5 km total including the connector trail from the parking lot to the Bear Gulch Cave Trail) 

Elevation Gain: 240 feet (73 meters)

Time: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Season: Bear Gulch Cave is closed between mid-May and mid-July due to the bats’ pupping season.

Toilets: Available at the Bear Gulch Day Use Area parking lot 

Pets: No pets are allowed on the trails. Pets are allowed on-leash in the parking lots, picnic areas, and the Pinnacles Campground. 

Fee/Passes: $30 7-day vehicle entrance fee; free if you have the $80 America the Beautiful Pass or the $55 Pinnacles National Park Annual Pass. There are also National Park Service Fee Free days when you don’t have to pay a fee to enter the park.

Maps: Use this Pinnacle National Park map to stay on track. You can also buy a Pinnacles National Park topographic map.

Rules: Stay on established trails. Bicycles are prohibited on all trails. Drones aren’t allowed. It is not allowed to feed, approach, or hunt wildlife in the park. 

Best Times to Hike to Bear Gulch Cave Trail

The best time to hike the Bear Gulch Cave Trail is during spring or fall. This is because the entire cave will be open during the last weeks of March and October. They may open up earlier but that’s based on the presence of bats.

The lower section of the cave is open from April to May, July to September, and November to February.

The entire cave is closed between mid-May through mid-July when the maternal colony of bats raises their babies. Make sure to check the status of the caves on the National Parks Service site before planning a hike on the Bear Gulch Cave Trail.

Apart from the seasonality of the Bear Gulch Cave, spring and fall are great times to see the colorful scenery around the park. Visit during spring to see the vibrant wildflowers blooming or visit during the fall to admire the fall foliage. Our fall trip was gorgeous with orange leaves all around and the air being chill enough to feel comfortable to spend our whole day at the park.

While you can still visit the lower sections of the cave during the winter and spring, winter lacks that colorful scenery and summers can be as hot as 100 Fahrenheit (or more!).

If you plan to visit during the summer, please note that it can get very hot and very dry in the park. Make sure you are ready and have the required materials to hike under that heat. 

How To Get To Bear Gulch Cave Trail

Even though Pinnacles National Park is a relatively small park compared to other U.S. National Parks, the park has 2 sections: the East side and the West side. But they don’t connect via road. They only connect through a hiking trail. The Bear Gulch Cave Trail is located on the east side of the park.

If you’re traveling from the San Francisco/San Jose/Oakland area, you will need to take US-101 North, then CA-25 through Hollister to get to the east entrance. If you’re traveling from the Los Angeles area, take I-5 and CA-25 through Bitterwater. 

Make sure you get gas before entering the park. You can fuel up in Hollister; that’s 33 miles away from the Bear Gulch Day Use Area parking lot. The nearest parking lot is the Bear Gulch Day Use Area parking lot. Click here for Google maps directions.

However, if it is crowded (weekends and holidays), you might be directed to park near the Pinnacles Visitor Center. However, if you continue to drive and look around, you might find an open spot in/near the parking lot. That’s what we did.

While the park does get crowded, the trail only takes a few hours, so you will eventually find a parking spot as hikers return to their cars. 

Bear Gulch Cave Trail Hiking Directions

Once you’ve parked at the Bear Gulch parking lot, make sure to use the restrooms before starting the trail as it can take 2-3 hours to get back. The Bear Gulch Cave Trail doesn’t start at the parking lot. You will have to hike the Moses Spring Trail first to access the Bear Gulch Cave Trailhead. 

You’ll hike around 0.5 miles until you reach the Moses Spring trailhead. Turn left to start the trail (the trail on the right is the Rim Trail.) On this trail, you’ll walk under a few mini caves. We also saw a couple of rock climbers climbing nearby peaks. The trail takes you through incredible pinnacle formations towering among the trees.

You will know when you’re near the cave entrance since you can smell and feel the dampness in the cave. It’ll also feel chillier, and you’ll see rocks covered with moss. Make sure to have your flashlight on. 

The cave starts out wide and after some time, the cave walls narrow in. You’ll see white arrows that show you how to hike through the cave. There are puddles in the cave so take your time in crossing them. You will have to bend through some areas and near-crawl in others. Once you exit the cave, you’ll come across a long flight of stairs. Take the stairs to a dramatic view of the Bear Gulch Reservoir, a lake surrounded by pinnacles. 

After taking a break at the Bear Gulch Reservoir, you have two options on how to hike back to the parking lot. Either you can turn around and hike back through the cave or you can take the Rim Trail that goes around the cave.

If you want to do the cave hike again and/or are running short on time, hike back on the Bear Gulch Cave Trail.

If you want to explore more of the park (Rim Trail has some gorgeous mountain views!) and/or have some extra time, take the Rim Trail. You will have to hike up then hike down this trail but the views make it worth it. The Rim Trail then connects to the High Peaks Trail that has a few switchbacks. The High Peaks Trail then connects to the Moses Spring Trail and then it’s the same hike back to the parking lot. 

I hope this guide helps you plan for your hike to Bear Gulch Cave Trail. If you’re visiting Pinnacles National Park for the day, I recommend hiking this trail then staying back in/near the park to stargaze at night. You’d be surprised at just how beautiful Pinnacles National Park can be at nighttime as well! -Rasika, Bae Area and Beyond

MORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN CALIFORNIA:

• Best things to do in Pinnacles National Park
• 10 Under-the-Radar US National Parks to Add to Your Bucket List (including Pinnacles National Park)
• Things to Do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
• 15 Awesome Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
• Best Places to Stay Near Joshua Tree

The post Hike the Bear Gulch Cave Trail in Pinnacles National Park appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Although it isn’t near a big city, there are still lots of great places to stay near Joshua Tree, from boutique hotels to Airbnb cabins to rustic campsites. I’m sure there will be something on this list for everyone.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

READ NEXT: The Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park

Which Area To Stay In?

Most visitors to Joshua Tree National Park stay in or near the towns of Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms along Highway 62 on the northern border of Joshua Tree National Park. The town of Joshua Tree is close to the West Entrance Station and the town of Twentynine Palms is close to the North Entrance Station.

Some visitors also enter the park from the south entrance about an hour from Palm Springs. However, it’s a long drive from that area, so in this post, I’ll focus on where to stay near Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms.

Best Hotels Near Joshua Tree

If you’re looking for the convenience of a hotel or motel, you’ll find lots in the Joshua Tree area. Most are clustered along Highway 62 in Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. Here are my picks for the best hotels near Joshua Tree.

Best Themed Hotel Near Joshua Tree

The Pioneertown Motel was originally built in the 1940s to house movie stars shooting western films. Today it’s been updated to have all the modern conveniences, but still looks every bit like a vintage western movie set. Yeehaw! It’s one of the most popular places to stay near Joshua Tree

Check availability

Best Budget Hotel Near Joshua Tree

The El Rancho Dolores Motel in Twentynine Palms is a retro Spanish-style motel located near the North Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. Its budget-friendly rooms have fridges, microwaves, A/C, wifi, and tile floors that stay cool in the heat. Reviews say they are very clean. There’s also a great pool to cool off in.

Check availability

Best Joshua Tree Hotel for Families

The suite-style rooms at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Twentynine Palms are a great choice for families. Each one sleeps four to six people on a combo of beds and sofa beds. There’s a separate seating area too. Kids will love the outdoor pool and parents will enjoy the ease of the included breakfast buffet.

Check availability

Best Vacation Rentals near Joshua Tree

The Joshua Tree area is known for an eclectic collection of vacation rental homes, cabins, yurts, domes, glamping tents, and more. Most are on quiet desert roads a short drive from the highway. Here are my picks for the best vacation rentals near Joshua Tree.

Stargazing Bubble Tent Near Joshua Tree

Talk about a bucket list experience! Sleep in the unique Marbella Lane bubble tent and watch the stars light up the desert from the comfort of your heated bed. It has a hot tub and barbecue too. It’s a short drive to the town of Joshua Tree and the North Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park.

Check availability

Coolest Private Villa with a Pool near Joshua Tree

Known as The Invisible House, this is one of the coolest places to stay in Joshua Tree. It’s been described as a 22-story skyscraper laid on its side. It has a fully mirrored exterior that makes it disappear into the desert. With three bedrooms, a 100-foot indoor swimming pool, and 90 acres of land, there’s plenty of space to spread out and chill out.

Check availability

Instagrammable Dome House Near Joshua Tree

The airy Serenity Dome House is a great boho-style getaway. Chill out in hammocks by the pool, soak in the hot tub, get cozy at the fire pit, or pose for photos in front of the murals on the property. At night, stargaze through the skylights.

Check availability

Best Cottage Right Next to the Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park

The cute Clever Rabbit cottage is less than 1/4 mile from the West Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park – you hike directly into the park from your front door. It’s a cozy and rustic little house with a fully equipped kitchen, a fire pit, and an awesome hammock hang-out zone. The Clever Rabbit is definitely one of the most convenient places to stay near Joshua Tree.

Check availability

Best Family-Friendly Rental Home Near Joshua Tree

If you’re heading to Joshua Tree with kids, book the Comfy Boho Cottage. It sleeps six and has a fully equipped kitchen. There’s even an adorable single-serving pancake maker. Kids will love exploring the backyard yurt and roasting marshmallows on the firepit.

Check availability

Best Pet-Friendly Rental Home Near Joshua Tree

Located in the desert a few minutes’ drive from the town of Twentynine Palms, the Flying Point Homestead is a great Joshua Tree rental home option if you’re travelling with your dog. Pets are welcome at no extra charge and the yard is fully fenced.

Check availability

Best Places to Camp Near Joshua Tree

If you love nature and don’t mind a bit of roughing it, I would recommend camping inside Joshua Tree National Park. That way you can experience the desert landscape 24 hours a day and go for hikes right from your tent door. Most of the campgrounds are less than a 30-minute drive to the village of Joshua Tree, so it’s easy to go get groceries or go to a restaurant.

Best Reservable Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park

Five of the campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park accept reservations. Since getting a first-come, first-served campsite in the park can be tough, making a reservation is a great idea. You can make reservations online up to six months in advance through recreation.gov.

Ryan Campground is small and rustic, with just 31 campsites. It has a great central location that is popular with rock climbers. There’s no water here so you’ll have to bring your own.

Jumbo Rocks Campground is also centrally located and with 124 sites, it’s the largest campground in Joshua Tree National Park. However, it doesn’t feel too crowded because huge boulders between most of the sites provide privacy. Bring your own water.

Indian Cove is located on the northern border of the park close to Twentynine Palms, which is convenient. However, there is no direct access to park roads so you’ll have to drive into town, then around into the park. This campground has 101 sites and no water.

Black Rock Campground: Located near Yucca Valley on the western side of the park, this campground is a bit of a drive to get to the park’s main roads. But it has running water and you can hike right from your campsite.

Cottonwood Campground: This campground is in the far southern part of the park near the Coachella Valley. It’s at a lower elevation, making it warmer in winter (good) but also warmer in summer (bad). It’s a long drive to the rest of the park from here, but that makes the campground a bit quieter.

Best First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park

If you can’t get a reservation, Joshua Tree National Park has three first-come, first-served campgrounds. However, it is very difficult to get a site. They are fully by Friday night for most weekends between September and May and are full all week during the spring.

Check-out is at noon but many people leave before that so it’s a good idea to start checking early in the morning. You may also be able to talk to people who are packing up and ask if you can move into their campsite once they leave.

On my March trip, we stayed outside the park on our first night, then drove to the park early in the morning on a Wednesday. We managed to get one of the last sites available at Hidden Valley Campground – we actually had to wait for the previous campers to leave.

Hidden Valley Campground is the most popular campground in the park. It has a central location near lots of climbing crags. You can also hike right from the campground. The campground has a gorgeous setting near lots of cool rock formations. It has 44 sites and no water.

White Tank Campground is small with only 15 sites. It’s close to the north entrance, but also really central. You can hike from your campsite to Arch Rock, one of the park’s most popular locations. No water.

Belle Campground is another small campground near the north entrance. It has 18 sites and tends to be a bit quieter. It also has no water.

Best Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds for RVs

None of the campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park have RV hookups. However, a few of the campgrounds do have RV-friendly features.

Black Rock Campground near the town of Yucca Valley has RV-accessible potable water and a dump station. The maximum length for RVs is 35 feet. Make reservations up to six months in advance for one of the 99 sites.

Cottonwood Campground in the southern part of the Joshua Tree National Park has a dump station and RV-accessible potable water. Most sites will fit RVs up to 35 feet. All 62 sites can be reserved up to six months in advance.

Best Free Dispersed Camping Near Joshua Tree

If you want to get away from the crowds and camp for free, try dispersed camping near Joshua Tree. There are tons of places to camp on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land just outside the National Park. There are no formal campsites, so that means no toilets, picnic tables, or other amenities. Come prepared with your Leave No Trace skills!

If you’re looking for even more options for places to stay near Joshua Tree, have a look on Booking.com or VRBO as there is so much out there, with new and adorable places popping up regularly. Have you stayed somewhere amazing that you’d recommend? Tell me in the comments.

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