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winter backpacking tips: how to stay warm backpacking
tips for cold weather camping
my first backpacking trip!
this post includes affiliate links. any purchases made from affiliate links may provide me with a small amount of compensation. it will not affect the price of your purchase.
as a beginner backpacker, I’m still learning what works for me as far how to pack my backpack, best backpacking food, what to wear hiking - really, all of it! but since i’ve only backpacked in fall and winter, the one topic i’ve put the most thought into is how to stay warm while backpacking! so, if you’re just getting started, below are my own newbie winter backpacking tips and favorite backpacking cold weather gear.
staying warm while backpacking requires strategic layering and preparation. here are some essential winter backpacking tips i’ve been using:
layering: start with a base layer that wicks away sweat, add a mid-weight long sleeve shirt for insulation, and top it off with an insulating jacket for warmth at camp. don't forget about your lower body; consider long underwear for sleeping and extra warmth.
keep dry: always have a set of warm and dry clothing reserved for camp. avoid hiking in your insulated jacket to keep it dry; instead, use it to stay warm once you've stopped moving. it's crucial to keep your head warm as well, as we lose a significant amount of heat through our heads. a warm hat or hood can make a big difference.
waterproof backpacking apparel: I always wear waterproof hiking boots for backpacking. I also strap these tevas or these chacos to my pack for something more comfortable around camp.
wool socks: I also wear a pair of wool socks for hiking and pack an extra to be sure I have a clean, dry pair on hand. i have several pairs of these mid-height socks and this 1/4 height pair as well.
hat: a warm hat or beanie is important maintaining body heat while hiking and sleeping and can be counted among energy-efficient ways to stay warm outdoors.
on the trail: adjust layers as needed to avoid sweating, which can make you feel colder later. keep warm layers accessible and change into them before you feel too cold. consider the upcoming terrain and weather conditions to anticipate layer changes.
performance t-shirt: make to wear appropriate performance fabrics for layers to ensure appropriate thermoregulation. cotton will not keep you warm and dry! i started wearing wool t-shirts, and though they can be quite pricey, I’ve found it’s worth my comfort when i’m roughing it! :) i have a smartwool tee (that I got on major sale!), but this more affordable option has great reviews.
campsite selection: choose your campsite wisely to stay warmer. higher elevations are generally colder, but valleys can trap cold air too. look for sheltered spots in windy areas and try to find a site that will catch the early morning sun.
at camp: change into warm, dry layers as soon as you stop hiking. stay active with camp chores to maintain body warmth and eat a full meal before bed to fuel your body's overnight heat production.
insulated sleeping gear for camping: i got this XXX to place under my sleeping pad… i’ve used this sleeping pad on all my backpacking trips so far, but i recently used this sleeping pad for a camping trip with no tent and it is truly the most comfortable i’ve used. if you can spare the space and weight in your pack, it’s definitely warmer.
sleeping tips: keeping your feet warm is crucial, as is insulating your head from heat loss. sleeping on your back can be warmer than on your side, and changing into sleeping clothes inside your sleeping bag can generate heat.
wool socks: I wear a pair of wool socks for hiking and pack an extra to be sure I have a clean, dry pair for bedtime. i have several pairs of these mid-height socks and this 1/4 height pair as well.
hat: a warm hat or beanie is important maintaining body heat while hiking and sleeping and can be counted among energy-efficient ways to stay warm outdoors.
warm sleeping bag and sleeping liner for camping: a warm sleeping bag is a must for cool weather backpacking. this one is rated to 10 degrees (f) and is water-resistant. i also highly recommend adding a sleeping bag liner. this one adds up to an additional 20 degrees (f) of warmth. it can also be used alone for summer as an alternative to a bulky sleeping bag.
body warmers: for peace of mind I always bring a few packs of hot hands. i’ve now used them on half my backpacking trips. they are small, lightweight and bring a lot of warmth.
these tips should help you stay warm and comfortable while enjoying the beauty of backpacking in colder conditions. have fun, stay safe and get out wild!
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favorite road trip: us civil rights trail itinerary; alabama civil rights trail
visiting alabama landmarks on the u.s. civil rights trail
the united states civil rights trail marks dozens of landmarks across 15 states. each site was pivotal in changing the course of history during the 1950s and 1960s civil rights movement.
we did a coast to coast road trip in our camper van and visited many of the u.s. civil rights trail landmarks along the way. being able to connect historic events across multiple states, as well as learn about people and events i had never previously learned about was incredibly impactful. since then, i continue to try to add sites we missed into any itineraries through those states.
i’m creating a collection of posts about each state on the us civil rights trail and alabama is first on my list! you can find complete details about the trail, each landmark and state itineraries at the united states civil rights trail site. keep in mind each state may have additional sites not listed on the u.s. trail site; they are still worth visiting!
below you’ll find information about about a number of the sites on the alabama civil rights trail, as well as a recommended itinerary for an alabama road trip that centers on visiting these civil rights landmarks.
exhibit from the national memorial for peace and justice on the u.s. civil rights trail in montgomery, al
alabama road trip: alabama civil rights trail itinerary
the alabama civil rights trail includes eight main locales, with multiple stops at half. the sites below make for a long weekend road trip, but if you have more time you could certainly see them all on a 4 or 5 day alabama road trip. or make a week of it to spend more time exploring other sights!
day 1: visiting birmingham
whether you’re flying or driving to alabama, there’s a good chance you’ll be starting in birmingham. we actually didn’t! but if you are, here are the must-see spots in birmingham on the civil rights trail that we would visit.
kelly ingram park: this park was an assembly point for participants in sit-ins, boycotts, marches, and jailings designed to end segregation in Birmingham.
birmingham civil rights institute: a cultural and educational research center that promotes a comprehensive understanding for the significance of civil rights developments in Birmingham.
sixteenth street baptist church: headquarters for the civil rights meetings and rallies in the early 1960’s. september 15, 1963, the church became known around the world when a bomb exploded, killing four young girls attending sunday school and injuring more than 20 other members of the congregation.
day 2: selma to montgomery national historic trail
after a day of exploring Birmingham, drive down to selma for day 2 on the civil rights trail, about one hour and 40 minutes south. selma is brimming with history, and you’ll want to make some extra time for the additional stops below - even an hour would be well worth it!
edmund pettus bridge along the u.s. civil rights trail in selma, al
start at the selma interpretive center. get a map and go through the exhibits in the center. it’s a small center, so take your time to really immerse yourself in the information about the political climate of the time.
next head to the additional stops (not on the official u.s. civil rights trail) listed below. you can get a map at the selma interpretive center. there are even more stops included in the map, so if you have time, add those in, too!
walk to the edmund pettus bridge. just next to the bridge, where you’ll crossover, there once was a three story building. a cafe was on the lower floor, and civil rights leaders and activists would sometimes meet there to strategize. we had the privilege of running into a local whose family participated in the voting rights march. he had a lot to share about his own experiences as a child in selma during the civil rights movement, as well as the changes that have occurred since - and those things that haven’t changed.
from there you’ll get back in the car, drive across the bridge and follow the selma to montgomery national historic trail. this 54-mile trail maks the route marchers took to the state capitol to advocate for the right to vote. marchers spent four nights on the road, camping on farms owned by allies to the movement. use the map to make as many stops as you like! you’ll pass campsite 1 before the lowndes interpretive center and campsites 2 and 3 soon after. campsite 4 is just five miles outside central montgomery.
the lowndes interpretive center marks the site of a “tent city” erected by activists after black farmers were driven off their land for supporting voting rights. today, the interpretive center exhibits build upon what you’ll learn in selma. this center is larger and has a film. be sure to make time for this stop!
u.s. civil rights trail exhibit in lowndes interpretive center on the selma to montgomery national historic trail
additional stops in selma
these stops are not on the official u.s. civil rights trail, but are a part of the selma to montgomery national historic trail. most of these stops are quick ones - park the car and get out to read signs and snap photos - as opposed to longer museum tours or interpretive centers. if you don’t have much time but want to add these in, you could also drive by and read along with the information provided on the official selma to montgomery national historic trail map.
george washington carver homes: many participants in the marches lived in this complex, and activists from out of town lodged here.
brown chapel african methodist episcopal church: the staging point for marches to the county courthouse and for the final march (after two failed attempts) to montgomery.
cecil c. jackson public safety building: dr. martin luther king jr. and other marchers were incarcerated here.
sullivan building: southern christian leadership conference (sclc) activists directed local activities from this building.
national voting rights museum and institute: exhibits tracing the voting rights struggle. we didn’t have time for this stop, but i wish we had made time!
brown chapel a.m.e. in selma, al
continuing on the selma to montgomery national historic trail in montgomery:
after arriving in montgomery, head straight for the alabama state capitol, where thousands of protesters gathered to demand voting rights.
walk to the dexter avenue king memorial baptist church, which served as the staging area for the final rally at the capitol. it was also the headquarters of the 1955 montgomery bus boycott.
just a few blocks away you’ll find a statue of rosa parks that marks the site where she got on the bus where she refused to give up her seat.
and just down the road from that is the rosa parks library and museum, which is at the site where parks was arrested.
statue of rosa parks in montgomery, al that marks the site where she got on the bus
day 3 on the us civil rights trail: montgomery and tuskegee
on day 3 of our alabama road trip, you’ll visit one more site in montgomery before heading to tuskegee.
start your day the the national memorial for peace and justice. this memorial is the nation’s first comprehensive memorial dedicated to the legacy of Black Americans who were enslaved and terrorized by lynching.
if you decide to take extra time in montgomery, visit the freedom rides museum and civil rights memorial center.
installation by hank willis thomas at the national memorial for peace and justice
drive to tuskegee, just 30 minutes from montgomery. start at the tuskegee institute national historic site, which was founded by booker t. washington in 1881. (the major sites are currently under renovation and are expected to open summer and fall of 2024. be sure to check the website before your visit.)
next head to the tuskegee airmen national historic site to learn about the nation’s first African American pilots and their role in military history.
if you have time, head two hours north to visit freedom riders national monument in anniston. this site documents the history of a small interracial band of “freedom riders” who set out to challenge discriminatory state laws and local customs that required a separation of the races on buses and in bus station facilities.
birmingham is one hour west from anniston or two hours north from montgomery. hope you enjoyed the tour!
i hope this itinerary is helpful as you consider visiting the landmarks of the u.s. civil rights trail and planning for a civil-rights focused tour of alabama. though the lessons from these landmarks are not always uplifting, they are invaluable.
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favorite dog-friendly hikes in tucson: where to hike with dogs in tucson
desert hiking areas for dogs
saguaros at sunset in tucson mountain park
this post includes affiliate links. any purchases made from affiliate links may provide me with a small amount of compensation. it will not affect the price of your purchase.
we first visited tucson last winter and knew immediately we wanted to return. (you can find our saguaro national park itinerary here and family friendly activities in tucson here) but this time around, we had our adventure pup in tow! i was honestly surprised at how dog-friendly tucson is; we had plenty of options for exploring this beautiful desert with bebe. here are a few of the dog-friendly hikes in tucson that we enjoyed!
what to bring when hiking with dogs in tucson
there are a few items we like to have on hand every time we go hiking with dogs. in addition to a leash and harness, here’s what to bring when hiking with dogs in tucson:
travel bowl: this bowl is very light and portable. I used the attached carabiner to hook it to my daypack and then fill it from my own water.
first aid kit: we carry a basic first aid kit on every hike, which already contains most of the essentials for dog first aid. the one addition we keep on hand is a wound care spray for pets. if you’re looking for a more complete dog first aid kit, this one looks like a great option.
poop bags: please pick up your dog poop (if you have the ability)! we buy these bags in bulk. this set comes with a dispenser if you need one. i also have this pup pouch for storing used bags so i don’t have to hold onto them while hiking. it clips into my pack and blocks and odor - it’s been so helpful to have!
tick removal tool: i bring this tick removal tool every time i travel with bebe. though she is protected from ticks via medication, it reduces the likelihood that ticks will get transported into our vehicle or home - and ultimately onto a person!
tuscan hikes with dogs: catalina state park
catalina state park has 8 trails, most of which are dog-friendly (there is one area of the park where dogs are not allowed due to bighorn sheep habitat). the scenery is beautiful and there is a mix of wide, natural surface trails and rockier terrain. this park is popular among dog families, so keep that in mind if your pup prefers more distance from other dogs. one other thing to note about the trails is that most are either relatively short (1 mile - ish) or relatively long (7+ miles).
in addition to hiking, catalina state park has quite of few other outdoor activities in tucson. the park has a campground and hosts a number of activities, concluding bird walks, nature programs, archeology talks, and even concerts! we went during one of the nature programs and got to learn about (and see up close!) many desert critters. kiddo even got to hold a tarantula!
hiking at catalina state park with bebe
dog-friendly hikes in tucson: madera canyon
part of coronado national forest, madera canyon is located about 25 miles from tucson. if you have a national park annual pass, you won’t need to pay to recreate here; otherwise, there is an $8 day fee. camping is also available. we parked at one of the campgrounds and it looked like an absolutely lovely spot for camping in arizona.
there are plenty of hiking options in the canyon, so be sure to check the hiking map in advance to make a plan. because this spot is higher elevation, there are more trees and the climate is a bit cooler than tucson - making it a great option for hiking with dogs in tucson. the terrain can be rocky and there are lots of deer, so be advised if your pup has a strong prey drive.
kiddo and bebe hiking in madera canyon
dog-friendly national parks: saguaro national park
while saguaro national park isn’t one of the most dog-friendly national parks, there are a couple short trail options for hiking with dogs. given that it’s right in tucson, i think it’s totally worth visiting saguaro national park with dogs. know in advance that neither trail offers poop bags, trash cans or water, so come prepared!
on the east side is the desert ecology trail. just over a quarter of a mile, this paved trail has lots of great interpretive information for getting acquainted with desert ecology. on the west side of saguaro national park, near the visit center is the desert discovery trail. this paved trail is a bit longer at half a mile and is absolutely gorgeous! of note - parking at the desert discovery trail, in particular, can be tricky. of the four times we visited over a year, we only got parking here once! be prepared to circle back a couple times.
check out this blog post which includes our itineraries for 2 days in saguaro national park and 1 day in saguaro national park. it’s worth noting the park has east and west sides, which are completely disconnected and about an hour’s drive apart. you could certainly visit both parks in a single day, but i’d recommend one day for each side so you can really enjoy and explore the unique ecosystems.
tucson is a very dog friendly destination with lots of options for dog-friendly trails. we highly recommend a visit and hope this list gives you some great ideas to go out wild and explore the beauty of tucson’s sonoran desert.
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favorite winter getaway: biscayne national park
top things to do in biscayne national park
at the biscayne national park sign located at the visitor center
this post includes affiliate links. any purchases made from affiliate links may provide me with a small amount of compensation. it will not affect the price of your purchase.
biscayne national park is known as the watery wonderland because 95% of it is water. this means a couple of things… one is that the only way to see or experience this park is to get on the water. which means, it is necessary to book tours in advance. this isn’t a park where you can show up, get some advice from rangers and then hit the trails. you’ll need to do some advance planning and booking. something else to keep in mind is the distance between tour operators. depending on the area of the park you’re exploring, it could take two hours to get from one tour to another. be sure not to book tours back to back and leave yourself plenty of driving time.
we visited in late winter/early spring and the weather was absolutely divine! this is a great time to visit all of the southern florida parks because it’s past the winter rains and before the muggy heat hits.
land of the tequesta
the land presently known as biscayne national park was first occupied by human more than 10,000 years ago - when the bay was a dry savannah.
over thousands of years, indigenous cultures developed and became more distinct. when the glades people grew less nomadic and eventually settled in what is now southeast florida, the native people became known as the tequesta. unlike many indigenous tribes at the time, the tequesta did not farm and instead relied largely on the sea for food. and because they did not spend time on agriculture, they were able to focus more on developing art and religion.
europeans arrived in the 16th century and killed virtually all indigenous peoples in the area, including the tequesta by the mid-1700s. eventually, other native peoples moved into the area, including the seminole and miccosukee.
three vultures we saw while kayaking biscayne bay
the jones family
during one of our tours at biscayne national park, we learned of the jones family, who played a central role in ensuring this area was protected from development. read more in this article, but here are some highlights:
israel lafayette “parson” jones, born in 1858 in raleigh, north carolina, settled in key biscayne in 1892. he became a foreman on a pineapple farm and developed skills in growing lime and pineapple trees.
in 1895, israel married mozelle albury. their first son, king arthur lafayette jones, was born in 1897, and their second son, sir lancelot garfield jones, was born less than 18 months later. they are believed to be the first Black americans born on key biscayne.
israel purchased porgy key for $300 and became the first Black landowner in the keys. the jones family put in years’ worth of tedious work clearing the land by hand. the family began to turn a profit and, eventually, the farm became one of the largest producers of pineapples and limes in florida.
arthur and lancelot continued the lime production business and eventually went into fishing and guiding, as well. in the 1960s, there was a big push to develop the area. arthur and lancelot were the second largest landowners in the area, preventing development.
the area was declared a national monument in 1968. lancelot, the surviving brother, sold their share of the island to the national park service in 1970 in order to ensure its protection. it become a national park in 1980. lancelot was able to live out his remaining years in the family home.
what to bring to biscayne national park
sun protection: regardless of time of year or elevation, sun is abundant in southern florida.
sunscreen: this one is our favorite. it’s spf 50 and we like the mousse because it’s easy to apply, but you can also get the lotion or the mist.
water bottles: kiddo uses this camelpak on all our hikes. my current favorite water bottle is this one from wondery.
other sun protection: we started using this buff for kiddo as a multi-use item. it protects his neck from sun but can also be worn in a myriad of ways, based on need. we most often use it as a headband! i wear a wide brim hat that i purchased from a park gift shop years ago, but similar styles can be found here (this one’s waterproof!) and here.
water shoes: it’s wise to bring clothing that you don’t mid getting wet, especially shoes. i have these and kiddo wears these.
bug protection: kiddo is very allergic to mosquitos and i’m a magnet, so we have tried many, many sprays, lotions and potions. this one is far and away our favorite - even over deet! and if you do get bit, i highly recommend this device (much more so than the popular bug bite thing, which didn’t do anything for us but seems to work for others). be cautious with littles as the burning sensation can be briefly intense. kiddo didn’t like it the first time we tried it, but since then he asks for it every time he gets one.
one of the structures in stiltsville
a note about camping in biscayne national park
you may be surprised to learn there are two campgrounds in biscayne national park. however, both are only accessible by boat. while tours visit these key campgrounds, there are no ferry services for campers. thus, you must have a private boat with a boat slip reservation to camp. more information can be found here.
there is no other lodging within the park, and, while it’s certainly an option to stay in the keys, the more affordable option is to find accommodations on the mainland. we ended up renting a trailer in homestead, and used it as a home base to visit several parks over the course of a week.
kayaking biscayne bay
biscayne national park itinerary
we spent one day in biscayne national park that was quite long, but doable. if you are staying closer to the park and have time, i would highly recommend two days in biscayne national park so you can visit multiple keys. a reminder that the different keys can take awhile to get to, so be cautious when booking multiple tours in a day. there’s a good chance you’ll have some driving in between!
below is the one day itinerary for biscayne national park that we did, but i’ve also included a additional things i wish we had time for. something to consider if you have two days in biscayne national park or more!
one day in biscayne national park
visitor center: make sure to start your day at the dante fascell visitor center. there are wonderful models for learning about the park’s ecosystem, as well as some beautiful boardwalk trails along the water.
kayak biscayne bay: biscayne bay is an incredible wonderland of open waters, small islands and mangrove forests. the waters are smooth for even beginner kayakers. bring your own equipment or take a paddling adventure with biscayne national park institute.
visit boca chita key: boat to the northernmost reaches of the park to visit this small key with fascinating history. the only way to visit the lighthouse is to do a tour with a park naturalist or ranger. we did this heritage tour, which was fantastic! while on the key, hike the half-mile loop. they whole key is a square mile, so this will take you around the rest of the key away from the main area. you will need deet no matter what time of year you visit.
don’t miss stiltsville: i thought these stilted structures were just a tourist trap, but they were included in our boca chita key heritage tour, and i’m so glad! the history is interesting and the structures, which were famed for housing seedy activities during prohibition, are quite neat! hurricanes have wiped out many over the years, and you never know what will take out the remaining structures. be sure to visit when you’re there because they might be gone on your next visit!
the lighthouse at boca chita key
if you have more time in biscayne national park
here are some ideas of additional things to do in biscayne national park if you have more time!
visit adams key - this key was a presidential getaway for years and now serves as day use area. hike the 1-mile trail.
get on the water in jones lagoon - take a paddle board, kayak or canoe to this lagoon to get deep in the mangroves without boat traffic.
check out the maritime heritage trail - if you want to get in the water, snorkel along the maritime heritage trail, which travels through six shipwrecks!
get a special badge for visiting the three south florida parks - if you’re visiting biscayne, everglades and big cypress, you can earn an extra badge that separate from the regular junior ranger badges. we were able to get this and had fun learning some extra things about each spot.
i hope this guide to biscayne national park inspires you to go out wild and visit this hidden gem tucked away at the southern tip of the country. there are so many surprises to uncover!
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top birthday gifts for campers: a gift guide for outdoor enthusiasts
gift guide for campers
our campervan during california’s wildflower superbloom
this post includes affiliate links. any purchases made from affiliate links may provide me with a small amount of compensation. it will not affect the price of your purchase.
it’s my birthday month and i’m celebrating a big one! naturally, i’m asking for all things camping, van life and outdoors to mark this special occasion. and now that we’ve put nearly 20,000 miles on our camper van, i have lots of ideas about van life essentials, as well as those luxury items that would be the perfect birthday gift for the outdoor lovers.
in this post, i'm sharing the best birthday gifts for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. whether you’re shopping for a seasoned camper or just starting your own camping journey, i've got ideas for you. this list includes all the must-have camping gear, gadgets, and accessories that are on my birthday wishlist right now!
accessories to elevate the camping experience
camping accessories can make the outdoors all the more enjoyable and thus make the perfect gift for outdoor lovers! sure, the camping essentials are all that’s really needed (and i’ve included some below!), but when it’s super buggy out or you can’t figure out where to put your muddy boots without getting everything dirty, some extra accessories make all the difference. these items may not be essential, but they can enhance the overall outdoor experience.
gear and shoe storage bag
keeping dirt out of any camping space is a challenge - whether you’re tent camping, glamping or cruising in an rv. and the biggest culprit for bringing in dirt is always the shoes - whether you have dusty camp shoes, sandy sandals, or muddy hiking boots, they’re all something you want to keep separate from the rest of your camping gear. but that can be tough when you’re limited in space and leaving them outside can mean rain or critters.
enter this shoe storage bag that magnetically attaches to your vehicle! it’s water-resistant (in case the rain rolls in) and the perfect place to tuck away any shoes you don’t want in your sleeping space. it even has a mesh bottom so soggy shoes can drain and air-dry overnight! this has been high on my list of camping accessories for quite sometime and i’m always dreaming up how i can use it to store camping gear beyond shoes.
bug screen for camper van
with the weather warming up again, a camper van bug screen is at the top of my list! when it’s warm, we open open up the screened windows, which can bring a nice breeze into a toasty van. but to enjoy the views, we’d really love to be able to keep our side doors open! unfortunately, bugs can be a major issue, especially when evening lights attract all the bugs in and there’s no fire to help keep them away. a bug screen would allow us to take in fresh air, enjoy the views, and just be that much closer to nature!
vehicle door step
this door step would be so handy!!! it would be great for making adjustments on our awning or pop top on the camper van. but i’d really love to get it for our car when we’re taking road trips and tent camping adventures without the van. we have vehicle roof storage, which is so incredibly helpful for hauling all the camping gear. however, it can get cumbersome to haul heavy or bulky items in and out from down below. this door step would make it so much more accessible for me!
portable air conditioner
since we’ll be on the road again this summer - and traveling through some really hot places! - i’m adding one of these portable air conditioners to my list of camper van accessories i’m pining for. a camping air conditioner will be especially helpful getting us to sleep on those hot summer evenings. and with a built in timer function we can be sure it doesn’t drain out power by running all night! true camping luxury!
travel laundry washing bag
this foldable laundry bag would be soooo helpful on the road! especially with kiddos or for longer term boondocking. going to the laundromat is one of our least favorite van life chores. while we can’t get rid of the need to do laundry, this portable wash bag would make it a lot easier, reducing the necessity for detours and additional research when we’re farther away from towns. it does require water, but would help us travel more efficiently overall.
travel electric kettle
we already have this electric kettle, but i had to add it to this birthday gift guide as it’s been one of my favorite luxuries for the camper van. yes, we can use our propane stove to heat water in pot - and lots of times we do! but the more time i spend on the road, the more i find myself using this collapsible electric kettle. when we’re away from a power source we just use our solar generator (below) to run it!
tools for campers working remotely on the road
so many people are working on the road these days. it’s such an incredible privilege afforded by technology - but the right tech makes all the difference. tech-savvy campers will appreciate gifts that improve their outdoor experience, making camping more enjoyable by being more efficient at work.
portable laptop monitor
this is so cool! i saw a van lifer who works from the road use one of these, and i immediately added it to my birthday gift list for campers. this portable laptop monitor attaches to your laptop to create a double monitor that’s road-friendly! the space-saving design makes it easily portable and perfect for working remotely while on the road. a double monitor like this would help me increase my productivity, which is essential while traveling because i’m always trying to squeeze work in between driving, hiking, filling tanks, and all the other daily chores that come with van life.
solar power bank
a portable solar charger is an eco-friendly way to keep electronic devices charged while camping shorter-term. it's an essential gadget for any camper who relies on their phone or GPS device and is compact enough to make a great gift for backpackers, along with any other kind of outdoor enthusiast who needs access to tech. i carry this solar power bank no matter how i’m camping, as it’s easy to move from the van to a backpack and back. i charge it via usb before hitting the road and then leave it on the dash of the van so it stays charged up while we camp. when we’re doing longer hikes that only require a daypack, i carry this even smaller portable charger juuuusst in case. i’ve only had to use it once, but it was great to have in a pinch!
solar generator
if you’re on the road longer-term and use larger devices like laptops, tablets, or even appliances, a more serious power source is necessary. a solar generator may seem like a luxury, especially given the price tag, but it is extremely useful and downright necessary for any camper who is working remotely from the road. a solar generator, of course, requires solar panels, so i opted for this solar generator and panel bundle, which saves a bit of money when buying the items together. it has been so easy to use on the road and i’ve been extremely impressed both with just how much it can charge and how quickly it charges.
jackery solar generator for vanlife
essential camping gear every outdoor lover needs
when it comes to the best birthday gifts for campers, it's wise to consider essential camping gear. we already have camping essentials like tents, sleeping bags and camping cookware, but there are still a few essential items on my birthday list. (an important note when shopping for essentials: it’s helpful to invest in high-quality, durable gear that can withstand the elements and provide comfort during outdoor adventures!)
insulated water bottle
an insulated water bottle can keep beverages cold for extended periods, making it a useful gift for campers who love hiking and spending time outdoors during warmer months, especially. i have this parks of the usa water bottle, which is a big hit at every national park - especially with the park rangers! and now that we’ve been driving the camper van cross-country, i’m hoping to add this fifty states water bottle to my collection!
portable air pump
sleep comfort is high on any camper’s list, so this compact air pump is the perfect gift for backpackers, campers, van lifers, and more! it’s super lightweight and small enough to tuck into any pack. we use this portable air pump to inflate our mattress for the top bunk when we pop the top of our camper van on warmer nights. but it’s also great for any other kind of inflatable - it comes with multiple adapters to fit different gear!
rv water filter
virtually anyone you meet doing van life or rv living has a water filter. it’s an absolute van life essential. and, it’s not a one and done. for as long as you’re filling you’re tank, you’ll need a filter that needs to be changed periodically to ensure safety. it may not seem glamorous, but any van lifer would appreciate this water filter! we have this one and i have a new one on my list to get before we take off for summer.
emergency jump starter
anyone that has followed our adventures knows a portable jump starter has been a LIFESAVER! we had a major electrical issue in our camper van that no one could figure out for months. so, every week we’d be stuck with a van that suddenly wouldn’t start. thankfully, we have a portable jump starter in our rv emergency kit! we honestly couldn’t have traveled as much as we have if we didn’t have a jump starter on board. again, it may not be the most glamorous gift, but it is one of those rv essentials and would make a great gift for adventurers! (side note - this essential isn’t just for rvs! a jump starter is an essential item for car emergency kits, as well!)
foldable tote bags
let’s be honest, transporting gear in and out of the van can be a pain. it always feels like there are too many trips and we’re just grabbing random items until our hands our full. we finally decided to get some foldable grocery bags to reduce the frustration, as well as the trips back and forth. having extra bags on hand has gone a long way toward helping us stay organized in a small space, and we continue to come up with new uses for them! if you’re springing for something a bit more luxury, this eco carry bag is on my wishlist. but this set of reusable bags would be a great stocking stuffer or add-on gift, too!
our camper van at carrizo plain national monument
the more time i spend on the road the better i understand what we do - and don’t - need to enjoy camping. while many of these are extras or luxuries, that’s exactly what makes them the perfect gifts! i hope this gift guide for campers helped you find the perfect gift for the outdoors lovers in your life. or gave you a few ideas to elevate your camping experiences! go out wild and enjoy!
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favorite itinerary: things to do in guadalupe mountains national park
top sites to see in this less frequented hidden gem
kiddo hiking to smith spring in guadalupe mountains national park
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guadalupe mountains national park was a big surprise for me. one of the least visited national parks, i found guadalupe mountains to be quite beautiful with very interesting geologic history.
guadalupe mountains national park is another of those parks that i wish we had the opportunity to spend more time in. there’s a lot to see and some really big hikes in guadalupe mountains that would be a thrill to complete - including climbing guadalupe peak, the highest natural point in the entire state of texas!
alas, the weather was not in our favor. with elevations between 3,000 and 8,000+ feet, there can be a lot of weather variation in the park. high winds are typical through the fall and winter and, ultimately, that’s what bested us. if you’re looking for the best time of year to visit, the weather in guadalupe mountains is more mild in spring and summer.
land of the mescalero apache
the land presently known as guadalupe mountains national park is the indigenous homeland of the mescalero apache. (the mescalero apache also inhabited the land that became white sands national park and carlsbad caverns national park.)
“traditionally, when a mescalero apache man married, he moved in with his wife’s family. while mescalero society did have gender roles, there was close collaboration between men and women. men helped women during agave roasts. women accompanied men on buffalo hunts.
women traditionally gathered and prepared food in mescalero apache society. to keep her family fed, a mescalero woman needed a deep understanding of the resources and cycles of her land. this knowledge of local plants meant that women sometimes held roles as healers. many of the great shamans in mescalero stories are women.”
what to bring to guadalupe mountains national park
layers: one of the biggest climate factors in the park is elevation. there are big shifts in the temperature throughout the park, based on where you are and what the elevation is. if you’re exploring multiple areas or doing one of the multiple hikes that climb in elevation, it’s best to be prepared with layers.
hiking poles & sturdy boots: it’s pretty rocky on the trails and areas can get muddy and slick, so a good idea to have both good hiking boots and a set of hiking poles. we’ve used these hiking poles in all conditions. kiddo currently wears these hiking boots. i have high arches and am always alternating between boots. my two favorite pairs these days are these and these.
sun protection: regardless of time of year or elevation, sun is abundant in guadalupe mountains.
sunscreen: this one is our favorite. it’s spf 50 and we like the mousse because it’s easy to apply, but you can also get the lotion or the mist.
water bottles: kiddo uses this camelpak on all our hikes. my current favorite water bottle is this one from wondery.
other sun protection: we recently purchased this buff for kiddo as a multi-use item. it protects his neck from sun but can also be worn in a myriad of ways, based on need. we most often use it as a headband! i wear a wide brim hat that i purchased from a park gift shop years ago, but similar styles can be found here and here.
a note about camping in guadalupe mountains national park
guadalupe mountains has three developed campgrounds open year round which are open to tent or vehicle camping, including the frijole horse corral campground for horse campers.
the pine springs campground is located near the visitor center and has basic amenities including pit toilets and utility sinks. the dog canyon campground is much more secluded and quite a distance from the visitor center. it does have restrooms as well as 4 designated spots for rv campers. there are no showers in the park.
guadalupe mountains national park itinerary
due to weather - extremely high winds - our trip to guadalupe mountains national park was cut short. be prepared for shifting weather conditions no matter the time of year. we ended up postponing for three days until we couldn’t any longer. it meant we missed out on some of the big hikes we had planned, but we did enjoy a sunny (albeit it briskly chilly!) morning in the park. below is our itinerary for one day in guadalupe mountains national park.
i’ve also included a few other things i wish we had time for. something to consider if you have two days in guadalupe mountains national park or more!
one day in guadalupe mountains national park
visitor center: make sure to start your day at one of the park’s two visitor centers to check the latest conditions. again, conditions can shift quickly and vary throughout the park, so you’ll want to latest information on the trails you’re planning to visit.
hike devil’s hall: this strenuous, 4.2 mile hike takes visitors through a natural staircase between steep canyon walls. there is an incredible amount of scrambling, as well as a lot of loose rocks and debris. make sure you have plenty of time, water and snacks to tackle this incredible hike!
visit frijole ranch: after your big trek, head over to frijole ranch for a picnic lunch. while there, check out the frijole ranch history museum, which gives a great overview of the human history of the park. even if the museum is closed, you can walk the grounds and peek into the one-room school house to imagine what life was like here 150 years ago.
hike smith and manzanita springs: just beyond the frijole ranch history museum is the trailhead for the smith spring loop that also takes you to manzanita spring. the 2.3 mile hike has beautiful scenery and gives a good sense for the ecology of the park. the springs are quite different and both are fascinating and lovely in their own ways. i would consider this trail a *do not miss for this park!
if you have more time in guadalupe mountains national park
here’s a list of places we wish we could have visited if we had more time in the park.
hike guadalupe peak - this day trek up the to the highest natural point in texas is a bucket list item for us!
visit one of the many viewpoints - there’s a lot to see in this park, including several peaks that each have their own viewpoints. of note - guadalupe mountains have their own el capitan! learn more about the viewpoint here.
take a scenic drive to dog canyon - this part of the park is more remote and the one-way drive through the chihuahuan desert takes 2 hours. you could start your morning with a hike in pine springs and then spend the afternoon exploring dog canyon.
visit the salt basin dunes - this area of the park is unfrequented, but gives the opportunity to climb white gypsum sand dunes with incredible views of both the guadalupe mountains and el capitan. if you have an extra day to explore, this would make a memorable adventure!
i hope this guide to guadalupe mountains national park inspires you to go out wild and visit this hidden gem tucked away in the far west corner of texas. there are so many surprises to uncover!
favorite itinerary: visiting carlsbad caverns national park
one day itinerary for carlsbad caverns
kiddo looking down into the natural entrance of carlsbad cavern
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it may sound odd, but carlsbad caverns was a major stretch for me. i am claustrophobic (yes, i’m living in a van with claustrophobia, lol), and being in the dark makes it so much worse. it makes me feel like i can’t breathe. for two days i was panicking about going into this darn cave.
as we descended into the natural entrance i was on the verge of a panic attack. and honestly, that feeling never really went away for the couple of hours we were down there. this cave is big. big, big. that helped minimize the claustrophobia, but the feeling of being buried alive never left. you can’t tell from these photos, but it’s pretty dark in there.
anyway, i survived to tell the tale and i’m sharing all the details on what we did with you! read on for my recommendations for carlsbad caverns national park, including our one day itinerary for carlsbad caverns.
land of the mescalero apache
the land presently known as carlsbad caverns national park is the indigenous homeland of the mescalero apache.
“in the Apache way of life, there is a belief that a dark side of life is present, as well as a light side. In the dark side of life there is misery, and nothing progresses for the Apache. here in the light of life there is happiness; a world God created of peace and harmony. In this world of peace and harmony, everything progresses for our people…
hundreds of years ago, long before white men came to this land, these mountains, plains and deserts belonged to the Mescalero Apaches… the Mescalero were essentially nomadic hunters and warriors, dwelling at one place for a temporary time in brush shelter known as a “Wicki up”; short rounded dwellings made of twigs or teepees made of elk hides and buffalo hides. the Mescalero roamed freely throughout the southwest including texas, arizona, chihuahua, méxico and sonora, méxico… today, three sub-tribes, Mescalero, Lipan and Chiricahua, make up the Mescalero Apache Tribe.”
in the big room of the cave in carlsbad caverns national park
what to bring to carlsbad caverns
shoes with good tread: the cave is moist and can be very slick, especially if you take the steep hike down into the carlsbad cavern natural entrance. whether boots or sandals, just make sure your shoes have good tread. here are the boots kiddo wore into the cave and the boots i wore into the cave. we had no issues but could definitely tell when we approached slippery areas.
headlamp: you’ll want to bring your own light into the cave, especially if you’re doing the natural entrance hike. eventually your eyes will adjust and the big room is better lit than other areas, but there were definitely spots where we needed light to find our way. we used these headlamps. we also have these little flashlights which are great for kiddos who may not fit the headlamps.
layers: the cave stays in the mid-50s year round, so you’ll want to bring an extra layer. nothing too heavy, but something to keep the chill away. kiddo wore a sweatshirt like this one. i wore my girlfriend fleece with an extra layer underneath and got a little warm.
a note about camping in carlsbad caverns national park
there is no lodging or campground in carlsbad caverns national park. overnight parking is not allowed. primitive camping is allowed in the backcountry only, and requires a free permit which is issued at the park's visitor center when you arrive (not reservable in advance).
we camped at a blm (bureau of land management) spot about 25 minutes from the park. there are several blm sites all in the same area, west of white’s city. it’s convenient to both carlsbad caverns and guadalupe mountains national park, as well as carlsbad, new mexico.
carlsbad caverns itinerary
it’s definitely possible to do carlsbad caverns in a day or even a half day. your first task will be to make a required reservation to enter the cave. from there, a major choice you’ll need to make is whether you want to do the steep, one mile hike down into the cave via the carlsbad caverns natural entrance hike. you can hike into the cave or take a short elevator ride directly to the big room. once you’re in the cave, you can do the full big room hike (1.25 mile) or take a shortcut hike (0.6 mile). there are occasional benches and rest areas inside the cave, and you’re welcome to spend as long as you like simply observing all the amazing formations.
you will also have the option to hike back out or take the elevator out. we chose to hike in, but because of the steep climb, chose to take the elevator back out. in total, we spend about 1.5-2 hours in the cave.
another key factor is what season you’re visiting. the carlsbad caverns bats are only in the park april-october. since we visited in winter, we missed the bats. the trip was still well worth it, but if you’re visiting any other season, you’ll likely want to plan around seeing the bats exit the cave at sunset.
and do be sure to check out some of the other areas outside the cave! the visitor center has great exhibits, and there are also other hikes and a scenic drive in the park. there’s lots to see beyond the cave! some recommendations for what to see in carlsbad caverns national park below!
in the big room of the cave in carlsbad caverns national park
one day in carlsbad caverns national park
visitor center: you’ll need to check in at the visitor center before you explore the cave. either show them your reservation or purchase tickets upon entering. we ended up spending more time in the visitor center than we typically do. there are some great interactive exhibits, some fun photo ops, and even a special area for junior rangers!
hike the natural entrance to the cave: you can certainly take the elevator into the cave and have an amazing experience. but for me, despite being terrified, hiking the natural entrance was my favorite part. there’s nothing quite like seeing that huge opening and then being swallowed up by the darkness at the entrance disappears behind you. the one mile trail is quite steep and can be slick in areas. there are interpretive signs and rest areas along the way.
hike the big room inside the cave: the big room is the best way to see all of the amazing formations inside the cave. the hike is about 1.25 mile and takes you through a number of fascinating formations, including the bottomless pit! there is a shortcut trail, as well.
hike the chihuahuan desert nature trail: you know i love a good interpretive trail about flora in the area! this one mile loop trail from the visitor center winds through the chihuahuan desert highlights. it’s also an opportunity to spot some of the park’s wildlife!
drive the scenic walnut canyon desert road: this 9.5 mile (one-way) dirt road drive takes you through the desert of of carlsbad canyon national park. it’s a great way to explore the less visited parts of the park and see the unique ecosystems above the caves. there are hikes along the way, too!
if you have more time in carlsbad caverns national park
.here’s a list of places we wish we could have visited if we had more time in the park.
take a ranger-guided cave tour
enjoy the bat flight program
take a desert hike
i hope this guide to carlsbad caverns national park inspires you to try something new, take a risk, do something you’re afraid of, and go out wild. no matter the season, there are amazing things to see at this unique national park!
favorite itinerary: visiting white sands national park
highlights for one day at white sands national park
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kiddo hiking the dunes at white sands national park
white sands national park is exactly what all the bloggers and gram-ers say it is: like being on another planet. it is truly an unreal, bucket-list destination. the sand gets its color from gymsum, which washes into the basin from surrounding mountains. when the water evaporates, brittle selenite crystals are formed. the fragile crystals are easily ground down, creating the sand. while visiting white sands is a bit off the beaten path, it’s also a great park to do in a day or less and easy to visit if you’re passing through on a southwest roadtrip.
we spent about a half-day at white sands and probably could have done just about everything on our list in even less time. though, you could definitely spend a full day at white sands just wandering the dunes and taking it all in. or try camping at white sands national park to get the full experience! be sure to add this destination to your new mexico road trip itinerary!
land of the mescalero apache
the land presently known as white sands national park is the ancestral homeland of the mescalero apache. “the Mescalero people were nomadic hunters and gathers and roamed the southwest… the people were given the name "Mescalero" because they gathered and ate the mescal plant. It was the staple of their diets and could sustain them in good times and bad.”
a bit about the mescalero apache puberty rite ceremony:
"one of the most traditional and sacred ceremonies practiced by the Mescalero Apache is the puberty rite ceremony. it is a four-day “Rite of Passage,” a ceremony that marks the transition of an individual from one stage of life to another, from girlhood to womanhood. a young girl celebrates her rite of passage with family-prepared feasts, dancing, blessings and rituals established hundreds of years ago…
it is said that this ceremony was given to the Apache people by White Painted Woman. when her people, the Apache, were hard pressed by evil monsters, White Painted Woman reared a son to destroy those creatures and to make the earth inhabitable for mankind. she is the model of heroic and virtuous womanhood. for the duration of the rite, the young girl dresses and acts like White Painted Woman. the girl is never referred to by her name, but is known as White Painted Woman.
beginning at dawn on the first day, the young girl is guided and advised by a medicine woman through four days of formal observances and events… the girl is dressed in the buckskin costume that she will wear for the following eight days… by the end of the fourth day, every possible experience… has been mentioned in songs and prayers for the long life and good fortune for the young maiden and for the Apache people.
for four more days after the completion of the ceremony, the young maiden must continue to wear her ceremonial buckskins... at the end of this period the medicine woman washes her hair and body with suds of the yucca root. then she changes into her ordinary clothing, equipped for her new stage in life and her role in the community.”
gypsum dunes of white sands national park
what to bring to white sands national park
like any desert, exploring white sands national park calls for hydration and sun protection, no matter the season. a few things we alway bring for any desert hike:
sunscreen: this one is our favorite. it’s spf 50 and we like the mousse because it’s easy to apply, but you can also get the lotion or the mist.
water bottles: kiddo uses this camelpak on all our hikes. my current favorite water bottle is this one from wondery.
other sun protection: we recently purchased this buff for kiddo as a multi-use item. it protects his neck from sun but can also be worn in a myriad of ways, based on need. we most often use it as a headband! i wear a wide brim hat that i purchased from a shop years ago, but similar styles can be found here and here. also note, sunglasses are an absolute must at this park! the white sand reflects the sun and can really irritate your eyes!
good shoes: this is one of the few times i would recommend hiking sandals over boots, depending on the time of year you’re visiting white sands national park. otherwise, you’re gonna get a whole lot of sand in your shoes!i have these and kiddo wears these. because it was colder during our visit (and i hate getting my feet dusty/dirty), we still wore our boots and did just fun - though we had to dump out the sand at least half a dozen times during our visit! kiddo currently wears these hiking boots. i have high arches and am always alternating between boots. my two favorite pairs these days are these and these.
kiddo with sled for dunes sledding at white sands national park
a note about camping in white sands national park
there are no campgrounds in white sands national park, but there is the option to partake in backcountry camping in the dune field. the stars over the dunes create a memorable experience. permits are required and limited in availability.
white sands itinerary
unless you’re camping in white sands, you really can do this park in a day. we spent about 5 hours in the park and a good amount of that was just wandering around the dunes. it’s definitely possible to have a full experience in this park in half a day or less. however, there are some off the beaten path experiences even within the park, so if you have the time, enjoy 2 days in white sands national park! see some ideas for additional activities below.
kiddo hiking the backcountry loop in white sands national park
one day in white sands national park
visitor center: be sure to stop at the visitor center prior to entering as it’s the only place you can access water in the park. also check out the exhibits about the park’s geology. the white sands are truly unique and the process by which it forms is equally fascinating!
hike the dune life nature trail: kick off your adventure with this short interpretive hike through the dunes. it will give you a great initial sense for the dune experience while also bringing in the opportunity to see the wildlife that inhabits the park.
hike the interdune boardwalk: if you’re not up for hiking the dunes, this is a great accessible option just a little further on from the dune life nature trail. the boardwalk eliminates the need to trudge through sand, but still provides the opportunity to get out into the dune field. there is also a ton of great interpretive information along the way. we did both (along with the playa trail!), and enjoyed them equally.
go dunes sledding: you can’t miss this memorable experience! we first went dunes sledding at great sand dunes national park and it was the highlight of the entire summer for kiddo. so, we knew we had to do it again when the opportunity to visit white sands national park arose. visitors are essentially given free reign to pick explore any spot on the dune field and turn it into a sledding hill. you can spend as long as like and have the energy to keep trudging back up the dunes! note - i highly recommend bringing your own sleds, if that’s an option for you. the sleds available in the gift shop are quite pricey and it wasn’t an option to rent while we were there.
hike the backcountry loop trail: after sledding we took a break for lunch to refuel. there are several picnic areas throughout the dune field, but we chose to pull off in a quiet spot and enjoy the view. from there, we hit the backcountry loop trail! there are diverse options for hiking in white sands national park, from boardwalks, to those with more flora and fauna, to those with endless, pristine dunes. this hike in white sands is of the endless, pristine dunes variety. while the parking area of this hike can get quite busy, you’ll find that the crowds quickly fall away as you proceed on the trail. the trail is well marked, but you also have the option to wander as far as you like. we saw virtually no one else and were completely immersed in the dunes. this was my favorite experience at white sands national park, though be advised it’s over two miles of trudging through sand, up and and down the dunes. it’s an energy zapper, for sure!
kiddo walking across the top of a dune at white sands national park
if you have more time in white sands national park
join the ranger guided sunset stroll - we had planned to do this but had to drive back to camp to get a spot! we’re still bummed we missed it.
hike the strenuous alkali flat trail - this is the longest and most strenuous hike in the dune field
score tickets to the lake lucero tour - this tour only happens a few times a year. we had tickets to go in fall one year and sadly had to bail on that trip. we still hope to go back and do this. if you’re able, try to plan around the rare dates that this tour occurs.
i sincerely hope this guide to white sands national park encourages you to go out wild and explore this otherworldly place. i’ve experienced nothing else like it, despite visiting plenty of other sand dunes. it’s a really special place and a great option for a family vacation. enjoy!
favorite itinerary: visiting chiricahua national monument
favorite hikes at this southeastern arizona national monument
kiddo points up at the rhyolite formations in chiricahua national monument
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ever wonder what would happen if bryce canyon and pinnacles national parks got together and had a baby? for the very select few who said “yes!”, i have the answer for you! it’s chiricahua national monument, and it’s in southeastern arizona.
chiricahua national monument is an extraordinary surprise in far eastern arizona. with otherworldly rhyolite formations, exciting grottoes, and plenty of trails, it’s a great addition to any arizona road trip or southwest vacation!
land of the chiricahua apache
the land presently known as chiricahua national monument is the indigenous homeland of the chiricahua apache. it’s important to note that when they were given the name “apache” by the spanish, it was not a name the indigenous people took on. instead, they used variations of “nde”, meaning “the people”, to refer to themselves. since then, the tribe has claimed the name and are outwardly identified as the sovereign nation of the chiricahua apache. (it’s also worth noting that not all indigenous peoples who were assigned “apache” find the term acceptable.) a little about the chiricahua apache’s origin beliefs:
“the chief deity of the Chiricahua Apache was Ussen, whose will governed all. Ussen existed before the creation of the universe. He created the first Mother with no parents who sang four times, a sacred number to the Chiricahua Apache. Her singing began the creation of the universe. Ussen also created the first Boy and Sun God who shook hands. the sweat from this handshake created the Earth. the Earth was small at first, so they kicked it around and it gained mass like a snowball rolling down a hill, getting larger and larger. Ussen also created Tarantula, who increased the Earth’s size even more by pulling on it with four cords of web which he spun. Ussen then created the first people and fire and then he left. Ussen continues to watch events unfold from afar and still intercedes from time to time.”
what to bring to chiricahua national monument
kiddo hikes up sugarloaf mountain in chiricahua national monument
chiricahua national monument sits at higher elevations than the surrounding areas in arizona. because of this, it tends to be cooler and layers are recommended for much of the year. while it can get warmer in summer, chiricahua national monument does experience all four seasons. we visited in february and it was in the 20s. the roads were clear, but there was still snow and ice on some of the trails.
base layers: wool base layers will keep you comfortable while exploring this park. i have this top and these bottoms from smartwool, which are best for cooler temps. there’s also this lighter weight top and these lighter weight bottoms which are great for year round! (yes, these are pricey. i will say i absolutely love them and they work exactly as they should, along with being super comfy. i highly recommend them!)
microspikes: if you’re visiting in winter, you’ll definitely want to bring microspikes. while we saw some snow and ice on most trails, one of the trails we did was extremely icy and we would have fared a lot better with microspikes. these look good for adults and here’s a great option for kids.
hiking poles: though we didn’t have microspikes, we did have our hiking poles on hand, and they were an absolute lifesaver. i highly recommend these for any season as most of the trails are fairly rocky with some rough terrain.
good shoes: i also highly recommend sturdy boots. kiddo currently wears these hiking boots. i have high arches and am always alternating between boots. my two favorite pairs these days are these and these. in warmer weather you could likely get away with some good hiking sandals in this park. i have these and kiddo wears these.
a note about camping in chiricahua national monument
there is an option to go camping in chiricahua national monument. there is just one campground in chiricahua that is largely for tents or vans, though some spaces could fit smaller rvs. there are no hookups or dump stations. restrooms and potable water are available. it’s very near to the chiricahua national monument visitor center.
because of the very low temperatures, we opted not to camp in chiricahua national monument. however, the campground was still completely full when we visited!
kiddo hiking a trail in chiricahua national monument
chiricahua national monument itinerary
there’s a fair amount to explore in chiricahua national monument, and 2 days in chiricahua or 3 days in chiricahua national monument would probably be ideal. we only had one day and because it was winter there weren’t any program options to take part in. so, we went hiking - a lot! if this much hiking isn’t for you, check out the “if you have more time” section below for what to do in chiricahua national monument.
one day in chiricahua national monument
visitor center: start out the visitor center, especially if you are visiting in winter. they will have information about the latest trail conditions and can help you decide which trails are best for your group on the given day.
hike massai point nature trail: drive the bonita canyon scenic drive to the upper elevations of the park at massai point. here you’ll find a nice nature trail that will bring all the wonder and excitement about exploring the park’s rhyolite pinnacles further. note - these are several interesting pullouts on the way up. i recommend stopping at these on the way down because they are on the opposite side of the road and have extremely limited parking and visibility.
hike sugarloaf mountain trail: make your way back down bonita canyon drive to the turnoff for echo canyon and sugarloaf mountain. after turning you’ll quickly come to another turn for echo mountain. keep heading up - you’re going to hike the highest point in the park: sugarloaf mountain! this trail brings sweeping views the whole way and takes you to an old fire lookout. once you’re back down, take a nice break and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back down the road to the echo canyon loop trailhead.
hike echo canyon loop: this is an absolutely fabulous trail that takes you right down into the pinnacles. while sugarloaf mountain has steeper elevation gain, this hike was definitely the toughest of the three - we’d rate it moderate. we hiked it clockwise, which kept the best part for near the end: the grottoes! if you don’t have much time, you should start counterclockwise, hit the grottoes and then turn back. they are absolutely worth seeing if you’re able! note - this loop is made up of a series of trails by differing names. be sure to bring your map. the intersections are well marked, but it can be confusing because you’re technically transitioning to a new trail at each one.
checkout the viewpoints on the bonita canyon scenic drive: on your way back down bonita canyon drive, take the opportunity to stop at the pullouts along the way. our favorite was the organ pipe formation, which was a fun coincidence since we had just visited organ pipe cactus national monument (itinerary here)!
kiddo enters the grottoes at chiricahua national monument
if you have more time in chiricahua national monument
one of the things we regret is not having more time for wildlife viewing, which is much more likely in the lowest elevations of the park. here’s a list of places we wish we could have visited if we had more time in the park.
visit faraway ranch historic district
view the wildlife at bonita creek
hike the natural bridge trail
hike the silver spur meadow trail
i sincerely hope this guide to chiricahua national monument encourages you to go out wild and explore this fascinating place. i found myself oohing and aahing a whole lot more than i expected and hope you experience the same!
favorite itinerary: visiting organ pipe cactus national monument
best things to see at my new favorite national park service site
kiddo hiking in organ pipe cactus national monument
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my friends, i have a new favorite national park service site: organ pipe cactus national monument. we had some major snafus while visiting this extraordinary biosphere preserve and yet i am still completely taken by its magic. have you ever heard of this far southwestern arizona national monument? i cannot rave enough about this gem. organ pipe cactus national monument is truly a national treasure!
organ pipe cactus national monument is in the sonoran desert, which benefits from two rainy seasons. and though it’s still desert, it’s called the “green desert” for good reason. this park is absolutely teaming with a diversity of flora. it honestly stunned me. seriously, friends, i teared up multiple times on our first hike because it is so dang beautiful!
the organ pipe cactus is rarely found in the united states - organ pipe cactus national monument is really the place to see them. this monument is also an international biosphere preserve, and there are other species that can only be found in this part of the country, including the endangered sonoran pronghorn. there are so many special moments to be found here. for example, when the wind blows, the organ pipe cacti needles hum. they not only look like organ pipes, but they actually make music! i cannot recommend enough that you add organ pipe cactus national monument to your southwest trip itinerary!
organ pipe cactus ribs at organ pipe cactus national monument
land of the tohono o’odham
the land presently known as organ pipe cactus national monument is the indigenous homeland of the tohono o’odham. the tohono o’odham nation continues to reside and thrive in the area. while we learned so many fascinating facts about how the tohono o’odham use mesquite and tepary beans, as well as other desert resources, I was naturally taken by the uses of cactus. here’s a favorite thing we learned:
“early spring was called ko’oak macat (the painful moon) by the tohono o’odham becaues of scarce food supplies. during this season, they turned to cacti for food and pit-roasted thousands of calcium-rich cholla flower buds. today’s o’odham people still pit-roast or boil the cholla buds, which taste like asparagus tips.”
what to bring to organ pipe cactus national monument
like any desert, exploring organ pipe cactus national monument calls for hydration and sun protection, no matter the season. a few things we alway bring for any desert hike:
sunscreen: this one is our favorite. it’s spa 50 and we like the mousse because it’s easy to apply, but you can also get the lotion or the mist.
water bottles: kiddo uses this camelpak on all our hikes. my current favorite water bottle is this one from wondery.
other sun protection: we recently purchased this buff for kiddo as a multi-use item. it protects his neck from sun but can also be worn in a myriad of ways, based on need. we most often use it as a headband! i wear a wide brim hat that i purchased from a shop years ago, but similar styles can be found here and here.
good shoes: the desert is fully of prickly things. i highly recommend sturdy boots (and not hiking sandals). kiddo currently wears these hiking boots. i have high arches and am always alternating between boots. my two favorite pairs these days are these and these.
sunset on ajo mountain drive
a note about camping in organ pipe cactus national monument
i highly recommend camping in organ pipe cactus national monument. the monument is right on the us/mexico border and there are very few services in the surrounding area outside the park. organ pipe cactus national monument has two campgrounds - the larger twin peaks campground, as well as the tiny, more primitive alamo campground. we camped at twin peaks and really loved it. it’s just one mile from the organ pipe cactus national monument visitor center, is accessible to several trails, and is just steps from the amphitheater where ranger programs are held.
i recommend 2-3 nights in organ pipe cactus national monument so you can see the top sites and take in the best spots. here’s our itinerary for two days in organ pipe cactus national monument.
2 days in organ pipe cactus national monument
you certainly could spend one day in organ pipe cactus national monument and see a lot. if you only have a day, use the day 1 itinerary as your complete guide to organ pipe cactus national monument.
day 1: one day in organ pipe cactus national monument
kiddo hiking arch canyon trail
visitor center: start at the kris eggle visitor center. be sure to check out the garden in back to get a close up look at a saguaro boot! note, this park has a desert ranger program, rather than a junior ranger program, but the swearing in and badge are just like you’d expect from other parks. not gonna lie, it was fun to partake in activities more geared for adults, and i got a badge, too!
ajo mountain drive: make your way just across the road from the visitor center to ajo mountain drive. this 21 mile winding, scenic road has 18 stops with an interpretive map. also be sure to grab the desert ranger guide to find the cristates, a crest-like anomaly in cacti, throughout this section of the park!
hike arch canyon: just past stop 10 on your drive you’ll come to the arch canyon trailhead parking. at 1.2 miles and marked “easy to moderate” you might be tempted to think this is a quick stop. i would consider this hike to be on the more strenuous side as a significant portion of it is quite steeps and requires scrambling. also note, there are a lot of cairns on this trail that may seem helpful but ended up leading us hours off trail. we were in a very near dangerous situation with no more water and the sun going down before we finally found our way back to the trail. be sure to download a map in advance as there is no reception in this area! and please, never build cairns. they are ecologically damaging and not always helpful to fellow hikers. all that said, if you stick to the trail, it’s a lovely adventure that’s mostly shaded in the afternoon.
hike estes canyon: between stops 11 and 12 is a picnic area with restrooms, as well as the trailhead for estes canyon and bull pasture. enjoy a picnic lunch to refuel between your hikes. the estes canyon loop is about 3 miles. if you’re feeling up for it, you can add on the bull pasture spur for an additional mile that’s quite strenuous. from there, finish up the rest of the scenic drive, including my personal favorite part, the cholla forest!
evening ranger program: after you’ve gotten some rest and dinner, head over to the amphitheater where the park hosts a ranger program most evenings. the program we attended was about how the ecosystem has changes over millions of years. we learned a ton, including the fact that this section of desert as we know it is younger than the humans who have occupied it!
day 2: two days in organ pipe cactus national monument
kiddo hiking the desert view trail
puerto blanco drive: this 41 mile drive circles the puerto blanco mountains and offers the opportunity to visits multiple springs and an oasis. there are also several hiking opportunities, but be mindful that this drive is much longer and your time on trails may be limited.
hike dripping springs mine: though the spring is a nice area to take in some cool air, the real gem of this hike is the extraordinary views! this is another trail that requires a map as it’s not well marked and the cairns can be misleading. after your hike continue on to golden bell mine or bonita well for a picnic lunch.
visit quitobaquito spring: after lunch, continue your drive and make a stop at this pond that was once part of a prehistoric trade route. there are several endemic species here, as well the sonoyta mud turtle, which can only be found here in the united states. finish up the drive from there!
hike desert view trail: after you refuel and get some rest, i highly recommend taking a golden hour or sunset hike on the desert view trail. accessed from the group sites at twin peaks campground, this was our favorite hike in the park. it’s a really lovely place to take in the scenery, learn about the various plants and just enjoy a gentle farewell to this special place.
i sincerely hope this guide to organ pipe cactus national monument encourages you to visit go out wild and explore this special place. it exceeded all my expectations and i had very high hopes going in!