Visiting the Grand Canyon in winter has many advantages. Not only are there fewer visitors and lesser crowds, the scenery is breathtaking. The place was designated a national park in 1919 and while the north rim is not accessible after mid October, the south rim is a great place to be.

About 277 miles long and 18 miles across, the greatest abyss in the world is more than a mile deep. A visit in the winter here will allow you to engage in all kind of winter sports as you take in the beauty of the place.

Grand Canyon in Winter – Reservations

Even though the place is not too crowded in winter, it is always a good idea to make your reservations in advance. The Xanterra booking service will help you find the lodges that have availability so that you can check the ones that are open. Choices range from the classic lodge to the historic cabin and you can expect to pay anywhere between $55 and $300 depending on what you choose. Some of the popular lodges in the south rim are Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins, El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge and the Yavapai Lodge.

Grand Canyon in Winter – Weather

Winter can be very extreme on the south rim at the Grand Canyon. Be prepared for snow, ice and sleet covered roads and road closures that may disrupt plans at times. At 6950 feet you need to ensure that you have adequate layers of clothing that you can depend on. Warm jackets that are water proof, warm pants, gloves and thick woolen socks are a must. In addition to that make sure that you have warm headgear too.

Grand Canyon in Winter – Sightseeing

There may be days when hiking is not possible due to the weather. These are the days when you can go sightseeing. The El Tovar Lodge has a cozy lobby that you can enjoy anytime. The Hopi House is a multistory stone mason building and gives details about the Arizona native cultures. Hermit’s Rest is another place that you can drive down to. It is located at the end of the West Rim and is about a 9 mile drive from the Grand Canyon Village.

Grand Canyon in Winter – Driving There

Driving to the Great Canyon may be a good idea especially if you are not going there in the peak winter time. But driving all the way from your home town may not be a great idea since it will tire you out. Fly to one of the smaller airports near the park and consider renting a car. It will be easier for you get inside the Grand Canyon too. The charge per vehicle is $25 and you will be able to cover a wider area if you have your own car.

Some interesting things that you can do at the Grand Canyon in winter include rim drives, sunrise and sunset trips, day hikes and mule rides. A hike down the Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden and the south Kaibab Trail to Clear Ridge is a good one. No special permissions are required for day hikes. If you are planning to hike, make sure that you bring along sturdy hiking boots that have good ankle support so that you do not hurt yourself on the rocky stones.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Visiting Yosemite in Winter is a very special experience. Snowy peaks and icy forests give it a special tranquil atmosphere, that you can enjoy in solitude, without hordes of day-trip tourists all over the pace.  The Yosemite National Park spans the counties of Tuolumne, Mariposa and Madera in East Central California and reaches the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is estimated that the park is visited by about 3.7 million people every year and most of these spend their time in the Yosemite Valley. The Park is known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, streams, Giant Sequoia groves and biological diversity. The elevation range of the park is between 2127 and 13114 feet.

During the winter the Yosemite National Park becomes extremely serene as it is shrouded in white snow. Since there is a lesser amount of crowd, the park makes for a great place for skiing, skating and hikes too.

Yosemite National Park in Winter: Winter Sports

There are various skiing opportunities at the Yosemite National Park. You can choose to ski during the daytime at the Glacier Point or choose the Giant Sequioa Groves too. If you are an enthusiast and have confidence in your skiing skills, you can choose to take an overnight skiing trip to the backcountry trails at Tuolumne Meadows. There are also snowshoeing options at Badger Pass too. Some other trail options include Dewey Point via Meadows #18, Ostrander Lake and Ghost Forest Loop. Those who want to learn skiing can attend classes and there are even classes for the young ones on smaller slopes.

Before you start off on your own it is a good idea to get to know the rules of the specific location where you are headed. Understand the facilities that you are likely to get at the location and what is permitted. For example, you should be aware of the areas where motor vehicles are permitted before you think of driving anywhere inside the park.

Ice Skating is another activity that you can choose and the Curry Village Ice Rink is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The dramatic view of the rock walls and open snow is one to remember. Located near Glacier Point, this rink was build in 1960 keeping in mind that it received sun only for a few hours in the morning.

Seasoned hikers may love the challenge that is posed by Yosemite National Park in winters. The Mariposa Grove Road that is closed to cars and vehicles during the winter makes for a great hiking trail from November onwards.

Other winter activities include snowboarding and snow-tubing. You can also enjoy bus tours, evening presentations, Yosemite Ranger walks and more.

Yosemite National Park in Winter: Getting There

It is practical to inquire about the road conditions before you set off to the Yosemite Park in the winter. For the latest road conditions inside the park you can call (209)372-0200 and then select 1 twice to get the information you want. For road conditions on roads that lead to the Yosemite National Park, visit the site for more information.

When you are driving, make sure that you carry a map, tire chains, flashlight, bottled water and snacks, sleeping bag, first aid kit, spare tire, matches, snow shovel, ice scraper and a cell phone with an extra battery.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Kings Canyon is located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and is about a five hour drive from each of the cities. It is a one-hour drive from the city of Fresno. This makes Kings Canyon the perfect Weekend Camping and Hiking getaway from to major metropolitan areas in beautiful California.

Other than the fact that the place provides grand scenery and serene atmosphere, the fact that the national park is relatively less crowded as compared to say the Yosemite National Park makes it a hot favorite among nature lovers, adventurers, trail hunters and animal lovers.

Kings Canyon: Getting There

You can get to Kings Canyon by taking Highway 245 or 180. Highway 245 is also mentioned as the shorter route in many maps. However, the drive is a 31 mile drive on winding road that has a speed limit of 15mph. Taking Highway 180 is probably better since it is a relatively easier route and one can speed up to 55 mph.

Kings Canyon: Best Time to Go

Kings Canyon is open throughout the year. Since it is relatively less crowded you can find a place to stay even if you book a day before in most cases. While you can enjoy the wildflower blossoms and the waterfalls in summer and spring, visitors in winter cane experience the canyon in its snowy beauty. Fall visitors are typically those who prefer to go after the hot sun has become more generous.

Kings Canyon: Entrance Fee

Entrance to the park is at $20 per vehicle. Cyclists and pedestrians are charged $10 per head. The entrance fee includes parking charges for up to 7 days. Commercial vehicles are charged an entrance fee based on the capacity of the vehicle.

If you are an avid outdoor person and see yourself driving to this amazing location more than once a year, the Sequoia/Kings Canyon park pass at $30 may make better money sense. If you opt for the National Park Pass you shall be able to visit all national parks for a year. This is priced at $50. Please note that the entrance fee includes that for the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National park.

Kings Canyon: Lodging and Camping

You can register and check in at Cedar Grove Lodge if you are visiting Kings Canyon between April and October. But if you are going there earlier or later in the year then you might want to stay at the Grant Grove Cabins & John Muir Lodge that is open throughout the year.

If you are looking for some camping fun, then you may need to check about the camping grounds too. The camping grounds are located in the most amazing oak woodlands and then there are some that are located higher up in the conifer forests too. Remember that the camping grounds are likely to be cooler than the resort lodging and so do come prepared. Do check whether the  camping ground you are booking allows RV’s if you are driving into the national park in one.

Kings Canyon: Things to do

The giant redwood trees are a feature that you should not miss at any cost even if you are here for a day. The General Sherman Tree and the General Grant Tree are favorites. If you are staying for longer there are various things that you can do including a visit to the other areas of the Sequoia park too.

- Crystal Cave – Visit this stalactite and stalagmite beauty that you may be able to access only in summer. Tickets here include a guided tour of 45 minutes through numerous rocky surfaces.

- Moro rock – When you are on the top of this monolith you will be able to see the Great Western Divide on one side and the Central Valley on the other, a sight that you will not forget in a hurry. You can get to the top via the 400 steps and reach a level of 300 feet. The round trip may take about an hour.

- Buck Rock – Created as a fire lookout, the highest point is at 8500 feet.

- Hume Lake – Created to supply water to the flume where logs floated, the Hume Lake is now used for water recreation like swimming and paddle boating.

Kings Canyon: Best Hiking Trails

Some of the most popular trails at Kings Canyon include:

-          Hotel Creek Trail

-          Mist Falls Trail

-          Redwood Mountain Grove Trail

-          Lady Bug Trail

-          Atwell-Hockett Trail

-          Tar Gap Trail

-          Mosquito/Mineral Trail

-          Farewell Gap Trail

-          Sawtooth Trail

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Going to a National Park can be a lot of fun for kids, especially when they love to explore. Many people feel that you can make the most of a trip to a National Park only if you are with adult outdoor lovers so that you can accomplish the trails that you set out to complete or climb rocks and watch animals. However, there are so many activities that you can do with kids in a National Park too; it will be a lot of fun for the whole family and close the bond among you even more. Fox Rent A Car presents some of those activities to you, all you need to do is to pick the ones that are appropriate to your kids’ age.

Fun for Kids in National Parks: Water activities

Most National Parks have natural water sources like lakes, springs, rivers and ponds as part of the overall landscape. At many of them a number of activities are allowed. Swimming in a still river, fishing in a lake or pond and rafting with your pre-teen are some of the activities that all of you can enjoy together. You can always find supplies like fishing gear and rafts on rent. It is important though that you ensure all the safety aspects when you take your kid on such an adventurous trip.  Follow the rules that may apply, especially for fishing and rafting. Maintain those rules, be a good example and have a wonderful day in and at lakes and rivers at our National Parks.

Fun for Kids in National Parks: Winter Sports

If you are visiting the National Park in winters there is likely to be a separate set of activities that you can plan to keep the family together and everyone happy. Typically you can enjoy snowshoeing, snowboarding and skiing too. At most places there are classes and training that is also managed for the young ones. Make sure to take advantage of this option if you are staying at a National Park for a while and take a snowboarding class together! It’s hard to have more fun than practicing it as a family.

Fun for Kids in National Parks: Backpacking

Check out some small trails that are easy and you will be able to take your kids along the path too. You may take some extra time in completing the trail but exposing your children to nature and adventure is a great thing to do together at this age, and very important for your kid’s development and education. Most importantly: its fun! Take proper trail maps so that you know exactly where you are heading to. One person should always travel without a backpack in case you need to piggy back one of the younger ones. Make sure that you also maintain the ‘leave no trace’ policy and follow all food storage regulations.

Fun for Kids in National Parks: Camping

When you go to a National Park with your children, camping itself is a great activity that you can indulge in. Teaching the younger ones how to pitch a tent is the first event of a camping trip! Grilling sausages on the fire and playing family board games in the evening together can bond a family like nothing else. Most camping places are safe, but always make sure that all of you are safe and sound all the time. Head out for some picnics and explore the closer area. This way, you won’t have to carry things too far, yet see a different surrounding. Your kids will love it!

What do you like most to do when you visit a National Park with your kids? Tell us your stories and adventures, we are excited to hear them!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Who could imagine that just a short drive from San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge, lies Muir Woods with all its resplendent beauty? The old-growth redwood forest of Muir Woods National Monument are also covered under the aegis of The Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is considered to be the best tree lover’s monument across the country.
Some of the tallest trees also called the mammoth trees that thrive in California and South Oregon can be seen here. The 550 acre woods are names after the famous naturalist John Muir, also founder of the Sierra Club.

Muir Woods – Getting there

Sponsored by Marin Transit and the National Park Service, Route 66 is probably the best way to get to Muir Woods without navigating through the maddening traffic. While it can also be reached via the Golden Gate, this is a relatively more well known route among those who have been to this location earlier and likely to be more congested. A round trip costs $3 for an adult while the elderly, children and people with disabilities need to pay only $1. There are bus transit connections from San Francisco, Sausalito, Northern Marin County and ferry connections from San Francisco as well.

Muir Woods – Timing

Muir Woods are open for all from 8am in the morning till sunset. Therefore the time of closure depends on the time at which the sun is expected to set that evening. It is a good idea to plan to arrive before 10am in the summers, failing which postponing the visit after 3pm is recommended.

Muir Woods – Cost

Entry for adults costs $3 and the same is free for children under the age of 15.

Muir Woods – Activities

Hike Dipsea Trail – This trail that runs from visitor’s center to Cathedral Grove is easy and paved into a loop. The walk is covered amidst some of the oldest redwood trees that are sometimes more than 250 feet tall. Branch off into the Dipsea trail and then towards the Ben Johnson cutoff to catch a view of Mount Tamalpais. If you do not take the Ben Johnson cutoff you can go right up to the Stinson Beach.
Salmon Spawning – In the redwood Creek you will be able to see both coho and steelhead salmon. Their mating dance is an amazing thing to watch with tail flapping in the rainy season.
Biking on Mount Tamalpais – Since these woods sit at the base or lower levels of Mount Tamalpais, you can choose the nearby Elridge trail in the Mount Tamalpais State Park if you are so inclined. Once at the top you can get the most mesmerizing view of the Marin Headlands and the bay.

Muir Woods – Flora and Fauna

While there is a fair amount of flora and fauna that lies within the forests, most of these are dominated by the large and awe inspiring trees. The Stellar Jays do tend to lay their claim on the attention that is due to them. The numerous beautiful ladybugs clustered together by the thousand can generally be seen on the horsetail ferns. The banana slug intrigues and disgusts everyone alike.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

If you have recently discovered your desire to visit the country and have taken to nature like a fish to water, you may need to know that there is a lot you can do while you are out in the open. For the real nature lover, there is nothing more exciting than taking a Fox rental car and riding off into the wilderness for a few days with a map and no particular structured plan. Irrespective of whether you are planning a fishing trip or deciding to go on a three day trek, there are various options that you have for lodging.

National Park Lodging: Camping

If you are someone who likes to rough it out, camping will prove to be fun. This is something that you can do with your kids too if they are old enough to enjoy a campfire. Almost all national Parks have specific camping grounds where you can pitch your tent and plan the evening. If you are doing this for the first time, it might be a good idea to try your hand at pitching a tent and also to read up on some of the basic safety aspects of camping. This is even more important if you are planning to camp in the wilderness or in a forest where there is a threat of animal attacks. So be prepared with a pepper spray, just in case.

National Park Lodging: RVs

Those who like to hit the road when they like and at whatever time they choose prefer to opt for a recreational vehicle or RV as they are called. All National Parks have RV hook up places where you can connect to the various amenities that are provided. These include Internet access, electricity and some television viewing options too. So you can actually travel and stay with all the luxury in your RV that you are accustomed to.

National Park Lodging: Lodge

For those who would rather have the comfort of a clean bed and a hot bath after a long day trek, there is the option of using the services of a lodge. Most of the rooms and cabins in the lodge are equipped with television sets, air conditioning and Internet so that you feel at home once you are back from roughing it out. The level of amenities and the comfort generally varied on the kind of lodge that you choose. You may get a couple of options in one National Park to choose from but do not expect to get a long list of options that you can get choosy about.

National Park Lodging: Backcountry

If you want the real taste of the locality that you are visiting whether it is Yellowstone National Park or the Yosemite National Park. Not only do you get to see the real rustic life, you are also able to check out some of the spots that only the locals are aware of, if you mingle with them and get talking. If you are a bird watcher or an animal enthusiast or an angler, this is one the best lodging options that you have since you can get the best information about bird and animal spotting spots and fishing locations too.

Which lodging options do you prefer in National Parks?

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

WIN A FREE CAR RENTAL FOR JULY 4th HOLIDAY!!!

Leave a comment on this post and win a complimentary three day rental
overthe July 4th weekend from Fox Rent A Car!

It’s easy… Here is all you have to do.  Simply comment on  this post and tell us your most funny and hilarious July 4th story in 200 words or less. The story can be about you, your  family, your friends and any funny or compromising situation that any of you have been involved in over a July 4th  holiday. This could be a story that you have been telling each other for the last several years, and it always comes up over the July 4th holiday. Share your story with us and it may be chosen as the best one posted. We look forward to hearing from you.Win a Rental Car for 4th of July!

Requirements of participation:

1. Participants cannot be employed by Fox Rent A Car.

2. Leave a comment on this blog with a short story (up to 200 words), about your funniest event on a 4th July.

3. Promotion ends on June 24, 2010 at 12.00 PM PST

4. Winner will be notified by email on June 26, 2010 and have to respond within 48 hours with the complete contact information. If we do not receive a response within this given period, we will select another winner.

5. Winner will be selected for originality and creativity by the Fox Rent A Car Marketing Department and therefore may be subjective.

6. Available Cars: Economy through Full-size cars and intermediate SUV.

7. Fox Rent A Car will give out 1 (one) rental car to the selected winner for a rental period of 3 days. (Fees, taxes, and optional insurance are not covered by the promotion and have to be paid by winner)

8. Pick up date must be anytime from July 1-31, 2010 at any of our Fox Rent A Car locations.

9. Fox Rent A Car Standard Policies apply.

What are you waiting for?

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Spanning across more than 750,000 acres, the Yosemite National Park has been designated as a World heritage site. It has an amazing display of granite cliffs, streams, waterfalls, caves and groves. The Yosemite Valley is only about one percent of the overall national park.

The hikes available at Yosemite National Park are varied enough to suit anyone, whether you want a casual stroll to laborious hikes that require a lot of effort and strength. Day visitors can hike in areas like Yosemite Valley or Glacier Point. Other hiking areas include Wawona or Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Meadows, Hetch Hetchy and Crane Flat or White Wolf. Some of the specific hikes that you can attempt at Yosemite Valley or Glacier Point are detailed below:

Hiking in Yosemite National Park: Yosemite Valley

- Bridalveil Fall is a 0.8 kilometer trip that takes about 30 minutes to complete. The trail is paved and leads to the base of the waterfall. You are likely to get sprayed a lot on this hiking trail.
- The Lower Yosemite Fall is a 1.6km round trip that is considered easy to accomplish. You can expect to be rewarded with a mesmerizing view of the upper and lower Yosemite Falls.
- Cook’s Meadow Loop is also about 1.6km trip that begins at the Valley Visitor Center. You can expect to see the half Dome, Glacier Point and the Royal Arches.
- Mirror Lake/Meadow is a round trip of 3.2km. You can also take the longer route that is about 8km but pets and wheelchairs are not allowed on this route. While the water is abundant in the Mirror Lake during summer and spring, the lake has water throughout the year.
- Valley Floor Loop is a moderately tough hike of around 20.9km if you complete the full loop. The trail covers Merced River on the El Capitan Bridge and the Bridalveil Fall. You will also come across Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, Three Brothers and Yosemite Falls.
- Four Mile Trail with a round trip of 15.5km, is a strenuous trip and so you need to be sure that you are fit enough to take this challenge.
- Panorama Trail of around 13.7km is extremely strenuous too and it does become even tougher during the winter months. But if you do decide to go on this hike, you shall be mesmerized with the panoramic view that you will be rewarded with.
- Upper Yosemite Fall, a trail of 11.6km, it is not to be underestimated due to the shorter distance. The trail becomes extremely tough after the Columbia Rock.
Glacier Point Road
- McGurk Meadow, Bridalveil Creek, and Dewey Point are hikes that can be covered in one day trip alone. Starting with the McGurk trail, it merges into the Dewey Point on the West and Bridalveil Creek on the East.
- Sentinel Dome and Taft Point is considered moderate in terms of difficulty. A round trip of 3.5km, you will be able to see the Taft Point and The Fissures.
- Mono Meadow to view of Mount Starr King is a strenuous hike that descends steeply into Mono Meadow.
- Ostrander Lake is also considered a strenuous hike and takes anywhere from 8 to 10 hours to complete. Starting with a gentle incline through forests and meadows there is a 1500 foot steep incline that opens the Yosemite Valley View.
- Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley is yet another strenuous hike where many are recommended to take the hikers bus one way.

Hiking in Yosemite National Park: Wawona and the Mariposa Grove

Wawona and the Mariposa Grove presents the possibilities of a mix of easy, moderate and strenuous hikes too. Some specific ones are the Wawona Meadow Loop, Swinging Bridge Loop, Wawona to Mariposa Grove, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Alder Creek and the Chilnualna Falls.

Hiking in Yosemite National Park: Other Trails

Hetch Hetchy has hiking trails like the Lookout Point, Wapama Falls, Rancheria Falls, Smith Peak and the Poopenaut Valley.
Tuolumne Meadows offers hiking trails like Tuolumne Meadows: Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge, Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail, Elizabeth Lake, Gaylor Lakes, Cathedral Lakes, Mono Pass, Glen Aulin,
Dog Lake and Lembert Dome and Vogelsang High Sierra Camp.

When on a hiking trail it is recommended that you stay on the trial because shortcuts can cause erosion.Take pets and bikes only on the trails that allow them. Giving way to horses and mules when you are walking is expected on such hikes. For your own safety and health, carry a lot of water while hiking and make your safety your priority, since these trails are not patrolled all the time.

National Parks are such a wonderful treasure. When you arrive in such a large National Park like Death Valley, it is important to know ahead of time what to do and see to make the most of your time and have an unforgettable experience. So here is a guide of things to do in Death Valley National Park.

First, where is Death Valley National Park? It is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and is located mainly in California, but also stretches into Nevada. The Death Valley National Park does not only include Death Valley itself, but also parts of the Saline Valley and the Panamint Valley. So why visit Death Valley National Park? Every National Park is different and worth a trip, but Death Valley National Park is very unique. From the various activities the park has to offer to the ghost towns and sightseeing, Death Valley National Park is a wonderful adventure to plan.

Death Valley: Scotty’s Castle

Scotty’s Castle is a favorite stop for most tourists that visit Death Valley, so make sure to arrive before the masses and secure your tickets. You should definitely take the tour and learn about the the true owner and construction manager of this amazing Castle in the middle of Death Valley and all the other intriguing and interesting stories about the castle and how it came into existence. Scotty’s Castle is a popular destination, where you can get the full story and an amazing visit of this incredible “castle in the middle of Death Valley.

Death Valley: Borax Museum

As we are talking history, the Borax Museum is a very interesting historical stop in Death Valley. As you may or may not know Borax was a great laundry product, discovered in Death Valley by a miner in the 1800s. The museum retraces the story of the miner who found this “green” detergent. You can find it in Furnace Creek, the village in the center of the park.

Death Valley: The Panamint City

This is one of the most famous ghost towns of Death Valley National Park. It used to be a successful mine town until it was flooded. You can only reach the town after a 5 miles hike. Though a lot of people make it a day trip, you can stay over night and take advantage of the comfortable camps to explore the town and visit the mines. It is a fun and original adventure.

Death Valley: Ubehebe Crater

Ubehebe Crater is, obviously a volcanic area, but also a great hike to take in Death Valley. If you plan on visiting Scotty’s Castle you ought to plan the hike to the crater as well, as it is close by. This is a wonderful site to visit, the colors are amazing, the landscape breath taking… there are no words to describe it. You have to see it!

Death Valley: Titus Canyon

Some people rent a 4-wheel drive to make the visit more adventurous, but you really don’t need it. It is such a wonderful scenic drive, and the road is very accessible by any car. However, if you want to do some off road driving, an SUV are recommended. The road to Titus Canyon is a one-way road. On your way to Titus, make sure to make a stop on the sand dunes in Stovepipe Wells, and visit Rhyolite, another ghost town. Titus Canyon offers incredible panoramic views you can’t miss and amazing hiking experiences.

Death Valley: Badwater

Another great scenic drive in Death Valley National Park is the drive to Badwater. This is the lowest point in Northern America. So what is Badwater exactly? It’s a huge salt lake, south of Furnace Creek. You can walk on the salt. It is usually hot and hard to breath in the summer, but amazing to see.

There are a lot more things to see and do in Death Valley National Park, so make sure to visit its website for a lot more information and maybe plan a guided tour of the park. However, keep in mind that some car and especially RV rental companies do not allow you to drive through Death Valley in the summer. Fox Rent A Car does not have any restrictions. If you decide to rent from another car rental company, remember to plan your trip accordingly and check your rental policy!

Too often when people think National Parks on the West Coast, they think Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Sequoia. They forget about Joshua Tree, which is an amazing treasure, made a National Monument by President Roosevelt. Only a few hours away from San Diego and Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park offers possibilities for a great adventures and escaping the noise of the city.

Where to go in Joshua Tree National Park?

The entrance fee is $15 per car and is valid for 7 days. Unlike most National Parks, Joshua Tree do not require a special backcountry hiking and camping permit, as long as you register your car when parking. Joshua Tree is a large park, so here are the points of interests and sights you should consider:
- Keys View is a great part of the park to discover. You can discover panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and learn all about the San Andreas Fault.
- If you want something far from everything and a little different, go to the Indian Cove. The campground is amazing. Huge rocks surround you. You can find a lot of diverse activities to do from there. Don’t forget to register your car before camping though!
- The Skull Rock in Joshua Tree National Park is a popular stop. The rain erosion transformed the rock in a skull like shape. There are a few nice hiking trails close to Skull Rock it.
- Cottonwood Springs Oasis is a pure treasure of Joshua Tree. It is beautiful and bird watching is very popular there. You can see gold mills used in the late 19th century.
- Black Rock Canyon is a great family campground, with easy access to Yucca Valley. It is a great area to observe wildlife and enjoy the early blooms in the park.

What to do in Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park offers a lot of outdoor activities and a great environment to enjoy them.
- Rock Climbing is a very popular sport practiced here. The granite boulders give rock climbers some nice challenges.
- Hiking, of course is another popular activities. Joshua Park might not have specific worldfamous landmarks, but it still had great view points and offers a beautiful setting. Many people enjoy hiking the California Hiking & Riding Trail, and the Boy Scout Trail. Ryan Mountain offers the best panoramic view in Joshua Tree. A fun hike is the hike to Carey’s Castle. This special desert castle is a house built in and around the rocks and actually was inhabited at some point. Quite interesting to check out!
- Camping of course, is always a great experience in Joshua Tree National Park. It is the best place to look at stars, away from the city lights. Kids love learning about all the constellations! Don’t forget to register when you enter the park and get all the information you need at the visitors center. You have quite a few campground choices.
- Backpacking is also a fun way to explore Joshua Tree National Park. The best time to go backpacking in Joshua Tree is in Winter and Spring, as you can find running water in the Lost Palms Oasis. But nevertheless, remember to carry at least two gallons of water per person per day. Remember that you are in the desert and staying hydrated is the fist step to staying safe while backpacking in Joshua Tree National Park. If you want to read more about backpacking in this beautiful surrounding and look at some amazing pictures, check out this cool trip report about backpacking in Joshua Tree National Park

- Ranger Programs are also offered in the park. So if you are not sure what to do and where to go, plan hikes with the rangers and learn more about nature and the park.

Remember, just like in any national park, be respectful of the nature and leave the place as you found it. Joshua Tree National Park is another of so many  wonders in California that is really worth the visit.