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BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

Joshua Tree National Park, named after the crooked Joshua trees, is known for its endless hiking trails and desert ecosystems of the lower Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert.  Further, the Joshua Tree is one of the few national parks in the USA to offer equally amazing daytime and nighttime experiences.  The geology of Joshua Tree is “interesting.” You will find Arch Rock and many other fascinating rock formations in the park. Wind power, erosion, and different weather forces have created many other spectacularly-formed rocks and other sculptures.  Hiking is the best way to cherish the beauty and splendor of this national park to the fullest. So, let’s know the tales from the trails!  Best Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park Joshua Tree had an impressive 3,270,404 visitors in 2023, and hiking is one of the most popular activities in this park. Home to some of the best hikes in the USA, Joshua Tree also has many trails for kids and beginners.  Further, you can explore various short walking routes and nature trails like Bajada, Oasis of Mara, and Barker Dam in this park.  Here, I have curated some amazing hiking trails in the park across various difficulty levels.  Joshua Tree Hikes (Easy) The easy hiking trails in Joshua Tree are accessible in all seasons. To make the most of your hiking expeditions, you must start by 9 am in the morning.  Cholla Cactus Garden The Cholla Cactus Garden trek is easy, and even kids can explore it. It will take just 15 minutes to get completed. You will find the trailhead 20 miles north of Cottonwood Visitor Center. As you can guess from its name, the trail is named after the growing cholla cacti found in abundance here. Wear full-length clothes and closed-toe shoes and follow the trail to avoid getting hurt by the cactus thorns.  Discovery Trail You can start hiking this trail from the Skull Rock parking area. This easy hike will take you around 30 to 40 minutes. Catch a glimpse of the desert washes and boulders throughout the route.  Skull Rock  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joshua Tree National Park (@joshuatreenps) Start hiking this trail early in the morning from the Jumbo Rocks Campground. You can even take the trailhead from the Skull Rock parking area, which is east of the Jumbo Rocks Campground. Skull Rock is one of the many unique rock formations you will see in the park, and it’s the highlight of this trekking route.  You can cover the trekking route within just one or two hours. A night-time view of the Skull Rock can offer you the perfect Halloween experience!  Moderate Hiking Trails Like the Channel Islands National Park and the Death Valley National Park, the Joshua Tree also has many moderate hiking trails. Here is a brief overview of some of the most amazing moderate Joshua Tree hiking trails.  Hi-View  The Hi-View trail, starting from the Northwest of Black Rock Campground, will require you to hike for at least an hour. However, based on the weather conditions, you may also need to walk for more than 1 hour and 45 minutes.  Once you reach the top of the steep ridges, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire park. Further, the iconic Joshua trees are found in the steeper sections of this trail.  If you feel tired in the course of your trekking, you can catch some rest on the benches across the park.  Mastodon Peak The Mastodon Peak trail starts from the Cottonwood Spring parking area, and here, you will experience an elevation change of 175 feet. To reach the granite mountain peak, you will have to pass through a rugged terrain.  You can complete the entire trek within 1.5 to 3 hours.  Split Rock Loop The Split Rock picnic area is the starting point for hiking this trail of 2.5 miles. You can complete the trek within two and a half hours. However, if you are a seasoned hiker, you can complete the safe route within 1 and a half hours.  On a spur trail of the Split Rock Loop, you will find a rock formation that looks like the profile of a human face. It is called the Face Rock.  Pine City  Go to the end of the Desert Queen Mine Road to find the trailhead of Pine City. The dense vegetation of junipers and pinyon makes this 4 miles long trail picturesque. It will take around 3 hours to complete the hike.  Strenuous Hiking Trails  These strenuous trails are not suitable for summer hiking. You can try conquering them in autumn and spring.  California Riding and Hiking Trail Stretching over 36.6 miles, the California Riding and Hiking Trail is a two-day long hike. If the weather conditions are unpleasant, the total duration of the hike can stretch up to three days.  As you hike the route from Black Rock Canyon to the park’s North Entrance, the amazing landscape of the Mojave Desert will charm you.  Ryan Mountain Hiking to the summit of Ryan Mountain is one of the most popular activities to do in Joshua Tree National Park. The trekking route has an elevation of 1,050 feet, and it stretches over 3 miles.  Despite being strenuous, this trail can be hiked in 2.5 hours. So, it is one of the most popular hiking trails in the park.  Willow Hole At the end of the Willow Hole trail, you will find the amazing willow trees. You can start hiking from the Boy Scout Trailhead located inside the park at the South end.  The sandy washes, Joshua tree vegetation, and famous boulder landscape make the trail amazing.  Short Walks And Nature Trails In Joshua Tree National Park View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joshua Tree National Park (@joshuatreenps) The short walks and nature trails of Joshua Tree are available for year-long hiking. These trails also have wheelchair facilities, offering the most inclusive experience to visitors.  It’s time to be familiar with some of these amazing nature walk trails.  Oasis of Mara (Oasis of Mara is the only trail in Joshua Tree that allows dogs. So, hiking this trail is surely one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree as a pet lover.)  Arch Rock Barker Dam Ryan Ranch  Bajada  Among these short walks and nature hiking trails, Cottonwood Spring is the shortest. You can finish the trail within just 10 minutes. Enjoy the view of cottonwood trees as you take a walk to the fan palm oasis.  Integratron: The Wonder Of The Joshua Tree National Park  Facts to Know Integratron is four stories high.Its diameter is 55 feet.It’s a 16-sided metal-free building.The construction technique used in it is called joinery.No nails or screws are used in the construction.It is made of non-ferromagnetic materials. George Van Tassel said that Nikola Tesla’s writings influenced the structure of Integratron.  The western half of the Joshua Tree National Park is on the Mojave Desert’s southern tip. UFOlogist George Van Tassel built “a time machine for basic research on rejuvenation, anti-gravity, and time travel” in the Mojave Desert in the 1950s.  This is a place where visitors are offered sound therapy that is believed to have the power to rejuvenate living tissues in human beings.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjKFvARmGPQ From the time it was built, this place has attracted reporters, visitors, artists, and spiritual minds.  George Van Tasse chose the Mojave Desert for building Integratron as, according to him, this place had a connection to the Great Pyramids in Giza. The proximity to magnetic vortices was another reason for choosing the site.  Final Words: Schedule Your Hike Right   March to May and October to November are the two best seasons for hiking in Joshua Tree. The park remains open throughout the year. However, the scorching and dry summer makes hiking impossible on many moderate and strenuous trails.  During summer, the daytime temperature of the park reaches around 100 degrees F, and the temperature falls to 75 degrees F at night.  Further, if you visit the park between March and May, you will see the wildflowers blooming. Also, in April, you can celebrate the National Park Week here.  In October, there are important events in the park, such as the Joshua Tree Music Festival and Pioneer Days. The temperature is also pleasant in the fall season, recording an average temperature of 80 degrees F and 50 degrees F at day and night. So, plan your visit to Joshua Tree right and share your travel stories with us as you return with the most amazing hiking experience.  Joshua Tree National Park FAQs  Is It Safe To Visit Joshua Tree At Night? Yes, it is safe to visit Joshua Tree at night. In fact, stargazing is one of the most popular activities in this national park. The roads in the park are marked, and there is strict patrolling on all roads.  However, this desert park is an important preservation hub for vulnerable ecosystems. Also, there are snakes and scorpions in the park.  So, camp in the park or explore it at night as a responsible visitor. It is safer to restrict your movements near the campsites at night.  Is Joshua Tree Worth Seeing? Yes, Joshua Tree is worth seeing, as you can hike through the California Riding and Hiking Trail, Pine City, Bajada, and many other amazing trails. As you explore these routes, you will come across a wide variety of flora and fauna.  Further, the Joshua Tree is an important preservation and conservation center for fragile ecosystems. In addition, this is a place where stargazing is an ultimate immersive experience. Other highlights of your trip to this national park will be exploring the Penguin Rock, Arch Rock, and other iconic rock formations. Moreover, indulge in a sound bath at the Integratron. Built by UFOlogist George Van Tassel, this dome-shaped place offers sound therapy that promises to rejuvenate living human cell tissues.  Can You Sleep Inside Joshua Tree?  Yes, you can sleep inside Joshua Tree, as there are nine campgrounds inside the park. The Hidden Valley, Belle, and White Tank campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, White Tank and Belle campsites can remain temporarily closed during summer.  For the India Cove, Ryan, Cottonwood, Jumbo Rocks, and Black Rock campsites, you will need to make a prior booking.  In addition, you can try backcountry camping and consider putting up a tent in the campsites outside the park.  Remember, there are no restaurants and modern lodging facilities inside the park.  Can You See Milky Way From Joshua Tree? The International Dark-Sky Association, or IDA, has identified Joshua Tree as an International Dark Sky Park. You can get the best view of the Milky Way here.  Joshua Tree also has the darkest nights in Southern California. So, you will get to see the passing meteors, stars, and planets from this national park.  Stargazing from any part of the park is an amazing experience. However, there are also four designated stargazing spots in the park. These are: Quail Springs parking lot Hidden Valley parking lot Cap Rock parking lot Ryan Mountain parking lot Further, you can put up tents at one of the nine camping grounds, and among them, the Cottonwood Campground demands a special mention. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.

BY  Abdul Aziz May 23, 2023

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is an idyllic vacation destination in Tennessee that captivates the hearts of millions each year. Encompassing enchanting landscapes, rich heritage, and a broad spectrum of activities, Gatlinburg caters to the interests of all people. The tourism statistics for 2022 reveal that its allure draws in over 12 million visitors annually. What makes this picturesque town delightful is its unique natural beauty. Furthermore, its mixture of cultures and traditions makes it a necessary stop for anyone who loves to travel. Gatlinburg never disappoints with its exceptional vacation experience, whether you're someone who loves outdoor activities, enjoys learning about history, or just wants to unwind. This destination has options suitable for everyone. Planning Your Itinerary Crafting the perfect itinerary for Gatlinburg is all about embracing its diverse offerings. From the panoramic vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the lively Gatlinburg arts and crafts community, many experiences are waiting to be explored. Begin by listing your interests and matching them with Gatlinburg's attractions. You may be drawn to the allure of nature, the vibrancy of local art, or the thrill of adventure sports. Once you've identified your preferences, distribute these activities across your vacation days evenly. Remember, a balanced itinerary is vital to experiencing the essence of Gatlinburg without feeling rushed. After all, a vacation should be a symphony of memorable moments, not a race against time. Accommodation One of the most enticing aspects of a Gatlinburg trip is the opportunity to stay in the cozy, delightful cabins that embellish the mountainside. You can find many cabins in Gatlinburg TN, which offer an experience that combines privacy, scenic views, and comfort. These cabins are often conveniently located, providing easy access to local attractions while ensuring a tranquil retreat. These cabin rental services offer various options for every preference and budget. With their exceptional customer service and additional facilities such as hot tubs, fireplaces, and game rooms, they elevate the cabin experience, making your stay in Gatlinburg truly unforgettable. The Great Outdoors Immersing yourself in the natural splendor of Gatlinburg is an absolute must. The Smoky Mountains' breathtaking scenery, with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, offers a perfect setting for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or picnicking. The ideal times to visit are during the fall for a stunning display of autumnal colors or in the spring when wildflowers blanket the mountainside. Pack comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, and essential gear to enjoy your outdoor adventures fully, regardless of the season. With some preparation, you're ready to answer the call of Gatlinburg's great outdoors and create lasting memories. Exploring Local Culture And Heritage Immersing yourself in Gatlinburg's vibrant culture and rich heritage adds a unique dimension to your vacation. The town's history echoes through its local museums, showcasing the region's past. The art galleries display the creativity of local artisans. To truly understand Gatlinburg's essence, take advantage of the Gatlinburg History Museum, where you can delve into the town's roots, and the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, a hub of local creativity. Also, a stroll through the Historic Ogle Cabin is a must-do. Remember, embracing the local culture and heritage is not just about visiting sites. It's about connecting with the heart of Gatlinburg. Family-Friendly Activities A family playground, Gatlinburg offers numerous educational and entertaining activities. It is a place where the forests echo with the laughter of children and where the spirit of adventure brings families closer. To fully appreciate the Smokes, you should visit the Gatlinburg Skylight Park and take a ride on its scenic chairlift to enjoy panoramic views. For a hands-on educational experience, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies provides a captivating glimpse into marine life. And if your family loves puzzles and challenges, the Gatlinburg Escape Game offers fun-filled, family-friendly escape rooms. Each day in Gatlinburg brings new adventures that create memories to last a lifetime, making it an ideal family vacation destination. Shopping And Souvenirs Gatlinburg provides a shopping experience that's as unique as its mountain setting. Wander through the town's quaint boutiques and eclectic shops to find one-of-a-kind stuff. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a haven for handcrafted goods, from pottery and paintings to hand-woven baskets and quilts. Consider locally produced honey, traditional mountain music CDs, or hand-carved wooden bears for a local memento. Remember to drop by the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, where watching taffy being made is as enjoyable as tasting it. Shopping in Gatlinburg is more than retail therapy. It's a way to bring a piece of your unforgettable vacation back home. Gatlinburg Cuisine A journey through Gatlinburg is incomplete without indulging in its delicious local cuisine. The town boasts a diverse food scene that intertwines with its Appalachian heritage, offering dishes as comforting as the Smoky Mountain backdrop. Here, you can savor mouth-watering barbecue, crisp apple fritters, or cornbread, a Southern staple. If you're a fan of pancakes, you're in for a treat, as Gatlinburg is famous for its pancake houses. For the more adventurous palate, regional specialties like locally caught trout or whiskey-infused dishes offer a unique taste of Gatlinburg. Each bite is a testament to the area's rich culinary tradition, adding an extra flavor to your vacation. Unusual Attractions While Gatlinburg is renowned for its famous tourist sites, it also harbors a collection of hidden gems that offer a unique perspective of this mountain town. For a touch of the mystical, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum offers a quirky peek into the seasoning world. If you're intrigued by the paranormal, the Mysterious Mansion is an old-school haunted house that sends chills. For nature enthusiasts, the Quiet Walkways of the Smoky Mountains provide secluded trails often overlooked by tourists. Embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Gatlinburg, and you'll uncover facets of the town that make your vacation truly distinctive. Conclusion An extraordinary vacation in Gatlinburg is all about embracing its diverse attractions, soaking in the beauty of the great outdoors, finding comfort in the cozy cabins, exploring the rich local culture, and sharing joyful moments through family activities. It includes hunting for unique souvenirs, savoring the local cuisine, and discovering unusual attractions. This picturesque town in the Smoky Mountains is a canvas painted with the colors of nature, culture, and adventure. Each day unfolds a new scene, adding to the joys of your vacation. Gatlinburg is more than just a travel destination. It's a journey into a world where every experience is worth cherishing. Read Also: Tips For Vacationing In Gatlinburg Great Vacation Ideas For Adventurers 4 Fun Trip Ideas To Plan For This Year

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 22, 2021

It's a blessing to find someone in life who would love you unconditionally. Promise to stay in better or worse, in sickness or in health, and never leave your side till death do you apart.  Being in a relationship can be a bumpy ride sometimes, but instead of leaving it alone, you should come forward to make it right. From both ends, it is your love that will keep you together.  Doing everything together is a way of making the bond between you and your partner stronger. If you are going through some changes I suggest you take a step forward and go outdoors to do something adventurous together.  While doing things that you haven't for a long time will make you realize the things you love most about each other.  So without any further ado, let's find adventurous date ideas, and places that can give you love birds a fresh start. 1. Starry Night Pack your bags and get ready to leave the city behind for an adventurous date. The city sky is too dull and the car honking will not let you feel calm. Drive a few miles out of town, pick a place that has nobody in it. Spread a blanket on the ground and lie down together, light some candles beside you. Now enjoy the beautiful clear sky with stars sparkling everywhere. Find out the constellations. Talk about each other. Have an adventurous date. Don’t forget to say ‘I love you. 2. You Found Me Get your head out of your busy schedule, plan a vacation with your lovey-dovey partner. Once you reach your destination, split up and try to find each other. This is going to be best for an adventurous date. Does the question arise who will find each other? Well, you know-how, look for the shops your partner may be in or any activities that your mate could probably be doing.  Think, common on. When you will finally find your partner, hug tight and utter the three magical words ‘I love you 3. Sippin Wine  If you guys are in any mountain region, then don’t just let the opportunity slip through your hand.  Find a spot in the mountains and hike up there. Open a bottle of wine and get ready to be up all night.  Talk about your future with each other, tell the funniest things about each other. Laugh carelessly and loudly.  Come back home in the morning, get fresh, and be in bed saying ‘I love you to each other.  4. Thrill Junkies  If you are one of those couples who love taking risks in life then don’t think about the consequences just go and do something thrilling.  Do bungee jumping or skydiving or scuba diving or anything that will bring excitement into your eyes. Let the adventurous date begin. Let your other half surprise you with the same energy you once saw and immediately fall in love.  So, ask the bungee jumping guide to tie you both together, and while you take the leap of love whisper ‘I love you. 5. Try The Non-Traditional Way To make a normal traditional holiday a better one in a non-traditional way, do something unique on that day, so it becomes unforgettable. Ideas vary from person to person, this idea should be absolutely the person who is reading this. Make sure you spend your holiday with fun and laughter. At the end of the day leave a note or a text saying ‘ I love you. 6. Sunrise and Pancakes  Drive somewhere away from home at night, with a plan of seeing the sunrise from your favourite spot.  Both night and the morning will be in your favour as you will have a late-night long drive as well as look at the sunrise from above the horizon. Close your eyes for a bit and hear the birds chirping, letting you know that the sun is about to rise. This is going to be the satisfying adventurous date ever.  Start having a quick morning breakfast cum picnic with your pumpkin. Take out the finger-licking good pancakes with maple syrup that is about to be poured on top. Start your day with ‘I love you. 7. Take Time  Get out of town, be at your destination as fast as you can.  Take the fastest transport if possible.  Once you get there, enjoy being with each other all the time.  Lay down in bed as much as you can, go out if that's what you want.  But the way back home has to be slow, really slow. Choose the slowest transportation available.  Turn the several-hour flight into a several-day road trip. Stop at random spots and cherish their beauty.  Have the most of the time for each other. While driving the car, take a moment to look at your loved one and express your love with ‘I love you. 8. Surprise Surprise If it's your partner's birthday coming up next week, then go hurry up, you have lots to do.  Surprise your soulmate with a surprise trip. Hide everything, before the birthday arrives.  Plan the place and travel route, the activities, and the art museums that you both want to perform and visit.  Make the birthday special for your loved one. Make your partner feel that this is the best birthday ever!. Bake a cake with an ‘I love you’ tag on it.  9. Pick A Place Obviously, wherever you go, you will have to pick a place for it. But this time you have to pick it randomly, to make your adventurous date successful.  Paste the country map on the wall, use a dart to throw at it.  The dart will choose the place for you. A place never heard of can turn out to be very interesting. Visit the place and enjoy the food.  If there is anything that is famous, surely try it. Don’t sit idle and behave like you are new to this place. Pretend like you know way too much. Take long walks nearby and often utter ‘I love you to each other. 10. Adopt A Four-Legged Furry Friend Everybody needs someone in their life especially helping in calling a truce after a fight between lovers. Visit a shelter near your location or maybe a bit far, doesn't matter. Get a mutual friend who will never be mad at you. Rather will help out when one of you will be not here to support the other mentally. You will officially become MOM and DAD.  What could be more beautiful than that?.  You guys even decide on a perfect name for your angel. Together, say ‘I love you to him.  11. Hike Your Problems Away Whenever in doubt or too much stress to handle, go out on a hike, trust me it helps miraculously. Break free from your ego and after a fight offer your partner a hike. The time you will spend walking and talking will be the most productive of all.  Sort out your problems, family problems, financial problems.  Just talk because communication is the key. All problems vanish away once you share views.  Hiking is the best thing to do.  As no one will disturb your conversations and once all done end your conversation with an ‘I love you in the end. 12. Say Yes To Matching Tattoos If it's the first time both of you are about to have a tattoo, make sure they complement each other. It is not necessary that you get the same tattoo but very much important to understand that the other part of the tattoo is with your loved one.  Experience the pain together, then laugh about it later while sipping coffee at a cafe. Whenever you are alone and miss your other half, you know what to do.  Yes, look at the tattoo and show your love by saying ‘I love you. 13. Karaoke Night Your partner knows how bad you are at singing, but still laughing at your own flaws is always appreciated.  The person who loves you the most will never make you feel alone. So drive to a bar and sing karaoke with each other. Swap the lyrics among each other.  Sing your heart out, make the most of the night. Have dinner nearby and appreciate for being so open to each other by using the words you have trying to say ‘I love you 14. Ride Or Die Learn from your partner to ride a motorcycle. Whoever in the relationship knows about bikes will teach the other.  Just imagine both of you can ride bikes, then you can also imagine that you don’t anymore have any transport issue.  Whenever you feel like going out together, just get the engine running. Say yes to the adventurous date. Don't forget to say ‘I love you’ before and after the ride. It shows you were connected even though riding individually.  15. Mystery Dining Pick a detective movie of both of your choice. Bad if none of you likes mystery movies. Don’t watch the whole movie. Leave it from the interval. Now, book a  reservation. While you eat your favourite cuisine, bring up the movie plot, try to crack who could be the murderer.  Challenge each other's detective skills.  Come back home, sit with some beer and finish the movie. I know one of you has to win, whoever it is, say ‘this is why I love you.  Conclusion  Spending time with your loved ones is just way beyond describing, as there are no words. To maintain the bond as well as grow it stronger you will have to be always close to each other. Surprising each other keeps the spark alive in a relationship. People tend to be more attracted to things they have never seen before. A relationship is as pure as an innocent’s mind. Pouring love and protecting it is our duty. Therefore these 15 adventurous places that can be visited with your loved ones are absolutely expert suggestions.  Leave a comment below and share your experience with us. Love deep, love often. Read More: Top 5 Romantic European City Breaks What Is The Best Time To Visit Morocco? Make Your Honeymoon a Truly Memorable Af Traveling Taught Me To Love Myself & Look At Life, Differently fair: Here's How