Is Thousand Trails Worth It? Hiking Verde Valley, Arizona to California Road Trip

Join us on an epic Southwest road trip adventure that spans Arizona and California, packed with iconic landscapes, desert hikes, and even a Major League Baseball game! 🌄⚾🚐

Chapters

00:00 Leaving the Grand Canyon
00:45 Hiking Verde Valley
06:42 Montezuma Castle National Monument
07:39 Lost Dutchman
08:44 Rays Game in Arizona
09:36 Joshua Tree
11:00 San Jacinto State Park
12:42 Heading to Lone Pine

We kick things off at the Grand Canyon, taking in one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. From there, we head south to Cottonwood, exploring the scenic Verde Valley with a relaxing walk and a beautiful hike along its trails.

Next stop: Mesa, where we hit the trails at Lost Dutchman State Park, surrounded by stunning Superstition Mountain views. That evening, we switch gears and catch a thrilling MLB matchup as the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

After Arizona, we roll into California and settle in at Palm Springs Thousand Trails. From there, we explore the surreal desert landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, followed by an unforgettable ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up into the cooler alpine environment of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

To wrap it all up, we take one of California’s most scenic drives along U.S. Route 395, ending our journey at Lone Pine Campground near the Mount Whitney Portal—with towering peaks and incredible mountain views as the grand finale.

If you love national parks, hiking, road trips, scenic drives, and travel adventures, this one’s for you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow along for more journeys on the road! 🚐🌍