Joshua Tree Day Trip
I first visited Joshua Tree National Park back in 2004. The place had come up in too many conversations for me to ignore any longer, so I jumped in my car, drove the 120 miles from Pasadena to the park’s western entrance, and took a look for myself at this so-called “awesome place.” It was awesome. Really awesome. I spent just an afternoon exploring the park by car and foot. I took a few short hikes through forests of Joshua trees and passed boulders the size of my apartment building. As the sun set on the desert landscape, I fell in love with the Mojave Desert. Since that October day in 2004, I have been back more than a dozen times.
When my friend Justin called me up and asked if I wanted to take a day trip out to the park, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. So on early Saturday morning, we headed out to Joshua Tree National Park for a day of exploration. Along with us was Chris, Justin’s friend, who had not only never been to the park, but also wasn’t much of a hiker. Justin and I would quickly change all of that.
We spent most of our time in two areas of the park: bouldering north of Hidden Valley Campground and a short sunset hike in Jumbo Rocks Campground. Good times were had and I was happy to welcome Justin and Chris into my hiking club. Here are a few photos from the day.
Exploring Joshua Tree is best done by foot.
Justin takes a leap of faith while Chris looks on.
The guys hike through the scrub.
Checking out the progress we've made.
Bouldering!
A puddle of water seems out of place high above the desert floor.
Justin take a break above Wonderland of Rocks in Joshua Tree.
The guys hike back to the car. Notice the rock climber high atop the rocks on the right.
Those rocks in the foreground are as big as an ice cream truck.
A man finds a secluded rock to strum his guitar to the setting sun.
Two hikers enjoy the pink sunset over Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Beautiful photos! I love Joshua Tree NP and I so want to go back sometime soon. My favorite spots to explore are the Lost Palms Oasis Trail and off-trail near Eagle Mountain near the Cottonwood Visitor Center entrance. I took my first backpacking trip, a solo overnight adventure, near Eagle Mountain and I've been hooked ever since. Thanks for the amazing photos.
These are great!
Great pictures, Kolby!