Joshua Tree National Park
Apr 19, 2023 17:48:35 #
Zaydewise
Loc: Nashville TN
We are going to be in Southern California at the end of May and wanted to explore Joshua Tree National Park. We probably only have 2 days to spend in the area so we were wondering what recommendations you may have about where to visit in the park.
Apr 19, 2023 19:22:41 #
Apr 19, 2023 21:52:14 #
I live in S. California and have been one time. I entered the park from the west end and then went to a photo seminar. So I cannot comment on much except this. The place is vast, everything looks the same, if you've never been to the dessert, then you need to know it is hot during the day and danged cold at night. People get lost there. They wander around, get disoriented, don't have enough water, spend the nite in the cold, and are sometimes found dead. At the time, there was no decent cell coverage. I use a Garmin inReach everywhere I go. I suggest you take precautions so as to not get lost. Water water water. Did I say water?
At night (it was a star photo thing) I put a chem lite on my car and was damned glad I did so I could find my way back. It is very very dark there. The place is lovely and well worth a visit. It is like any other outdoor activity...and I would take my family there in a hot minute. But the place demands some respect. Do that and you will have a good time.
At night (it was a star photo thing) I put a chem lite on my car and was damned glad I did so I could find my way back. It is very very dark there. The place is lovely and well worth a visit. It is like any other outdoor activity...and I would take my family there in a hot minute. But the place demands some respect. Do that and you will have a good time.
Apr 20, 2023 10:50:06 #
SueRVer
Loc: Aguanga CA
Our favorite hike (easy) is Hidden Valley (photo below), and the desert around it is amazing. The main park drive offers varied views, and driving Queen Mine road gives access to the largest trees. There’s also a nice hike at Jumbo Rocks campground that starts at Skull Rock, through the campground, then crosses the road and continues, can’t recall its name but pretty scenery, not strenuous. We love Joshua Tree NP!
Apr 20, 2023 11:22:14 #
Definitely, you have to respect the desert. If you want to star gaze, be sure to go during a new moon. A full moon will wash out many stars.
Apr 20, 2023 12:15:54 #
JFCoupe
Loc: Kent, Washington
I was at Joshua Tree in late January for a couple of days. The main highway through the park, entering at NW and finishing a loop at the NE entry is about 37 miles. Many of the points of interest are along this route. There are a good number of hikes that are 1-3 miles in length that will give you a great flavor of the whole area.
Unless you are planning on backcountry hikes, Joshua Tree is very accessible.
Unless you are planning on backcountry hikes, Joshua Tree is very accessible.
Apr 20, 2023 13:25:40 #
Camping or overnighting in an RV is the best option for getting great photo opportunities. The morning blue hours are relatively cool (70-80*f) and the evenings have great golden hour. The long shadows and occasional wildlife sightings are good photo ops also. The night sky photography is spectacular but as noted before, time the visit to the moon cycle if possible. The cycle can be found here:
https://www.moongiant.com/calendar/may/2023/
The full list of creatures can be found here:
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/nature/animals.htm
We have seen Southern Mule Deer there in the park and numerous reptiles. Speaking of which, when hiking bring along a hiking stick to help defend against Rattlers and never go out alone. As Hip Coyote said bring plenty of water. I never go out in the desert with less than a gallon for every person.
If you do stay in the park overnight you will need a camping permit. The online link for that is here:
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Enjoy your visit and have a great photography vacation.
P
https://www.moongiant.com/calendar/may/2023/
The full list of creatures can be found here:
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/nature/animals.htm
We have seen Southern Mule Deer there in the park and numerous reptiles. Speaking of which, when hiking bring along a hiking stick to help defend against Rattlers and never go out alone. As Hip Coyote said bring plenty of water. I never go out in the desert with less than a gallon for every person.
If you do stay in the park overnight you will need a camping permit. The online link for that is here:
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Enjoy your visit and have a great photography vacation.
P
Apr 20, 2023 14:36:48 #
Years ago, when our family was young, we drove from New York state to California. We camped out one night in Joshua Tree. It was weird: The trees looked like huge people standing over us!
Apr 20, 2023 14:40:26 #
Ednsb
Loc: Santa Barbara
absolutely correct about snakes. In may it is warm enough they will be out during the day. With the wildflower bloom lots of images of rattlers being posted in photo groups in Facebook. I haven’t heard of any bites yet which shocks the heck out of me as I see all these images of families with small children just walking around in the fields. The Southern California rattler types have very good camouflage especially in dirt or rocks.
have fun , be careful..take that once in a lifetime shot..
have fun , be careful..take that once in a lifetime shot..
Apr 20, 2023 19:22:26 #
J-Tree was my second home when I was younger. We spent every weekend out there honing our rockclimbing skills. It’s a magical place. You have received some excellent advice. Enjoy the area. The walk out through the Barker Dam area into the Wonderland of Rocks is very scenic. Enjoy your time out there.
Apr 20, 2023 21:36:21 #
RichKenn
Loc: Merritt Island, FL
I's been a hundred years since I was at Joshua Tree but I really liked it. Vegetation varies with altitude and there is a range in the park My most memorable experience was a guided tour of an abandoned ranch It took about a half day. My favorite picture from the visit.
Apr 20, 2023 22:31:58 #
Apr 22, 2023 07:34:30 #
I suggest driving to Keys View and Cholla Cactus Garden, and hiking the Desert Queen Mine Trail and Forty Nine Palms Oasis Trail.
Apr 22, 2023 11:05:26 #
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