Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park

December 15, 2009

Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park

Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park

If you’ve made it as far as Palm Springs then plan on a minimum of one day and two – three days if time permits to visit and hike Joshua Tree National Park. This is a gem of a park that draws loads of rock climbing and bouldering enthusiasts. It also as an abundance of easy walking nature  trails that reveal the otherwordly landscape of rocks and Joshua Trees. It will take you a full day to do the return drive to Palm Springs and hike all of the nature trails.

Otherworldly rock formations and Joshua Trees

Otherworldly rock formations and Joshua Trees

If you have more time then there are additional trails worth hiking that are much longer including the 16 mile Boy Scout Trail, the 7.2 mile Lost Palm Oasis and the 4 mile Lost Horse Mine Trail.

The Joshua Tree, Yucca brevifolia for the plant enthusiasts, is one of the  indicator plants that confirm you’re in the Mojave Desert. It survives on little rainfall by spreading its roots in a dense shallow network to collect as much surface water as possible. All parts of the Joshua Tree have been used by the native Chemeheuvi, with its fibres made into mats, baskets and sandals. Ground squirrels, birds and deer eat the blossoms and ladder backed woodpeckers and flickers use the trunks as a nest. Sometimes a Scott’s oriole will hang a woven nest from a limb too.

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree

Camping is possible in the park and there are some truly gorgeous campsites that will only cost you $10 per night, though there is an entrance fee of $15 which is good for a week.

Skull Rock, Joshua Tree National Park

Skull Rock, Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is an excellent place to visit year round. Higher elevations may be cold in the winter months but you can still hike and the sun will likely be shining … and it’s a great place to escape to when the Coachella Valley temperatures start to soar.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Adventure Travel Tours and Tips, Hiking, backpacking and walking tips and tours 

Comments

One Response to “Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park”

  1. Geraldine Slater on December 21st, 2009 7:18 pm

    Hi Leigh …just thought I’d drop in on your site again – interesting to read that Palm Springs is about more than golf , which was my idea of the place.Looks like some great hiking. Joshua Tree looks especially appealing to me . Your writing gets better all the time – your probably relaxing into it . Just thought I’d point out an amusing typo – it seems the fibre from the Joshua Tree is used to make “scandals” – now there’s a possibility to make the mind race!.
    I’ve become really fascinated by this kind of landscape since my first trip to the canyonlands of Utah and Arizona in Sept. – my favorite place was Lower Antelope Canyon, just outside Page , Arizona. Keep up the good work! Have a great Christmas – I know Beverlee and Gustave are really looking forward to being with you.
    Cheers, Geraldine.

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