For the first time I flew to California and spent a long weekend camping at Joshua Tree National Park! The entire time was an unforgetable weekend with a good friend. We stayed in the southeast part of the park in Cottonwood Campgrounds, which is in the Colorado Desert. There were flushing toilets and pottable water which made staying hydrated incredibly easy. From the campgrounds we were able to access to the Mastadon Peak Trailhead and Cottonwood Spring. For additional hiking there’s also access to the Lost Palms Oasis but that was a much longer walk we decided to skip.
The best part about the park, compared to other National Parks I’ve been to, was the incredible attention to detail. There was a ton of informational signage about the wildlife and history of the land. There were over 300 mines established throughout the park at one point! We were able to see the remains of the Mastadon Mine on our walk before finishing the climb to the peak, which is an unmaintained rock climb. It was a little narrow briefly, but easy enough to scramble up and I was able to see a clear path with no trouble. The view was incredible, giving a breathtaking vantage of the desert and the Salton Sea.
To see the majority of the park we drove to the north part and saw the landscape change as we crossed into the Mojave Desert, the only place Joshua Trees grow. From reading different signs, I learned that Joshua Trees are in the yucca family, which is why they have a similar appearance to other yucca plants. In the Colorado Desert there are a ton of mojave yucca.
Along the way we stopped at the Ocotillo patch. The Ocotillo is a woody deciduous tree, but looks otherworldy the way is grows in tall skinny bunches and is covered in thorns. I loved the way it grew up out of the soil in weird spindly, wild ways.
Next don’t miss spot was the Cholla Cactus Garden. This large section of desert is covered in the Cholla Cactus which is covered in more spines! There is a warning to walk with caution and stay on the designated path because even the slightest brush can cause the spines to embed themselves into your skin and it’s painful to remove. It was crazy seeing a sea of these cactuses.
Overall this park is huge, with so many trails to explore, and I could’ve spent a few days to try and see everything! But everything we did see, was amazing. On the last day I made it a point to stop at the Hall of Horros, a slot canyon and excellent spot for climbing and bouldering. I walked atround the area trying to find where to get into the canyon and would have completely missed it had I not followed a guide leading a group of three. I was supper appreciative of the group for allowing me to tag along. The canyon is about four feet wide in places and much narrower in others. We had to climb over and under to make it out on the other side!
I highly recommend making the trip out to Joshua Tree National Park. There’s a ton to do for all levels of experience and areas of interest. From camping, hiking and climbing, to lodges and inns to stay in as well, I think you’ll find something to love in this area. Big thanks to everyone who’s stuck around this long. See you on my next adventure!
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