Special Travel Edition: Desert Days & Starry Nights
Where boulders rise, stars emerge, and the beauty takes its time. This edition might just earn Joshua Tree a spot on your Live-It (Bucket) List.
Desert Paths and Unexpected Turns: Our Visit to Joshua Tree National Park
In the last issue, I shared my experience hiking up Devil’s Slide in the San Jacinto Mountains. This time, I want to take you further into the wild beauty of Southern California to Joshua Tree National Park, where we spent time walking desert paths, climbing rock formations, and exploring a landscape unlike any we had experienced before.
Joshua Tree intrigued me. Not every stop was spectacular; however, the desert is an enigma. On the surface, vast areas appear plain and remote. Yet, the more you observe, the greater your appreciation becomes.
Located at the meeting point of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, Joshua Tree is filled with boulder-strewn trails and those strange trees, which are actually cactuses, for which the park is named. Mormons passing through in the 19th century gave the Joshua Tree its name, saying its outstretched limbs reminded them of the biblical figure Joshua lifting his hands in prayer. (The photo below was shot outside of the park at our VRBO. Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to upload the photos taken with my Nikon.)
We stayed in the town of Joshua Tree and appreciated the park’s 24-hour access. After sunset, we’d make the short drive back in for stargazing, parking in the closest area with a bathroom, Cottonwood Spring. We didn’t see the Milky Way, but we enjoyed watching stars and planets pop into the black backdrop. We certainly saw many more stars than at home. Stargazing was one of the reasons I chose the park. If you enjoy it too, plan to stay more than one night, just in case the first night is cloudy. (More on stargazing below.)
Wandering and Naming Our Way Through
During the day, our first stop was Jumbo Rocks, where we climbed and explored, taking in sweeping views from above. It set the tone for the rest of our day: climb, walk, pause, repeat. Throughout the park, I enjoyed naming the rocks myself, coming up with alternatives to the official ones based on my imagination.
From there, we headed toward Arch Rock and Heart Rock, described in the park brochure as a 1.4-mile loop. That distance doesn’t include the walk from the parking area or the wandering we did beyond the posted signs. I wasn’t expecting a massive arch like those in Utah, but I was hoping for something a bit more dramatic. While Arch Rock might be a stretch, a person can stand beneath it, so maybe we’ll call it Window Rock instead. Heart Rock, however, lived up to its name.
Next was Barker Dam, a 1.1-mile loop that turned out to be our favorite hike. The path offered more variety than the others, with low vegetation, sandy stretches, and scattered boulders. The dam itself looks like a retention wall, having been long abandoned. On the way back, we noticed a small section of petroglyphs etched into the rocks—simple, carved symbols from another time.
We also attempted Split Rock Loop. I enjoyed walking through the narrow passages between the towering formations, although we had some difficulty determining what was the official trail. I don’t think we did the full 2.4 miles.
What’s Worth It—and What Isn’t
We made several other brief stops, occasionally creating our own unofficial trails when the terrain was safe and open. In all, we totaled about 6 miles.
One detour that didn’t deliver was the Cholla Cactus Garden. Despite its frequent mentions in brochures, it felt more like a cluster of spiky plants than a destination, and it’s not particularly photogenic. Unless you’re already headed in that direction, I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way.
Keys View, on the other hand, was worth the drive, but be warned, it was cold. Although just 30 minutes from warmer parts of the park, the elevation brings a noticeable temperature drop. From the overlook, you can see the San Andreas Fault stretching into the distance, which I thought was pretty cool. It’s a memorable spot for watching the sunset, but the ambient light makes it less than desirable for stargazing.
Travel Tips from a Florida Girl
Go in October through April. We visited in early May, and I wouldn’t recommend going much later than that. Desert heat is intense. Eighty-one degrees in the desert feels significantly hotter than the same temperature in Orlando.
Time your trip for stargazing. Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky Park. Go during a new moon. The Milky Way is best viewed in June and July, but keep in mind that the park is brutally hot during those months.
Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
Wear solid footwear. The terrain is rocky.
Be ready for temperature shifts. It can be hot in one area and cold just a short drive away.
Pack Chapstick. Otherwise, your lips soon resemble the dry ground.
So—Should You Go?
Yes, if:
Visiting national parks is on your Live-It List (I prefer not to use the phrase 'Bucket List').
You want to explore a landscape unlike anything else.
You’re already in Southern California with a day or two to spare.
Stargazing in a national dark sky area is on your list.
Maybe not, if:
You have limited travel time, and other destinations are calling louder.
Heat wears you down quickly.
Joshua Tree may not overwhelm you with grandeur the way some national parks do, but it offers a chance to slow down, to see more by expecting less, and to remember that beauty isn’t always bold—it’s often tucked between the rocks.
If you would like more information on Joshua Tree, email me at mary@crimminscommunications.com. I’d love to help you.
Life Is Lived in Seasons & Moments
Some pass quietly. Others change everything. Capture the meaning behind each, and share your story with those who matter most.
Join me for the very first Seasons & Moments Life Story Course. It’s a 5-week online course designed to help you reflect, write, and share the moments that shaped you. You don’t need to be a writer—just someone with a story to tell.
We start August 5 (daytime) and August 6 (evening), and because you're part of the Seasons & Moments community, you’ll get the special launch price: just $99 (normally $149).
Curious?Watch this short video and visitcrimminscommunications.com/courses for more information. Email me at mary@crimminscommunications.com for more details. I’d be honored to have you in the group.