Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is perhaps one of our most favorite parks, national or otherwise. Thanks to its proximity to our former home we've been here multiple times and it has delivered a sublime experience every visit. Whether you go out for a day hike, camp in the backcountry, climb the razor sharp granite, scramble up and down breathtaking formations, or just visit for the sunsets and sunrises it is well worth the trip. This one was particularly significant for a few reasons. First, Yana would be celebrating her birthday here. Second, Yana's parents and family friends would be flying in to visit and celebrate with us. And finally, it would mark the beginning of our road trip back to visit family in Illinois. From this point on we would be heading east toward Chicago as this chapter of our travels draws to a close.

After staying in Mojave National Preserve we were primed for more stunning desert landscapes and, as expected, Joshua Tree delivered. We arrived on a Saturday morning and as we pulled up to the fee station at the park entrance we were informed that all campgrounds were full. Undeterred and optimistic, we drove to the Jumbo Rocks campground, the largest in the park, and started searching for an open site. One thing we've learned throughout this trip is that friendliness works wonders and we began asking around to see if anyone was leaving so we could take their site. Luckily, we found someone who was leaving and they offered us their site. We gladly accepted.

With our housing figured out we set out to take on a few hikes. You won't find many long ones in the park, unless you attempt the California Riding and Hiking Trail (36.5 miles) but the soaring temperatures and scorching sun which appear in the mid-morning increase the difficulty factor by a bit. We settled into a routine in the following few days before Yana's family arrived. Each morning Yana woke up around dawn and hiked from Jumbo Rocks campground along the Skull Rock and Split Rock trails, watching the sun rise over the surrounding landscape and Joshua Trees. Nothing is so blue as the morning sky contrasted against the darkened boulders surrounding the trail. After breakfast each morning, we would find an exciting hike or rent a crash pad and attempt a few of the hundreds of bouldering routes in the park. Each evening as the sun set, brilliant violet, indigo, amber, and vermilion hues blended together across the sky. The nights gradually grew warmer during our stay and we slept under a blanket of stars, the Milky Way shining bright above us.

On the morning of Yana's birthday, we woke before dawn to the sound of a whole family of coyotes making a kill nearby. The sunrise hike that morning was warm and serene and our morning climb, though particularly challenging, was a perfect way to start the day. Yana's parents and family friends arrived and after checking in at a hotel, we drove back into the park for a fantastic picnic under a setting sun near the Hidden Valley campground. As the sky grew darker, we ventured along the Hidden Valley Trail for an evening hike. The stars grew more vibrant as we progressed along the mile-long trail and by the time we returned to the car, the sky had transformed into a glittery, velvety black. 

During the remaining days we spent valuable time with Yana's family and friends in Palm Springs.  We remained active and were able to take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to San Jacinto State Park and day-hiked in the pristine wilderness. For the most part, our time was spent catching up with family and eating delicious food. Thanks again to Yana's parents for an incredible time!

Joshua Tree. Enough said.

Catching a sunrise at Jumbo Rocks campground.

Another view of the sunrise at Jumbo Rocks campground.

Getting ready for a climb in the Hall of Horrors.

Our fluffy neighbors.

Pre-hike picture at Hidden Valley Nature Area.