Joshua Tree
Entry fee $15-30
Diamon and I have both visited Joshua Tree on separate occasions. While I was at UC Riverside for a conference, I decided to take a day trip to the desert. I was surprised to see the landscape changing so much even before entering the park, and also confused that the visitor’s centers were outside of the park. I will admit, that I foolishly did not realize that Joshua Tree was named after the type of tees that populate the park. I was very nervous on this trip because while researching activities in this park I kept seeing warnings about how unforgiving the desert is, how there is no cell phone service, food, water, or gas in the park, and how many people have died trying to get a glimpse at the wonders in this park. My first stop was the visitor's center as usual, and the Ranger outlined a driving tour and recommended a few hikes based on difficulty. The ranger sternly advised me to take a picture of the maps and the trail lists because of the lack of service. As I entered the park I was frazzled, my nerves were shot because of all the warnings coming at me from every direction. Once I entered I stoped every 5 minutes to pull over, look at the map, and search for signage. Hilariously, it me an hour to drive only a few miles because of how nervous I was. It was only once I came upon the signage for the Hidden Valley campsite did my fears start to ease and I was fully able to enjoy myself and my surroundings.
The desert is currently in full bloom and once I was able to relax, take a breath, and feel confident in my surroundings, there was beauty as far as the eye could see. Gorgeous blooms of various species, wonderful rock formations and big big sky! I’m so happy I shirked my fears and continued on into this park. The experience was invaluable.
I hiked the Hidden Valley trail, went to Keys View to overlook the Coachella Valley, and took a loop around Cap Rock, before heading out of the park. Particularly around Cap Rock I noticed the invasive ravens swarming around the parking lot, which have unfortunately become residents in this area due to human activities. They are threatening the native turtle population and it is quite the cause for concern.
