I have been seeing, for quite some time, photographs of Joshua Tree National Park in California https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm  .  Some of these photographs are sweeping shots of rolling hills that go on and on into the distance.  There is invariably a mountain far in the back. You know that you would get quite lost in those hills before  you reached that mountain.  These shots of Joshua Tree are both beautiful and invoke a deep respect. This is the kind of respect that draws you in at the same time it puts up a hand in warning. There are mysteries out there: take heed. The mysteries, of course, make it all the more beautiful.

So when we decided to visit Palm Springs, there was no question in our minds that we would see Joshua Tree.  The plan was to stay three nights and two brief days. And make sure one day was dedicated to Joshua Tree. It’s quite a tease to be such a short time in Palm Springs, California.  At the same time, one day is enough to drive the loop that circles around and cuts through Joshua Park.  One day was plenty time to stop at all the lookout points, take lots of photographs, lunch leisurely, walk and hike.   Drive east to enter the park through the south entrance or west to enter the north entrance.  Either way, you  still make a loop that will start and end back in Palm Springs. 

If you have time for more, this is a great place for rock climbing, with all levels of difficulty.  Camping? A few campgrounds require a fee while others are first come, first serve. There is the paved main road which we took with campsites right off the sides.  Back country camping or backpacking is permitted (although there are a few regulations). You can take the back roads, too. They may be unpaved and may require a vehicle with four wheel drive or with high ground clearance. Stargazing? Joshua Tree is known for its dark skies.  Stay the night and witness a night free of the extreme light pollution of much of Southern California

My one secret concern before taking off was the possibility I would tire of hours driving through the same desert landscapes.  After all, the park is larger than the size of Rhode Island. But no way! For all that we did along the way and the beauty of the ever changing scenes, the day was over too fast.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Notes:

There is an entrance fee.  Or get your national parks pass here:  https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm

Stay safe in the wildness of this place:  https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/safety.htm