Hello everyone,
We're revisiting Joshua Tree because this time I want to take you through some of the most significant spots. I go into a bit more detail of what to see, so you can really make the most of your trip. Expect high temperatures, endless desert landscapes and the making of many fun memories.
This is absolutely one of my favorite national parks in California. I would recommend it to everyone, which is why I'm currently eager to write this post. It's good to spend more than one day there, that's for sure! Plan accordingly and let this post guide you!
We visited at the end of March for the weekend, so you have an idea of everything I'm mentioning. If you decide to visit another season, some things most likely will vary from my own personal experience. Keep that in mind!
Now let's explore Joshua Tree!🤗
1. JUMBO ROCKS/SKULL ROCK
First day or should I say the minute we arrived, we headed to Jumbo Rocks and Skull Rock. Both are close to one another, so you can check them out within a day. The Jumbo Rocks are a whole field of stacked rocks, which you can explore as long as you want. You can easily loose track of time because there are so many directions you can go.
As for Skull Rock...it's HUGE! I'm sure you won't miss its head (or skull).😜 What's so interesting about it is that nature helped turn it into a skull. Long time ago the gathering of rain drops started to transform the rock creating the two hollow eyes resembling the head of a skull. How awesome is that? If that doesn't tell us just how powerful nature is, I don't know what will. Things like this fascinate me every time!
2. HIDDEN VALLEY
Another scenic view filled with huge boulders, great hiking trails, and perfectly good for those of you who enjoy rock-climbing. There is no right or wrong way to explore Hidden Valley. It's a loop that will take you all around, so you won't miss all the various shaped rock formations. It's very beautiful! I loved walking in the sand and even going thru some rocks that helped create shadowed caves. So good for those days when the sun is really blazing.
From this hike we decided to walk and jog to Barker Dam. You can definitely drive to it. We decided to go extreme once again because my guide aka. my sister won't give me a break...🤣 The dam was actually empty of water when we reached the top. That made it not as striking as I would have imagined it to be.
3. KEYS VIEW
If you only had time for one stop while visiting Joshua Tree, Keys View is hands down the one place you've got to visit. It's hard to put into words how stunning and majestic the views are from up there. It feels close to what it feels like to be on "top of the world" or at least that's how I felt watching the sunset descend behind the valley. 😱
Like a birds-eye view you'll be able to spot so much beauty. For example, on the far left you'll see Salton Sea (230 ft. below sea level). Also, you've got a full view of Coachella Valley, Palm Springs and Signal Mountain in Mexico (which can only be seen on a very clear day).
You really can't find a better way to end the day after a full day of hiking/exploring. It was an epic sunsetting show because so many people sat on their blankets and enjoyed the beauty. At the very end you could hear the sound of applause from the people as a way of appreciation for all that nature brings/does for us. It was really touching!!! 🥰
4. ARCH ROCK
Our last day, early in the morning we decided to hike to see the well-known Arch Rock. It gets very busy there, so I suggest going as early as possible (if you want to be one of the few). It's understandable because the photo op there is one not to miss. Way instagrammable and fun to climb since you can get on top of the arch or pose below it.
The Arch Rock trail is located near Twentynine Palms, California and it's an easy walk to get there, even kids can do it. Once there, there are so many rocks you can climb on and explore. The whole scene looks like something from a different planet. I was in awe a few times thinking is this real?
This particular view, reminded me how much I want to go to the Arches National Park in Utah next.
5. CHOLLA CACTUS GARDEN
Before we headed to Vegas, our final stop was at Cholla Cactus Garden. A full landscape of teddy bear cacti trees (can be spotted along the road). They'll look cute and soft, but don't touch or step on them...😂 Literally, the spikes can get way deep into your shoes! And...I think you know what happens next!
Such a pretty sight! 🌵 More then a few times, I tried to imagine what it would be like to see this from above with a drone. (Yep, for a second I wanted to be a drone.) hahaha!
Also, depending on the month you're visiting you'll be able to see the different desert plants in full bloom. For example, the delicate magenta flowers bloom from the month of May until June. The yellow Senna shrubs are happily alive from April until May. I believe this garden looks a bit different from month to month and you'll be easily surprised every time you visit.
For those of you planning to visit Joshua Tree soon, I hope you found this guide helpful. It's hands down one of the BEST National Parks of California. I loved it! I would go back for a second visit in a heartbeat!!! 💕
Have you been to Joshua Tree? If so, what was your favorite memory?
~ Photography: @dani.ela.photography
~ SHOP
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Love, Radi
