Joshua Tree Nationwide Park: Solutions for First-Time Visitors

Joshua Tree Nationwide Park could also be one of many starkly beautiful places I’ve ever visited. No matter residing in Southern California my complete life, it was solely closing 12 months—when artist Ellie Pritts’ surreal color-saturated images of the realm first caught my consideration—that I really purchased keen about exploring the park. Although my first journey was a bit little bit of a disaster, this desert playground is definitely worth a go to. The trick is to succeed in prepared.

Joshua Tree Mythology: Iconic Timber, Uncommon Rock Formations, and Further

Joshua Tree didn’t acquire its nationwide park standing until 1994, however it quickly grew to turn out to be one of many modern web sites throughout the NPS system, thanks partly to its iconic yucca vegetation that appear like Dr. Suess drawings (yup, these could be the Joshua bushes). All kinds of people have been drawn to its otherworldly landscapes over time. The Eagles, U2, and even aliens (or so the rumors go), have taken inspiration from Joshua Tree—and Gram Parsons favored it lots his ashes had been scattered on the grounds.

Timber aside, Joshua Tree’s repute moreover stems from its many alternate options for recreation. It’s like a Swiss army knife of journey experiences. On any given day, you’re extra prone to spot photographers, artists, rock climbers, and households all sharing one among many scenic turn-offs. (Merely seek for the indications saying “Exhibit,” which pop up typically as you drive by the park.) Located 130 miles from Los Angeles and 187 miles from Las Vegas, the park is a doable weekend journey for lots of—and likewise you gained’t should take time without work in order to have one factor to brag about on Monday morning.

Be Prepared for Wilderness

Nonetheless the primary time I visited, I paid dearly for contemplating that the park’s relative accessibility meant I would roll in unprepared. Not like NPS web sites like Yosemite or Muir Woods, Joshua Tree had no snack bar the place I would seize a chew, which suggests I wanted to make do with the mini cereal containers, stale popcorn, and half-empty bottle of warmth water I had stashed in my trunk. Nonetheless I pushed on, and no matter arriving after midday, nonetheless managed to have a superb time mountaineering and climbing spherical a small sliver of the park sooner than sunset.

The next morning, I regretted my decision when, due to the dearth of meals, water, and customary sense the day sooner than, altitude sickness kicked in. It was a wonderful reminder that like any wilderness adventure, it’s advisable to be prepared sooner than you head into Joshua Tree.

The good news: It solely takes a bit bit little little bit of prep to have an pleasurable go to. Underneath, I’ve compiled a few key methods for safely getting basically essentially the most out of your time on this magical nationwide park.

Joshua Tree Nationwide Park: Essential Solutions for Your First Go to

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