Joshua Tree National Park

Short stop to admire the sunset before arriving to the actual overnight spot

After a long 6-hour drive from Sequoia National Park, we finally arrived at Joshua Tree just as the sun was setting. It was a breathtaking sight, unlike any other sunset we had seen before. 

We spent the night in a spacious parking area surrounded by RVs, with the distant mountains creating a stunning backdrop. To our surprise, the full moon was shining so bright that we didn't even need to use our headlamps. Because of this, we found it somewhat challenging to stargaze.

The following morning, we woke up before dawn to catch the sunrise at 5:30 am. The temperature was already a scorching 27 degrees Celsius! We enjoyed a delicious breakfast (oats with milk, strawberries, and banana as always) in the warm sun while taking in the beautiful view of the sunrise over the distant mountains.


Staying overnight at Joshua Tree National Park

Night shot taken with my phone - moon was so bright it seems a streetlight

Night shot taking with my GoPro (long exposure). Moon was so bright that the photo seems taken at daytime! This is where we slept with our van surrounded by some other RVs.

Entering the park

During our visit to Joshua Tree National Park, we first stopped at the entrance where there is a visitor's center that explains the ecology and history of the park. 

One of the interesting tidbits we learned was the origin of the name "Joshua Trees." As per the legend, early Mormon settlers in the area believed that the trees resembled the biblical prophet Joshua guiding the travelers westward. 


Another fascinating fact is that Joshua trees are not actually trees, but instead, they belong to the yucca plant family, similar to the aloe vera plant. Additionally, Joshua tree trunks are not made of wood like typical trees, but rather a fibrous material that consists of a dense network of vascular tissue, fibers, and water storage cells. This unique composition allows the trunk of a Joshua tree to store a significant amount of water, which is essential for its survival in the arid desert environment. As a result, unlike most trees that have visible growth rings, Joshua trees lack distinct growth rings that can be easily counted to estimate their age. However, their age can be estimated by measuring their height, as Joshua trees grow at a rate of approximately 6.35 - 7.62 cms (2.5-3 inches) per year.

Differences between Joshua Tree (above) and an Oak tree (below)

The Chemehuevi inhabited  in the 1800s the Oasis of Mara in Joshua Tree National Park, relying on its resources for survival. They utilized plants and animals such as mesquite, cactus, bighorn sheep, and desert tortoises. This photo from around 1900 depicts Chemehuevi children (picture taken in the visitor's centre).

The Cahuilla, another indigenous group in the region of Joshua Tree National Park, have a long history there, with evidence of their presence dating back 5,000 years. They constructed kish, or brush houses, depicted in the picture, to aid in crop harvesting far from their oasis villages (picture taken in the visitor's centre).

Road just at the entrance of the park

A beautiful Joshua Tree

Short hikes in the burning sun

Joshua Tree National Park is a stunning sight to behold, with a breathtaking landscape that will leave you in awe. However, be warned, it can get scorching hot during the day! So, to make the most of your visit, I recommend planning your activities before 12 pm or after 5 pm to avoid the peak heat hours. Why not start your day with a refreshing sunrise hike and then explore the visitor center during the warmer hours? While the visitor center at the main entrance is small and can be toured in about 20 minutes, it's still worth checking out.

If hiking is on your agenda, the good news is that the trails are not too long and can be completed in less than an hour. But, don't forget to pack plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen to keep you protected from the desert heat. We did the Hidden Valley Trail and Barker Dam Trail, and even visited the Skull, which was fascinating. 

While we didn't have much time to explore more trails, you can check out the official website for other hikes categorized by difficulty levels. 

After our hikes, we went to La Taqueria and indulged in some delicious birria tacos. Not only were they mouth-watering, but it was also a perfect way to escape the burning temperature of a whopping 42 degrees Celsius outside.

The Skull. Reach it by clicking here (it's next to the road)

Our lunch spot with delicious tacos

Joshua trees

Minerva Hamilton

Thanks to Minerva Hamilton Hoyt, today we can enjoy the stunning landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park as it is. Minerva had a passion for desert plants, particularly cacti and Joshua Trees, discovered through her love of gardening. She became aware of increased automobile traffic in the dessert threatening the area so she started touring around the country teaching people about the unique abilities of dessert plants and ecosystems. 

Hoyt's dedication to preserving the desert's natural beauty led her to found the International Desert Conservation League in March 1930. She worked tirelessly throughout the 1930s to convince the state of California to create three parks, including Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Anza-Borrego Desert. Despite initial resistance, Hoyt eventually gained support from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who designated over 800,000 acres in California desert area as the Joshua Tree National Monument in 1936.

Minerva Hamilton Hoyt's commemorating plaque at Joshua Tree National Park

Our next stop was San Diego, which at first, we weren't sure if we had enough time for it in our two-week itinerary. But, we were excited to do some scuba diving there, so we decided to take the plunge and make the drive. As we approached Los Angeles outskirts during rush hour, we took a scenic route through Palm Springs, driving up and down the mountain and valley, avoiding the traffic jams around Los Angeles after work. Along the way, we were treated with stunning views along the way.