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Our first trip to Joshua Tree came in the midst of a heavy downpour during last winter’s deluge. We drove for two hours in late February from central Orange County with an eye to the sky. Would the clouds break for us to enjoy the seasonal wildflowers and allow for some hiking with our very young children? That day, the sun broke through about the time we exited our car and the clouds added a backdrop to a national park that, under these conditions, is no less than a national treasure. The cooled desert, the rock formations, the vistas, the clouds and the sun. We have since visited once more, and probably need years more to really tap into the beauty, the landscape and the ruggedness of this patch of earth. The biggest allure for families in Joshua Tree: We walk trails with experienced, daring rock climbers, yet go at our own pace with 7-year-old twins and an 11-year-old who is approaching the vim and vigor of a rock climber. On our first visit, we entered Joshua Tree off I-10 past Indio, stopping outside the gates to walk through a large landscape of wildflowers desert dandelions, poppies, lupine, chia, evening primrose, among the bounty. But soon we were back in the car, stopping a few miles farther at the Cottonwood Visitor Center to pay our toll and get advice. We then made a stop at the Cholla Cactus Garden en route to Arch Rock, one of the numerous formations of geologic rockpiles that are awe-inspiring and, because of their rounded shape, fairly easy to climb with some caution. Arch Rock is just one of many, many places in which to pull over and hike around; there were several campers in residence. The arch itself is worth photographing. We continued on, heading in the opposite direction from the road that would take us to Twentynine Palms and instead driving toward the West Entrance near Yucca Valley. We stopped at Jumbo Rocks Campground and visited and hiked around Skull Rock, which looks just as it sounds. My wife wanted to experience, besides the wildflowers, the Joshua trees, and in this general area we came across as many as we needed to see. Groves and groves of them, set in a scenic valley. By now, the sun was getting low and the children were growing tired. We exited near Yucca Valley, and took Highway 62 back to our hotel in Indian Wells (expect an hour’s drive). In our second visit, we took Highway 62 directly from I-10 as we arrived from Orange County and entered at the West Entrance. We drove eight miles into the park to Hidden Valley, found a hiking area, visited for several hours and had a picnic. As opposed to our first visit, where the weather broke perfectly, the wind blew something fierce and cut short our stay. All of what is written above can be defined as the family simple plan. There is much to do, and our next trip will be one of several hours something like 12 to take in more. I hope to camp here as well. There are nearly 1 million acres of Mohave and Colorado Desert landscape two diverse ecosystems to be seen. Among the activities that await our family’s future, but may serve you in the present: • Some campsites are first-come, best served. There are some limits on RV lengths. For camping reservations, call 800.365.2267. • Desert Queen Ranch tour, offered by National Park Service rangers. In the early 1900s, William Keys homesteaded 160 acres in the middle of the now-national park and raised a family. The ranch house has been restored and visitors also can see the schoolhouse, store, and workshop. The orchard has been replanted and the grounds are full of the cars, trucks, mining equipment, and spare parts. The 90-minute tours are offered at different times, depending on the day and time of year, for a nominal price. For reservations: 760-367-5555. • There are daily Ranger programs, mostly short to semi-lengthy hikes. Go to: www.nps.gov/jotr/activities/programs/programs.html • Plentiful natural trails, both short and easy on children, await in areas such as Hidden Valley, Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, and Skull Rock at Jumbo Rocks Campground. • Take your choice of hiking trails of moderate to strenuous, from 3-16 miles, across two hours or two days. These include Boy Scout Trail near the West Entrance, and Los Palm Oasis, near the Cottonwood Visitor Center. IF YOU GO Joshua Tree National Park is northeast of Palm Springs. You can go for four hours, but will wish to stay for four days. • Hours: Open year-round. Weather exceeds 100 degrees July-September. • Cost: $10 per vehicle and good for seven consecutive days. Annual pass is $25. • Address and phone number: Joshua Tree can be reached from two ways, either taking Highway 62 off I-10 through Yucca Valley to the West Entrance, or remain on I-10 past Indio. 760.367.5500 or for the Joshua Tree National Park Association, 760.367.5525. • Website: www.joshuatree.org/visitor/index2.html; of particular help is the A-Z info button. For additional information: www.nps.gov/jotr. • Where to stay: The Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells put us close to everything, including Joshua Tree’s entrance off I-10. The hotel has several pools, a water slide, a spa for mom, and Camp Hyatt (half-day and full-day options for children ages 3-12). For travels to Joshua Tree, or Palm Desert and Palm Springs, this is an ideal setting. Information: 760.341.1000 or www.grandchampions.hyatt.com |
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