Joshua Tree National Park

We said our goodbyes to my Great Aunt and headed out towards Joshua Tree National Park. It was hot today, desert like we have never felt before. We really hoped that our air conditioning held out. The only stop before arriving was to a Starbucks just outside of the park. We finished up some blogging and enjoyed the air conditioning and even got a free coffee!

Back out on the road we entered the park. Doing the math on the national park pass, it looks like we officially broke even.

Setting up camp and trying to stay cool

 Our campsite was up against a massive rock formation (luckily in the shade). We set up camp and relaxed in the shade until the hottest part of the day passed. Near sunset when it had finally cooled off we headed out to explore.

Shady campsite

The desert landscape

 The trees in the park really stood out it was almost like we were on an alien planet. The rock formations jutted up contrasting with the relatively flat desert.

A Joshua Tree

At sunset, ready to climb

 I was excited to climb things which ended up being more difficult than I initially expected. The rocks didn’t offer much in the way of handholds and were very round. I did manage to climb up on and get some nice photos. The park offers official rock climbing spots but we lacked the equipment.

More Dr. Seuss like Joshua Trees

Spider Bill

Was told to "look majestic"

My lizard friend

Wrap around onto of a rock

Pretty Cactus

 The sun was starting to set when we started the hidden valley walk. Apparently it used to be much more difficult to reach but a rancher blew up an entrance before the national park was formed. The valley has a history of being used as a hideaway for cattle rustlers where they would re-brand there ill-gotten wares.

The trail was nice although the setting sun made it difficult to follow the path near the end of the walk. Back at the campsite making dinner on our single burner camp stove in the face of strong desert winds but we prevailed.