An Impromptu Visit To Joshua Tree National Park

During the school / work week I thrive on routine. Routine is the glue that binds all the puzzle pieces of my chaotic schedule together and allows me to juggle my different roles without losing my sanity.  But when it comes to the weekend I embrace spontaneity!  We all have some activities scheduled here and there but I LOVE being able to pack up and go on an adventure “just because”.

So when Alexandra asked if we could meet some of our friends who were visiting from Canada a few weeks ago in Joshua Tree, I said “YES!”

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Joshua Tree National Park happens to be one of my favorite places in the whole world and I am forever grateful that it is just a few hours’ drive away.  If you have never been there I strongly suggest putting it on your bucket list.

For miles on end, magnificent rock formations reach up to the heavens above each one more breath taking than the next.  Centuries old Joshua trees grace this surreal landscape extending their branches this way and that in a beautiful dance.  While cacti and wild flowers provide a breathtaking ground cover.

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The high desert is pleasantly cool at nigh this time of year, but wonderfully warm in the day time… perfect for a long hike or, my favorite, rock climbing!

Joshua Tree is a rock climbers paradise and one of the reason my husband, the girls and I love it so much.  You can explore countless routes of all difficulty levels so there truly is something for everyone. And as it turns out, the friends we were meeting are avid climbers as well so we had a fabulous time.

I woke up at the crack of dawn on Sunday to get our food ready for the day. I cooked up a big batch of scrambled eggs with sautéed potatoes, onions and spinach, packed all sorts of nuts, dried fruits, jerky and other energy infusing foods, along with ample amounts of water then got the girls up.  Cris meanwhile, sorted and packed all the rock climbing gear and made sure we were prepared for everything and anything…  And we were off !

We met our friends at their campsite and quickly decided on our destination for the day.  We picked a rock formation with routes that my 6 year old could climb as well as a few that would challenge more advanced climbers.  And for those who preferred not to climb we were at the start of a wonderful three mile hike that led to the top of a rock formation from which you could see all of Joshua Tree. Our kids decided to go and explore… (That’s them at the tipi top of that rock!)

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Cris belayed our friend as he led the first route and set up our top rope.  As I looked up I saw a beautiful rainbow!

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We enjoyed a fun afternoon of climbing and Sabrina astounded everyone as she made it to the top of a challenging climb… My little fearless one was having the time of her life!

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After a fulfilling day we were blessed with a magical sunset…

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And Sabrina made the most of a delightful street piano we found on our way to dinner…

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We lingered a little longer than we probably should have to enjoy marshmallows perfectly roasted on our campfire… and of course an exquisite desert night… stars-2

[photo credit John Stockburger]

Joshua Tree is as breathless at night as it is in the daytime, when a dense canopy of stars fills every inch of sky… It is truly a sight to behold and a moment worth staying for.  If you are lucky you might even catch a shooting star or two…

Do you have a favorite “escape”?  Do you like to be spontaneous or prefer to plan ahead?  What’s your best weekend activity?

 

 

Comments

  1. How beautiful! Not sure when I will be out in California next (I haven’t been for almost 20 years) but I pinned this on my “Places I’d Like to Go To” board on Pinterest – I must see one of those trees for myself.

    • Wow Alana, that’s a long time, about the same amount of time since I have visited my home town — Paris France.
      I do hope you get to enjoy our exquisite Joshua trees in the near future!

  2. That looks like such a wonderful spot! Those pictures are beautiful, especially the shot of the night sky with all the stars. Gorgeous! Where is the park though? You didn’t mention in your article where it was.

    • Thank you Paulette. Joshua Tree is in Southern California about a half hour from Palm Springs and a solid two and half hour drive from where I am in Los Angeles. It’s one of my favorite places to escape to for a little de-stress and rejuvenation.

  3. Impromptu trips are often the best in my opinion. It looks like a lovely place to be!

  4. Valerie,
    I’m not sure when I’ll be back in CA, but I’ll be sure to look for this park! It’s absolutely beautiful, and it looks like you all had a wonderful time!

    • It truly is a magical place Amy, any time of year. I’d have to say fall is probably my favorite as temperatures remain temperate throughout the day. I hope you have a chance to visit in the near future.

  5. Joshua Tree has been one of the parks on my list for a while. Not sure I will be climbing the rock face but am looking forward to getting swept up by it’s magic.

    • “Swept up by it’s magic” is exactly how I feel every time I visit Tim. Don’t worry about the climbing there are so many gorgeous hiking trails that lead you to the top of rock formation with the world at your feet… leaving you breathless and grateful you were able to experience the magic. And if you have the chance to catch the park at night on a full moon it is a sight to behold! Enjoy your visit whenever you make your way there.

  6. Hi Valerie,
    Joshua Tree is definitely on our list when we return to California. The photos of the rainbow, the sunset, the night sky are great. The rock formations are fantastic too. Thank you for sharing your outing with us.

    Kind Regards,
    Bill

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