Jumbo Rocks Campground

Within Joshua Tree National Park, in the California desert, there are thousands of these strange trees, for which the park received its namesake. There is a campground here called Jumbo Rocks, which is popular for camping, amongst the enormous boulders. Joshua Tree is popular with climbers who go bouldering, and there are 12,000 named climbs… Continue reading Jumbo Rocks Campground

Hole in the Wall and the Mojave National Preserve

It was early March, when I drove out to the Mojave Desert. It's a place I don't really hear about much, unless someone is referencing a place that is brutally hot. You have no doubt heard, "at least we are not in the Mojave," once of twice in your lifetime. So what exactly would I find in a place that is hot, dry, and empty. That's about all I knew about it, and that there were things called Gila Monsters.

Barber Peak Loop and the Rings Trail

3-20-2021 This peak is not actually one I would be hiking up to, rather around. That was the first surprise I encountered, when I set off on the trail. I reasoned I could hike around Barber Peak Loop, and connect to The Rings Trail, which is much shorter. The Rings trail is a," 1.5 mile… Continue reading Barber Peak Loop and the Rings Trail

A Scenic Drive on Cottonwood Springs Road

This drive is the original inspiration for the ride, Radiator Springs Racers in Disneyland. If you love scenic byways, then you're going to enjoy this drive. If you're heading to Joshua Tree National Park, you can access the less crowded South Entrance from this road. You simply head up Box Canyon Road from Mecca, CA… Continue reading A Scenic Drive on Cottonwood Springs Road