Park Features

This U.S. National Park spans more than 1,200 square miles and comprises two unique deserts — the Mojave and Colorado. Massive, monzogranite rock structures litter the area. Intrigued, I did some research on how these unique geological rocky feats formed. Geologists believe, loooong ago, molten liquid was forced upwards from the rotation of the earth’s crust, solidifying below the surface.

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And if you crawl under some of the rocky formations, they make a great reprieve from the sun. 😉 

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The area, of course, also boasts a bountiful spread of Joshua trees (yucca brevifolia). There’s also a lot of Mojave yuccas (yucca schidigera).

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 Hike to a Hidden Oasis Tucked Into the Desert Hills

When you think of Joshua Tree, chances are you picture….well, Joshua Trees. How about vibrant palm trees? No? What if I told you there’s an oasis of palms tucked within the rocky hills of Joshua Tree? It’s real and it’s called the Fortynine Palms Oasis.

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To get there, you’ll take the Lost Palms Oasis Trail, a 7.2 mile trail, round-trip. After hiking the dusty trail under the high desert sun, you’ll see a cluster of green sprouting up between the the sea of tan. You’ve found the oasis. It’s a welcome surprise, a place of shade and running water in the desert. Though its existence seems peculiar, make no mistake…it’s no mirage.

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So why are they there? Apparently miners planted the palms as a reference point to find the spring that naturally runs through the desert. There’s small water pools littering the area, with ample shade. It’s a great reward for a desert trek, if I do say so myself! Please don’t forget water; though your destination is a spring, it’s there for viewing, not drinking.

Cave Exploration Under the Moonlit Sky

As soon as the sun set, we set off to find a cave a few miles away: The Hall of Horrors. A friend knew the general area of its location, but the entrance was difficult to spot, especially without the aid of sunlight. Still, the full September moon allowed us to keep our headlamps off. Look at that moon!

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We circled a large, rocky hill, peaking into the shadows to find the cave’s opening, but to no avail. Fortunately there were other cave explorers who passed by us, and they pointed us in the right direction.

Here’s a view from inside the cave:

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While very fun to explore, there are some sketchy spots in which you’ll have to stretch like a starfish, spread all four limbs, and Spiderman climb across. You won’t want to fall; I couldn’t even see the ground from below! Climb cautiously!

I couldn’t tell you how to get there again (unashamedly directionally-challenged), so here are the coordinates:

I’ve read that this is a fun bouldering spot, which I may have to do next time I’m out there (I went on this particular trip before I was formerly into rock climbing).

Getting Some ZZZ’s

We stayed at the Indian Cove campground, which has 101 campsites and vault toilets. The majority of sites are first come, first served. There’s no potable water, so be sure to stock up on a few gallons.

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The campsites are super clean and provide ample space for all your camping desires: campfires, multiple pitched tents, and picnic tables (who else enjoys elaborate camp meals? )

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And the campground is surrounded by gorgeous piles of granite that become even more breathtaking against the desert sunsets/rises.

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If you haven’t checked Joshua Tree National Park off your adventure list yet, you’ll want to. And September is just around the corner, which is a wonderful time to visit the desert! 

Peace,

sm