Off the polished sidewalks of Sunset and Santa Monica lies one of Southern California's most sacred escapes: Joshua Tree National Park. Part day-trip escape, part spirit-rising retreat, Joshua Tree is more than a place to camp and climb, it's a place to experience the divinity of nature. Contributing editor Geoffrey O'Brian gives us the rundown.
Plan 3 days...
Located 3 hours inland from Los Angeles (10 Fwy to Hwy 62 north to Twentynine Palms, CA), Joshua Tree is a perfect three-day escape from the glam and glitz of LA. Leave the city early in the morning, preferably in time to let your body adjust to the nature's time by watching the sun rise as you drive east. Pick up a map as you enter the park - you'll need it.
Reserve a campsite for 2 nights...
Choose Hidden Valley if. you want to climb and don't mind the occasional climber descending into the back of your campsite.
Choose Jumbo Rocks if. you don't climb and wish to see a lot of natural rock formations.
Choose Indian Cove if... you want to add 10 degrees to the ambient temps and don't mind driving a little further into the heart of the park.
Reserve a campsite by visiting www.nps.gov/jotr.
Pack...
a tent, warm sleeping bag (deserts get chilly at night), chairs to sit in to watch the rock change in the shifting light, food and plenty of water - there is no potable water inside the park.
Grab last minute food provisions at gourmet shop/espresso bar/vintage store Ricochet.
Explore the geography...
On foot. Walk among the Joshua Tree under the moonlight, from which the park gets its name.
Several hiking trails, marked on Park maps, offer a view into the beauty of the park without straying too far into the desert. A lookout point at Keysview offers stunning views of the Coachella Valley and Salton Sea.
Climb...
Even if just a few feet up the side of a modest-size boulder. If you like what you feel, make friends with a few climbers and ask if they'll "top-rope" you up a small route.
Or just watch the climbers, taking in the simple beauty of a human at one with rock, risk and nature.
Eat on your way out...
At the Country Kitchen in Twentynine Palms. It's located just outside the park and serves the best breakfast in town.
