My husband and I visited Joshua Tree National Park in April. The springtime blooms of the desert plants were stunning, and we were lucky enough to see some desert animals for the first time due to our frequent hikes. Today, I’ll be sharing our top five favorite hikes from the trip.
Before hiking in Joshua Tree National Park, be sure to bring plenty of water and wear heat protection such as high SPF sunscreen, a high UPF hat, and clothing to protect yourself from heat exhaustion. It’s also a good idea to start your hike before 9 AM or after 5 PM.
Moderate
2.63 miles
 |
| Mastodon Peak |
Mastodon Peak Trail was my favorite trail in Joshua Tree National Park. Although it was more challenging than I had anticipated, the effort was well worth it. Along the way, I encountered a variety of desert animals and plants that I had never seen before, making the hike an unforgettable experience.
 |
| Mastodon Peak |
 |
| Mastodon Peak |
 |
| Ocotillo |
I found the ocotillo plant particularly interesting. At that time, its branches were covered with numerous green, oval-shaped leaves, thanks to the spring rains in April. The seasonal moisture brought the desert landscape to life, making the ocotillo’s vibrant foliage stand out even more.
 |
| Mastodon Peak |
 |
| Mastodon Peak |
While I was climbing up to Mastodon Peak, I found some interesting lizards. It was my first time seeing a common chuckwalla, which was quite exciting.
 |
| Common Chuckwalla |
These lizards are native to the desert and have a unique appearance that really caught my eye.
 |
| Common Chuckwalla |
 |
| The Summit of Mastodon Peak |
2. Heart Rock and Arch Rock via Arch Rock Trail
Easy
1.96 miles
 |
| Heart Rock and Arch Rock via Arch Rock Trail |
This trail was quite easy, and along the way, you can see the famous Heart Rock and Arch Rock. These unique rock formations add a special touch to the hike, making it both enjoyable and memorable.
 |
| Heart Rock and Arch Rock via Arch Rock Trail |
 |
| Heart Rock and Arch Rock via Arch Rock Trail |
 |
| Heart Rock and Arch Rock via Arch Rock Trail |
As you make your way toward Arch Rock, you’ll encounter several Joshua trees along the path. Their unique shapes and striking presence add to the beauty of the hike.
 |
| Joshua Tree |
 |
| Arch Rock |
There were many large rocks in the area, and we climbed up to Arch Rock, a famous natural arch in Joshua Tree National Park.
 |
| Arch Rock |
 |
| Heart Rock |
Heart Rock was adorable, and many people were taking photos with it. This unique rock formation, shaped like a heart, is located near the Arch Rock trail and stands about 10 feet tall.
 |
| Northwestern Indian Paintbrush |
3. Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
Moderate
3.19 miles
 |
| Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail |
We wanted to see the oasis in the vast desert. The Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail is a 3-mile round-trip hike. It’s a moderate hike in the early morning or evening, when the temperatures are cooler and the sun is less intense. However, if you hike around noon, it becomes very difficult due to the lack of shade and the intense desert heat.
 |
| Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail |
 |
| Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail |
 |
| Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail |
A warning sign at the trailhead alerts hikers. Each year, rangers and volunteers rescue many people from heat exhaustion on this trail, so it’s crucial to be well prepared before you begin.
 |
| Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail |
 |
| Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail |
While visiting Fortynine Palms Oasis, I tried to count the palm trees. I couldn’t count them all, but it seemed like there were more than 49. Despite its name, the oasis now has more than 49 palms, as more have grown over time.
 |
| Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail |
 |
| Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail |
 |
| Brittlebush |
Moderate
3.11 miles
 |
| Ryan Mountain |
Ryan Mountain is one of the most popular hiking trails in Joshua Tree National Park. The 3-mile round trip can feel quite long, especially in the desert. I visited in April around noon, but luckily, it wasn’t as hot as usual because it had rained earlier. The wind also helped keep us cool. We thoroughly enjoyed our hike on the Ryan Mountain Trail that day.
 |
| Ryan Mountain |
 |
| Ryan Mountain |
 |
| Ryan Mountain |
 |
| Ryan Mountain |
 |
| Mojave Yucca |
While hiking, I encountered several unique trees. I first assumed they were young Joshua Trees, but I later found out they were Mojave Yuccas.
 |
| Ryan Mountain |
Once you reach the top of the Ryan Mountain Trail, you’ll experience incredible 360-degree scenery of Joshua Tree National Park.
 |
| Ryan Mountain |
Easy
0.31 miles
 |
| Cholla Cactus Garden |
The Cholla Cactus Garden, with its numerous teddy bear cholla cacti, is a top photography spot in Joshua Tree National Park. When I visited in April, the blooming cactus flowers added an extra layer of beauty to the scene.
 |
| Cholla Cactus Garden |
 |
| Cholla Cactus Garden |
 |
| Cholla Cactus Garden |
The 0.3-mile loop trail may have been short, but it was filled with the enchanting sight of numerous teddy bear cholla cacti, making it a delightful walk.
 |
| Hedgehog Cactus |
I also enjoyed seeing the spring flowers of the hedgehog cactus, which added to the beauty of the experience.
 |
| Cholla Cactus Garden |
 |
| Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus |
The unique sight of numerous teddy bear cholla cacti was unforgettable.
 |
| Beavertail Cactus |
The Beavertail Cactus was flowering beautifully.
 |
| Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus |
These are my entries related to Yosemite National Park.
1.【Hike】Vernal Fall via Mist Trail
3.【Hike】Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point
4. What I Purchased at Yosemite National ParkThis is my entry related to Hawaii hikes.
■ Exploring Paradise: Six Must-Hike Trails on Oahu Island
If you like hikes, you can check out my previous entries related to hike I tried from the book, 50 Hikes in Orange County.
1. San Gabriel River to Turtle Overlook (Long Beach/Seal Beach)
2. Dana Point Headlands (Dana Point)
3. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (Huntington Beach)
4. Bayview Trail (Newport Beach)
5. Crystal Cove Tide Pools (Newport Beach)
10. Mariposa Trail Loop (Laguna Beach)
11. Little Sycamore Canyon Loop (Laguna Beach)
12. San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary (Irvine)
13. Wood Canyon Trail (Aliso Viejo)
14. San Onofre State Beach (San Clemente / Oceanside)
16. Oak Canyon Nature Center (Anaheim)
17. Horseshoe Loop at Irvine Regional Park (Orange)
18. Upper Hot Spring Canyon (Lake Elsinore)
There are my entries related to my hikes I found on AllTrails App.
1. San Clemente Beach Coastal Trail (San Clemente)
2. Talbert Regional Park and Fairview Park (Costa Mesa))
3. Turtle Rock and French Hill Loop (Irvine)
4. Back Bay Loop Trail (Newport Beach)
5. Black Star Canyon Falls Trail (Silverado)
6. Vernal Fall via Mist Trail (Yosemite National Park)
7. Mirror Lake (Yosemite National Park)
8. Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point (Yosemite National Park) My entries related to wild animals can be seen here.
My entries related to hiking and walking can be seen here.
My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.
No comments:
Post a Comment