I just returned home from this remarkably satisfying mini solo vacation to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park which I will endeavour to tell you all about!
Why was it so great? Well the weather was perfect. Warm sunshine always feels luxurious when escaping the Canadian Winter. I know it's only just the beginning of the cold season, but I could easily slip away every month... mmm! This was also a perfect split: Nature and City. With the nearness of Palm Springs to Joshua Tree, I was able to have a four hour hike each day and still enjoy an afternoon by the pool and dinner on the strip. Company would have been the icing on the cake!
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| Luscious Bougainvillea |
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| Serene Morning Colours |
I flew with West Jet (heart) directly from Calgary (YYC-PSP), rented a car for four days - Budget had the best deal this time and stayed with Brendan from Airbnb. If you do not know Airbnb yet, please look them up if you would like to stay anywhere, anytime. It's affordable lodging by individuals on one handy website where you can easily search out exactly what suits you. See the site here. If you go to Palm Springs, with a party of one or two, I would definitely recommend staying with Brendan. It was a great bed and bathroom, a kitchen with everything you'd need, lovely grounds with pools and a hot tub right out front (my aching muscles rejoiced!), local recommendations were greatly appreciated as was the company, the location is walking distance to the grocery store, a longer walk to down town (lots of interesting villas and desert landscaping to admire along the way), 5 minute drive from the airport and less than an hour to either entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. It's safe and comfortable and just what I was hoping for!
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| Ode to Marilyn |
The city itself was developed for stars to have a place to get away from LA in the 50's/60's and it continues to emit that vibe through architectural and decor influences. Marilyn Monroe stands larger than life about half way down the main street.
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| Oranges Anyone? |
The food scene was great. Lulu's seems to be the most happening place. I enjoyed the design and decor as well as the California inspired meal. The bar tender knew how to make a Planter's Punch which was a bonus.
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| Ouch! These are prickly! |
I really loved the experience at Pomme Frite - their escargot is a must! And though the chocolate mousse doesn't quite reach the unbeatable standard of Miss Sophie, it came pretty close :) My favourite... prix fixe meals... seem to be popular here which I tasted on both dining occasions.
I should have taken some photos of the pool area, which was quite lush. The contrasting, yet appropriate desert landscaping found in other places was also attractive.
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| Palm Lined Streets |
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| Desert Landscaping |
Joshua Tree National Park
I spent some time considering which hikes I wanted do and organizing which days I would go where... All in careful collaboration with California Hiking, published by Moon. I like to do loops when hiking best, and half the routes I chose were. Loops can of course be done in either direction, but usually one way suits me better than the other - lucky for me I just happened to begin as though I'd known - so in case my preferences work for others I've included my directions as well. I like to go up the really steep parts and walk down a gentle sandy slope. I feel it's important to take care of your body anyway, but it is imperative to be careful in such a harsh environment, particularly if you're alone. Water is required. Even for camels like me. And it's chilly in the morning... Use that extra layer to protect yourself from the sun by 10:30! I wish I'd had more photo options (tripod?!) because then I might have been able to show the size perspective better... Alternately, a companion would not only work, but be totally awesome. That said, I actually super enjoyed my alone time where I only had myself to please. Don't we spend a lot of time doing and choosing for others? It was also a time to reflect and think and to just feel alive.
Day One: Black Rock Canyon Area
I chose to come to this area first because I wanted to start all my days very early. Here at Black Rock Canyon you can park on the edge of the park, where a permit is not required, and hike into the park. I could get my permit which I would use the following two days, after I was done at the information center (open 8am-5pm) This area had the fewest other people also hiking, which may have explained why I saw the most wild life this day. A rabbit and a coyote... but not together!
High View Nature Trail (0:45)
The dirt road you take toward the beginning of the trail is just before the camping area sign for Black Rock Canyon, on the right. It ends at a dirt lot. On the south east edge of the lot you'll find a sign for the trail...Take the most easterly direction to begin. It had the only register I came upon, which I signed.
This was a great first start. It was nice a shady and offered a good opportunity to
become acquainted with the flora of the area.
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| Pleasant Morning Vista |
Panorama Loop,
same area as Warren Peak. (3:00)
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| A particularly large Joshua Tree |
The trail is pretty much all uphill in and downhill out. The trail was poorly marked but I'm happy I persisted and found it because I'm positive this was the best view possible in the area. The sandy surface fills your shoes and had I known beforehand I'd have either worn old socks I could throw out or just dark colored ones... This trail is a really fantastic mix of terrain.
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| Look for this sign as you follow West Side Loop |
I only saw three sets of visitors during my last 30 minutes. To find this hike, park in the campground and walk uphill. A trail /road will start there and take you to a water reservoir quite shortly. Head downhill on the road and take the path marked West Side Loop. It will connect you with Warren Peak/ Panorama Loop. A ranger came along just at the right moment to ask about this. Glad he did because I'd continued down the road feeling I was not getting to where I wanted to be. It is truly a panorama!
Day Two: Cottonwood, Lost Palms Oasis and Mastedon Peak (4:20)
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| Along the Lost Palms Oasis Trail |
Everything was clearly marked. Most likely because its more used... I saw thirteen groups on the trail and gave my parking spot in the full lot to a car just arrived as I left.
However, I was the first out at 7:40am and only encountered people on my way back.
I did the Lost Palms Oasis, a straight out and back trail and joined the Mastodon Peak Loop on my return. If you have very little time but wish to do one short hike, I would suggest the Mastodon Peak. This was a hot hike. There's zero shade even if you start early. I drink less water than most people and I finished my 1.5 liters. I would suggest starting this hike even earlier than I did.
It was a hot day and the last of my water was quite warm when I finished.
I should have worn a hat - I went straight to the pool when I was done!
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| Out of no where: Over 50 tall and shaggy palms! |
Everything in the desert is sharp. The thorns and spikes are pretty big, and even things that look much more tame, like a baby Joshua Tree can pierce your skin in a hurry!
The oasis is totally worth hiking all that distance! Mastodon Peak was a climb to get up to the very top, which is quite optional, but not for me! I climbed to the highest part and stood there, deciding that there was a point about six inches higher nearby. I went for that point of glory. It was a little too windy up there so I didn't stand, but managed an awkward squat. Totally worth it!!!
There's a mine shaft area to check out and a long sandy walk out.
Day 3: Central.
This is where the rock formations that make the park famous are located. Climb on them or just gawk. They are sooooo cool!!!
Ryan Mountain (1:20) Much longer up than back. A very well maintained trail. Lots of rocks here and lovely mineral exposures with a great view at the top! Someone as excited as me about the loveliness of low sun angle morning hikes, was descending as I was climbing... The beauty of the desert in the morning - the colours, the tranquility, the freshness - is worth the early wake up!
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| Here I am at the top! |
My final hike: Lost Horse Mine and Loop Trail (3:00)
The direction I chose to start was the only entrance I could find, so it's the most obvious one you'd see and goes toward the mine. This mine was the largest
I saw and the most interesting. The area around the trail all the way to the mine was quite devastating to look at. It must have had a fire at some point and everything felt so charred and dry. Just past the mine this ugliness ends and I do recommend the entire loop. Not to mention there is a very cute little spot where someone built a 'miners camping site' with fire place and bed spring. This is worth a look at!
By the end of the three days my body was pretty sore. Walking on sand is quite hard on the hips! This was quite an amazing trip and I'm really glad I didn't turn it down just because I had to go alone, or because it wasn't what I had originally planned to do on my time off. It was a little expensive to do alone, but shared it would be rather reasonable.
Do it if you get the chance!
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| Wind Farm just outside Palm Springs |
