Joshua Tree National Park

One of the parks I have always wanted to visit is Joshua Tree National Park. Several years ago when I moved to California, there was a superbloom in early months of 2017 at the park, but I did not have a chance to go. I felt guilty at the time having missed it, but I think I got a second chance. After months of rain, Joshua Tree was supposedly again covered in wildflowers, and this time I was not going to miss it.

On Easter weekend that coincided with the first day of the National Park Week (and hence free entry to the park) and Coachella, at 5.30 AM I bravely headed to the park anticipating crowds and no parking. I was really happy to see few sleepy people entering the park and only a few cars in parking lots.

The first trail was one of the most popular among Joshua Tree lovers. Baker Dam Nature Trail appeared to be tricky from the very beginning as I went wondering off the trail. With no cell service, I could hardly use AllTrails to capture the directions, but after a few minutes of walking around, I was on the right path. Indeed, the loop trail was well-marked, and mid-way culminated with pools of water that used to serve as water sources for cattle in the past.

The second trail was Hidden Valley Nature Trail. Only a mile round trip, the trail offered unique views of Joshua trees and unnaturally stockpiled rocks in a wide-open landscape. I wondered how these piles of rock were created so perfectly aligned and concluded I was in Twilight Zone...

The next trail was a few minutes away going deeper into the park. Ryan Mountain Trail was supposed to be a piece of cake at only 3 miles round trip. The caveat was that I forgot to look at the elevation gain. Gaining 1,000 ft over 1.5 miles is not a joke, but the views offered some reprieve.

After a quick break for lunch on top of the mountain, I descended (much much easier!) and headed to the Willow Hole Trail. This is where wildflowers truly were visible in dozens of varieties. Who knew that desert can have such beauty?!

While I don't think I completed the trail in full, I saw why I came here, the wildflowers. I was pretty tired, and after seeing a rattle snake and another snake, I thought it was time to conclude my visit. Indeed, Joshua Tree did not disappoint. Unique landscape and plants together with rocky structures were worth the 2 hour drive, and I certainly be back in the fall when it gets a bit cooler.