California is often associated with golden sunshine and pristine beaches for good reason. Several of our blogs have highlighted locations along the state's coast – San Diego, San Juan Capistrano, Huntington Beach, the Central Coast – and many of these coastal zones enjoy a Mediterranean climate that exists in only a handful of regions around the world. Many come and stay in California for the beautiful weather. Occasionally, there are complaints that there is not enough seasonality in California. What is easy to forget is how geographically diverse the state actually is.
From the Pacific Ocean to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, there is a lot more to California than what initially comes to mind. In fact, California possesses both the highest elevation (Mount Whitney) and lowest elevation (Death Valley) in the continental United States. From Anaheim, a city further inland with major urban attractions, one can easily make a beeline toward one of the coastal cities to enjoy the sun and sand. One could also drive the other way and encounter a very different type of sun and sand. In this article, we will be veering off in the latter direction.
From the Alamo Inn and Suites, it will take about 2-3 hours to drive to Joshua Tree National Park, and if this doesn't ring a bell, we'd like to share why this desert might be worth exploring. One of nine national parks in California, Joshua Tree lies primarily in the high Mojave Desert, but also transitions to the low Colorado Desert to its east, encompassing diverse ecosystems allowing for a unique range of plants and wildlife. The Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) that the park is named after is endemic to the Mojave Desert and dot the landscape. Among these distinctive trees, bare rock formations are scattered throughout, coalescing into an otherworldly sight that is especially beautiful to behold during the golden hour.
During the day, the park becomes nature's playground as visitors young and old tackle various trails and scramble up boulders. Friendly guides at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center are available to provide recommendations for age-appropriate activities and safety tips. Placards displaying "Do Not Die Today" are quirky grim reminders that the desert – similar to the ocean? – should be enjoyed and respected. We found that it was critical to arrive prepared with plenty of hydration, sun protection, and long pants for bouldering. Generally, the best times to explore Joshua Tree would be in the Spring and Fall to avoid extreme temperatures, but you will need to do your own research.
Nighttime is when the stars come out to play. Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree serves as a venue for visitors who want to view the Milky Way with the naked eye on clear nights. Depending on the season, shootings stars are also not an uncommon sight in the desert. Just be ready with that wish.