Joshua Tree National Park

Fortynine Palms Oasis

This was my first stop off at Joshua Tree National Park. Having never been to Central Australia, where our deserts are, the concept of an oasis was still foreign to me. After a cruisy 45-minute trek, in 20-degree weather, I turned the corner on the trail and there it was. In the middle of the dry and barren desert appeared a stand of tall, green trees. It was amazing and whilst there wasn't any water at the bottom of the oasis, the trees were lush and vibrant.

Barker Dam

Created by farmers as a means to store water for use during summer for livestock, but mainly for living. Surrounded by rock stacks, the large dam contained little water when I visited, but provided enough moisture for a range of vegetation to thrive in the area.

Ryan Mountain

Definitely not my smartest move, climbing the strenuous trek to the top of Ryan Mountain at 2pm in the afternoon on a hot day in the desert provided its challenges. The climb was completely uphill, in the full sun with little shade, except provided by a rock overhang where there was just enough room to crouch down and get some relief from the heat. It was the highest peak in the area and provided 360-degree views of the rock piles that litter the landscape.

Keys View

The prime lookout in the park, Keys View provides a vista that not only covers the park, but also right across the Coachella Valley. On a clear day, it is possible to see the Saltan Sea, which sits more than 200 feet below sea level.

Hidden Valley & Cap Rock

My favourite areas in the park, aside from the stunning Joshua Tree stands that covered the northern section of the park. A rock climber's paradise, Hidden Valley is the place to be if you want to scale the heights of the rocks. This area has been opened up to climbers with permits required and routes set by the NPS. There is obvious overuse and negotiations underway to ensure that this area is sustainably used with minimal environmental impact. Along with Cap Rock, these areas show significant beauty. The contrast between the blue skies, the colour of the rock and the Joshua Trees provides a stunning scene.

Skull Rock

One of many areas that appeals to children, there is, as the name suggests, a rock that appears like a skull. Quite a sight and not what you expect in a rock formation.

Cholla Cactus Garden
Unlike the cactus seen throughout other parts of the park, the Cholla Cactus Garden displays an intriguing species. The two toned, and tall cactus species stands in a large garden, easily 1000 different plants in this small area of the park.

Lost Palms Oasis

The largest stand of California Palms in the park, this was a somewhat challenging trip in warm conditions. It was undulating, across a sandy area that also traversed many a dry creek bed, which would flood in only a small amount of rain. These trees, similarly to those at Fortynine Palms, stand strong and tall, green and vibrant. The difference is that there were many more palms here at this location, along with a small amount of ground water.

Mastodon Peak

Mastodon Peak was more of a scramble than a hike. On the return journey from Lost Palms Oasis I took the detour to clamber up to the top of this peak. It provided stunning views across the Coachella Valley and the Saltan Sea once you scrambled up the rock pile that forms this peak.