Day 30 Joshua Tree National Park

I camped in Joshua Tree National Park in my trailer; Marshall, Alex, kids and Alex’s mother Ann camped in the adjoining site in Alex’s pop-up trailer. We arose early on Saturday and spent the day exploring the park, which has millions of these unique plants, which legend says were named for the biblical figure Joshua by 19th-century Mormon settlers who felt the outstretched tree limbs guided them along their westward journey. But, botanically speaking, they aren’t really trees; they are apparently yuccas. While they share the general form of a tree with a single trunk and branches, their internal structure and growth patterns are more similar to other yuccas than to true trees.

When I originally planned my trip itinerary, I shared it with many family members and friends, asking for their suggestions as to what I should add to my “must see” list. Seven people responded, and amazingly, four of them suggested I add the Joshua Tree Park to my list. After visiting it, I understood why. It is a very large park, with many trails and hill-climbing opportunities. Many of its mountains really appear to be piles of boulders, and it is surprising they don’t just collapse.

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on most of the hiking trails but are allowed in picnic areas and scenic view spots. Still, we spent at least five hours at the park, with many stops. We ate brunch at the Cap Rock picnic area, which had a few caves. We also drove to the Keys View observation point, which offered a stunning view of the desert valley. After a few mini-hikes for the kids, we drove north towards the Twenty-Nine Palms entrance and took one last hike at the short Oasis of Mara trail; this one allowed dogs! We then drove back to Marshall’s home in San Marcos and brought in Chinese food for dinner.

Posted photos include the view from the overlook, the group with the overlook in the background, as well as the dogs with the same background. There are photos of the landscape, as well as one of Rosette in front of some huge palm trees in the Oasis of Mara.