There are several reasons that I travel to Joshua Tree National Park to experience nature. Following are some of my observations and what I consider practical things to know learned from my visits to JTNP.
1. Joshua Tree National Park is easily accessible
from Interstate 10 Freeway in Southern California. It is where the Colorado Desert and Mojave Desert meet. The Mojave is considered high desert, 2,000 to 4,000 feet in elevation, and is cooler and milder than the Colorado, which is the Low Desert – think Palm Springs.
2. It is a short (relatively) drive from home
(depending on time of day and day of the week). Traffic in Southern California is a nightmare during the daily commute.
3. Joshua Tree National Park is the closest place to my home in Orange County with low light pollution in Southern California.
Light pollution is caused by urbanization and is the man-made alteration of light levels in the outdoors. Sky glow is one form of light pollution, which reduces dramatically the visibility of stars in the sky. Because of its close proximity to Yucca Valley, Black Rock Canyon Campground has lots of light pollution.
4. It is an exceptional place to create interesting night photographs.
The bristly and twisted Joshua trees, a member of the yucca family, make great subjects for daytime photos, too.
5. Cell service is available at Black Rock Campground – if you just can’t be without it.
6. No cell service is available as you go deeper into the park.
Rangers patrol regularly, so if you happen to lock your keys in your vehicle, it won’t be too long before someone comes to your rescue.
7. Make reservations ahead of your visit at Black Rock Canyon Campground and Indian Cove.
Black Rock Canyon is close to Yucca Valley. Indian Cove is near the Ranger Station at Indian Cove Road in Twentynine Palms. All other reservations are first come, first serve on all other campgrounds in the park.
8. Some of the campgrounds close in the summer.
You can check ahead at the National Park Service website – www.nps.gov/jotr
9. As you watch dawn break over the desert, you realize that it is worth getting up before sunrise.
I have discovered that this is the reason I camp there overnight.
Please share your Joshua Tree National Park experiences in the Comments below.