We learned a valuable lesson on this trip: always check the weather. You see, we packed and checked the weather for Palms Springs and it was promising a warm day. When we got to Joshua Tree National Park (which is 35 miles away) we were faced with a rude awakening. It was cold. Like winter cold. I was so happy that we had left jackets, shoes, and hats in the van instead of bringing them into the house we were renting. If we didn’t have those things with us we would not be able to hike and walk around. You can not have a full experience unless you actually get out of your car and explore.
Baker Dam
This hike is an easy 1.5 mile loop. Our kids enjoyed climbing on the tall mounds of boulders. Since we came in the summer there was no water. It was completely dry. If you actually want to see water then you’ll want to take this trail in the winter and spring. Now ranchers a long time ago built this dam. They wanted to make sure their livestock had water which is hard to find in the desert. Before you make a turn you’ll find some petroglyphs that Native Americans drew. They are hard to miss because they are bright and not dull. They look almost fake but they aren’t. A film crew wanted to make sure that these petroglyphs stood out.
Keys View
If you want to see a breathtaking view of Coachella Valley then the extra twenty minute detour will be worth your time. Since It was so cold and windy already, the girls and I did not want to get out. Yeah, I guess we aren’t that adventurous. We saw people lose their caps so if you plan to go up leave things behind that can fly off of you.
Cap Rock
If you love rocks and Joshua trees then this trail is a must. It is an easy 0.7 mile loop. Here you can find picnic tables and a restroom. You might also find beginners rock climbers trying to master their skills here.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Cholla Cactus Garden is a must stop if your passing through Joshua National Park. The most cuddly cactus around known as the teddy bear cholla. This cactus is known for penetrating your skin from the slightest touch. While also being difficult to remove from skin because of the barbs on the spines. Peter had a bad experience here when he was around two years old. He happened to get close enough to the cactuses that his head was covered with spines. Last year I walked away for a minute and my husband accidentally got it stuck on his sweater and in his skin. After getting all that over with his hand was numb. It is no wonder that Joshua National Park actually has an emergency kit at the entrance of this trail because I’m sure this isn’t the first or the last time this has occurred. This is a really awesome hike as long as you try to keep your distance from the cactus. The walk is short and easy.
Hike from Cottonwood Springs to Mastodon Peak
When you first enter you’ll see the beautiful Palm Oasis. Then you’ll want to go up. The trail isn’t marked very well and I would not say it isn’t a difficult trail but it is steep and narrow at times. This was the last thing we did that day so we were already tired. We highly recommend doing this trail. If you only have a short time then skip the other trails and do this one. It is breathtaking here. This trail is a 3 mile roundtrip loop. You want to try to stay on the trail and watch where you sit. Our daughter Elizabeth sat down next to a curled up rattlesnake. Thank God she noticed it and moved away. They camouflage so well with the rocks.
If you enjoyed this post then you might enjoy reading California Desert Road Trip.
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