Joshua Tree Traverse

Having been here briefly once, during a very busy Spring Break period, I wanted to return and explore more and better. So this is what we woke up to the first morning! A message? March is a good month for a visit but be prepared for chilly nights and maybe some chilly days also. Layers, puffer, gloves and hat.

Black Rock Canyon area, a separate and much less used area to the west, was our first destination. I chose the Panorama Loop, 6.6 mile lollypop route. Moderate elevation gain with a bit of switchbacks but decent views of the Palm Springs area at the top. The beauty of this loop was that we saw exactly two hikers the whole time. While exiting, we passed a few more coming in. Go early, go remote.

There is the ever popular Hidden Valley Trail. Very easy, more of an exploration of the terrain that made this area a good idea for a National Park. Frequented by rock climbers, we watched some scale a boulder pile. There isn't any solitude here, but it's short and has interpretive signage. There are lower lying boulders if you want to try your hand, and foot, at scrambling.

Not really a hike, but drive out to Keys View. Looking down on so many bumps and folds of earth can give a majestic perspective of the world. The Coachella Valley lies below with a view of the Salton Sea beyond. Worth the visit to the pull out.

The Lost Horse Mine Loop is billed as a strenuous 6+mile hike. We traveled clockwise, which is what I recommend. It was a chilly and blustery day, with winds up to 50mph pushing me along some ridges. The site of the mine is well preserved and a good example of the workings. The descent was a bit more technical at times but offered excellent views over the Pleasant Valley and on a clear day into the Pinto Basin. We walked the last couple miles through a sage strewn wash. We saw a few people on our hike but again, we went early. By the time we were leaving the parking area, it was filling with a Ranger directing traffic. GO EARLY!

Star trail photography on a clear night near the head of Boy Scout Trail. I would recommend going deeper into the park to get solitude and less light from town. I was a little disappointed with the night sky. I've heard summer is better for Milky Way visibility. Once I've been out to see night skies, I always wonder how and where the other photographers got their shots. The above is about an hour of rotation. Plus we were witnessing a very active flight pattern.

The stillness and total calm of Barker Dam in the early morning was inspiring. Again, we had the place to ourselves after witnessing an overflowing parking area the afternoon before, we decided on dawn for our trek. It's a little half mile trip but worth the view if you go early or late. Whatever you do, avoid mid afternoon chaos.

After Barker Dam, we headed to Wall Street Mill for some more human history. It's an easy and pleasant walk through a wash for about a mile. We shot some nice photos of the relics and wondered at the harsh life in this barren land. A nice little jaunt if it's not crowded but not worth a conga line to see.

Our last hike was near the north entrance on an out and back to Contact Mine, about 5 miles total. It offered a little work in elevation and terrain, and paid off with a high view of the Pinto Mountains. The remains of the mine were less spectacular but this was perfect for solitude. We passed a couple going in as we were heading out and that was it on the hike. Rock climbers use the same pull off to access their boulders.

Honorable mentions also go to the very short but rewarding trip to Silver Bell Mine, and the loop hike at the Cottonwood entrance to Mastodon Peak. Any hike up elevation is going to give you massive views and put a dream-like quality to your place on the planet.

Take Aways 

•  Go off season, avoiding school holidays and busy weekends.
•  The campgrounds fill, even in the off season, so make reservations or go early and stand by. 
•  There's plenty opportunity for back country camping if you're a backpacker. 
•  Seek out the lesser known trails and ask the Rangers for recommendations of hikes with          solitude along with views.
• GET UP EARLY AND GET OUT THERE! 
• Get a map and use it.
• As with all parks and wilderness areas, pack your water and snacks, carry them with you. There are no snack bars and restaurants are miles and miles away. Don't miss out on the back country because you get hungry.

Suggestions

Breakfast/Coffee: Mojave Moon Café in 29 Palms (hidden gem, superb coffee!). The ever popular Crossroads Café in Joshua Tree.

Beer and a Burger: Joshua Tree Saloon in Joshua Tree, as close to the entrance as possible. The absolute best sweet potato fries, get the upgrade!

Pizza and salads: Pie for the People in Joshua Tree. There's a coffee house in the courtyard behind the joint.

General purpose (just because you're in the region): Pappy and Harriet's. Great smoked meats, beer, live music, etc. Don't think about your diet. And they take reservations, MAKE THEM!

Air BNB: Silver Streak near Pioneertown. Stay somewhere unique, or camp.