Day 1 of our California road-trip:
After we landed at LAX, we picked up the rental car and hit the road for our first national park of the trip- Joshua Tree. We made some stops along the way for food/other supplies, but still made it in good timing to explore the park. We of course stopped by the visitor center to grab our passport stamp and a cool souvenir- this is a must at every park!
Hikes we got to explore:
Ryan Mountain Trail
- About 18 miles from the visitor center to the trailhead
- 3 miles out and back trail
- One of the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree
- Steep climbing on the way up to the summit and downhill on the way back
- 360 degree views of the park at the top
Discovery Trail
- 23 miles from the visitor center to the parking area
- .70 mile loop
- Easy walk to see cool boulders, skull rock, and split rock
Barker Dam
- About 16 miles from the visitor center to the parking area
- 1.1 mile loop
- Great loop to explore some of the cultural history in the park
Must See at Joshua Tree National Park
Sunrise at Cholla Cactus Garden– 12 miles south of the parks north entrance
