Joshua Tree National Park & Painted Canyon: December 2015
It is time to write about a rather grand trek from a few months ago.
Joshua Tree National Park
With Christmas around the corner and a full schedule after the first of the year, it was time that Don and I set out for the desert for a few days. When I mentioned that I wanted to take the Bus (my 1986 VW Vanagon), he was quick with the perfect response, “Great, we will look like a couple of old hippies,” and the die was cast. As for destination, we quickly agreed to head to Joshua Tree National Park, which lies east of Los Angeles and north of Palm Springs, with no set route or destination, merely an understanding that we would plan on the road and hike as much as we could.
With the bus set up and food and clothing stored, we were off for the desert. But first we had to stop for coffee with a couple of friends, and being retired, whenever we got off meant we were on schedule. An hour later found us off on phase one: 300 miles to Joshua Tree.
The story goes that Joshua trees got their name from goes a group of Mormon settlers crossing the Mojave Desert saw a "tree” with its branches outstretched and thought of the Biblical character Joshua as he reached his hands up to the sky in prayer.
Once in the park we headed for Jumbo Rock Campground, which fortunately was only about 20 percent full, meaning we had a large area to ourselves.
After popping the top and setting up the beds (top for me, bottom for Don), we were ready for a quick dinner. It being mid-December at 4,400 feet, the sun set around 5:00 PM, and things quickly cooled down. Soon we were sitting under the stars reading with our head lamps and shivering, when it donned on us, Why not get in the bus? Even though I had a small propane heater, we left it in the cabinet and wrapped up in a couple of wool blankets until it was time to crash.
It was my first time in years sleeping up under the pop-top, and that night, I must admit, though it was a bit brisk, I remembered the joy of sleeping up.
The next morning, after a great breakfast of Don’s amazing bran muffins, we were ready for a hike. Close to the campsite was the Split Rock Trail trailhead, and we headed off among the amazing rocks in the area.
Though the trail was well maintained, we soon found ourselves abandoning it and off on our own, heading up through the various prickly bushes and arroyos in search of a summit and a view of the area.
With the sun beginning to dip, it was time to head down and back to the bus for our next campground, Cottonwood, at the south end of the national park. The road south wanders through the bottom of the Mojave Desert, and with a 1,500-foot drop in elevation, we observed a subtle change in vegetation.There were fewer Joshua Trees, and now we saw the Ocotillo, a plant that looks like a group of large spiny sticks.
When it receives rain, it will quickly leaf out into small green leaves, which may last for weeks. According to a roadside sign, this may occur up to five times a year. During a wet spring or summer, bright red flowers may appear on the ends of the branches.
We encountered a few ocotillo that were showing some green, but most were still in their dormant stage.
Another plant we observed—from afar—was the cholla, called by some the “jumping Cholla,” because it so readily attaches to anything and is rather painful. I know the plant does not shoot out needles, yet I seem to end up with a few attached to my clothes no matter how careful I am.
.heic)
It was truly a memorable hike and something that will bring smiles to our faces when we think about it in the future. A special thanks to Don for putting up with me.
The Bus in Jumbo Rock Campground, Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park
With Christmas around the corner and a full schedule after the first of the year, it was time that Don and I set out for the desert for a few days. When I mentioned that I wanted to take the Bus (my 1986 VW Vanagon), he was quick with the perfect response, “Great, we will look like a couple of old hippies,” and the die was cast. As for destination, we quickly agreed to head to Joshua Tree National Park, which lies east of Los Angeles and north of Palm Springs, with no set route or destination, merely an understanding that we would plan on the road and hike as much as we could.
With the bus set up and food and clothing stored, we were off for the desert. But first we had to stop for coffee with a couple of friends, and being retired, whenever we got off meant we were on schedule. An hour later found us off on phase one: 300 miles to Joshua Tree.
Joshua trees,Yucca brevifolia, members of the agave family.
The story goes that Joshua trees got their name from goes a group of Mormon settlers crossing the Mojave Desert saw a "tree” with its branches outstretched and thought of the Biblical character Joshua as he reached his hands up to the sky in prayer.
Once in the park we headed for Jumbo Rock Campground, which fortunately was only about 20 percent full, meaning we had a large area to ourselves.
Jumbo Rock Campground, Joshua Tree National Park
After popping the top and setting up the beds (top for me, bottom for Don), we were ready for a quick dinner. It being mid-December at 4,400 feet, the sun set around 5:00 PM, and things quickly cooled down. Soon we were sitting under the stars reading with our head lamps and shivering, when it donned on us, Why not get in the bus? Even though I had a small propane heater, we left it in the cabinet and wrapped up in a couple of wool blankets until it was time to crash.
Anza-Borrego, not Joshua Tree, but it gives the idea of sleeping up in the VW & awaking to the sun warming the top.
It was my first time in years sleeping up under the pop-top, and that night, I must admit, though it was a bit brisk, I remembered the joy of sleeping up.
Don heading to Split Rock Trail.
The next morning, after a great breakfast of Don’s amazing bran muffins, we were ready for a hike. Close to the campsite was the Split Rock Trail trailhead, and we headed off among the amazing rocks in the area.
The imagination goes crazy looking at the rocks.
Darth Vader?
A Pelican?
Though the trail was well maintained, we soon found ourselves abandoning it and off on our own, heading up through the various prickly bushes and arroyos in search of a summit and a view of the area.
Don heading cross-country to the summit.
Getting around rocks & prickly bushes.
Note the incline--it was a nice walk up. Some arroyos required us to drop 30 feet, only to then reclaim that elevation as we steadily made our way up the hill. After a while of climbing, we found the vantage point we sought and enjoyed the vistas.
Don enjoying the view from the top.
View from the top.
Last February: Ocotillo in bloom dwarfs Doug.
When it receives rain, it will quickly leaf out into small green leaves, which may last for weeks. According to a roadside sign, this may occur up to five times a year. During a wet spring or summer, bright red flowers may appear on the ends of the branches.
Ocotillo blooms. Note the spines.
We encountered a few ocotillo that were showing some green, but most were still in their dormant stage.
Another plant we observed—from afar—was the cholla, called by some the “jumping Cholla,” because it so readily attaches to anything and is rather painful. I know the plant does not shoot out needles, yet I seem to end up with a few attached to my clothes no matter how careful I am.
.heic)
Don't cuddle a Teddy Bear Cholla!
There is a cholla garden adjacent to the road with wide paths throughout affording the ability to observe this beautiful cacti while remaining a safe distance from its spines.
Our destination, Cottonwood Campground, being almost 1,500 feet lower than the previous night’s campsite, enabled us to enjoy the evening, and I must say I slept a bit warmer. The next morning, after visiting Cottonwood Spring, the trailhead to Lost Palm Oasis, we stopped at the ranger station. We expected to hike in the area, but when told of a “slot canyon” with ladders near the northern end of the Salton Sea, we instead headed south out of the park and soon were on a great road that followed a drainage area.
Cottonwood Spring trailhead to Los Palm Oasis
We finally found our turn off, Painted Canyon, with a sign saying 4-wheel drive only, 5 miles. Now if you have followed my treks, you may recall the bus recently did a rather intense 4-wheel road near Mt. Tom in the Sierras, so I smiled and off we went. In retrospect, I wonder why the sign, for the road though rough was easy, and there were many cars at the trailhead.
This area is an alluvial fan of mud and silt and has many small canyons where water has found its way toward the Salton Sea. This is not the stunning slot canyons of the Utah area, yet it turned out to be a very enjoyable hike. The first groups we encountered were also novices, but soon two young ladies appeared who were able to give us directions to the entrance of the slot canyon: Turn left at the arrow.
Don beginning Painted Canyon hike.
As we walked up the canyon, we observed a rock grouping resembling an arrow and headed that way. I shall let the pictures speak for the hike.
Heading down
At times we had to scramble up.
Going up...
and up on a rather unique ladder. Note the second rung from the top is broken.
And that's why it's called a slot canyon.
Going up again.
Thank you to the hiking club, for though a bit rickety, without the ladders, the hike cannot be done.
Looking down at top of ladder.
An open section of the trail.
Taking a break.
Almost to the top...
Two old hippies on top of Painted Canyon.
Heading back down...
and down.
It was truly a memorable hike and something that will bring smiles to our faces when we think about it in the future. A special thanks to Don for putting up with me.
--Doug
Great story. Another bucket list location. I will say slot canyons give me a fright, but that may be from growing up with stories of flash floods from a water man.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you both for the enjoyable virtual hike. I've never visited this area.
ReplyDelete