Discovering Joshua Tree

Summary

James Baxter recounts a transformative week-long adventure in Joshua Tree National Park, experiencing its serene beauty, unique landscapes, and the mystical allure of the desert.

Abstract

James Baxter shares his personal journey through Joshua Tree National Park, a destination he had longed to visit. He describes the park's ethereal beauty, which photos cannot fully capture, and his awe-inspiring experiences, such as watching the sunset from atop a boulder on his first evening. Baxter is captivated by the desert's serenity and the park's natural playground of rock formations and Joshua trees, which rekindle a childlike joy in him. Highlights of his trip include a recommended hike up Ryan Mountain for its panoramic views and a meditative experience atop rock escarpments that left him feeling a profound sense of calm. The trip culminates in a series of breathtaking sunsets that solidify his deep connection to the park, leaving him with unforgettable memories and a strong desire to return.

Opinions

Baxter believes that the Joshua tree's status as a plant rather than a tree adds to the park's intrigue.
He holds the Ryan Mountain hike in high regard, considering it the best value for effort due to its well-built trail and expansive views.
Baxter finds a unique peace in the desert, particularly when meditating atop the park's rock formations.
He is deeply moved by the park's sunsets, describing them as a transformative experience that warrants a return visit.
The author's enthusiasm for the park is evident, as he encourages others to explore this desert playground and assures them they won't be disappointed.

A week of exploring my favourite desert playground

Did you know that the Joshua tree is in fact not actually a tree but a plant? True story, and they can live up to a 1000 years. This is a part of the world I had been wanting to visit for as long as I can remember. Photos will never truly capture the ethereal beauty this place has to offer. Pulling into the park just before sunset left me a little mesmerized. I parked at the first major pullout and scrambled up a large craggy boulder. The sky was bathed in milky golden light and the air was soundless as I watched my first sunset in Joshua Tree.

There are few places that have had the same effect on me as arriving in Joshua Tree that day. I sat for a while taking in the scenery as best I could. Deserts have always held a mysticism for me. A certain serenity exists in them where I have always found peace. I was here for a week of trail running and scrambling while I explored this unique corner of the world.

Upon arriving there, I didn’t know where to look first. It is a natural playground of rocky slabs and oddly shaped boulders. I felt ten again. All I wanted to do was run and play amongst the rocks and twisted trees that filled the park.

I arrived early the next morning twitching with excitement. I had a list of places to visit that day and started with a run up Ryan mountain. For anyone that makes it to Joshua Tree I highly recommend this hike. With its well-built trail and 360-degree views, I think it is the best value for effort in the park. With an out-and-back distance of 4.8km and an elevation gain of 320m, this popular hike is well worth the grind.

When I got back to the parking lot it wasn’t even 10 AM yet. I was primed now and all I could think was I wanted more. I drove further into the park to do some scrambling on various rocky escarpments I’d noticed the day before. As soon as I would climb to the top of one rock mound, I would see five more that I wanted to climb. This went on for several hours. The sun was still high in the sky when I finally ran out of boulders. I took my time wandering through the desert on my way back to the car while thinking of where to go next.

The rest of that day was spent doing more of the same. I would occasionally stop on top of a large rock escarpment and meditate for a while. I’ve practised meditation for years. Sitting high above the desert my mind quieted faster than it ever had previously before. It was like being lowered into a warm bath. Calm velvety energy washed over me. I had never felt anything like it previously and will go back there for the sole reason to have that experience again.

My evenings there were always spent high on a boulder somewhere watching the sunset. The sounds of campers and their furry companions filled the distance background. Wispy finger-like clouds twisted out from the horizon welcoming the sun home from another day. Blue became orange then violet as the fiery sphere fell from view. The air was cool in the growing darkness and as still as deep space. I never knew how to leave an experience like that. I would scramble back down during the last moments of light knowing I was in a place where I had developed a deep connection.

The time I had in Joshua Tree was magical. There is an outer-worldly beauty waiting there for anyone who makes the trip. People I’ve spoken to that have been there all rave about the park’s unique atmosphere. My time running and exploring the different areas of the park are some of my favourite memories from recent years.

For anyone curious about visiting Joshua Tree, I highly recommend giving yourself the chance to explore this incredible desert playground. You won’t be disappointed!