I am planning to spend some time in Joshua Tree and Anza Borrego this spring with my wife and son.
I would like to hear recommendations on hikes and things to see, as well as any suggestions on gear, etc.
I have read a few books and compiled a rough list, but value this communities input.
This will be my first time into the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, and although I work in the Great Basin most summers, I think of this as my first time into the real desert (although I did spend a few days in the northern Sahara years ago ).
We plan to fly into San Diego, rent a vehicle, purchase coolers (we will donate these to charity at the end of the trip), load them with mostly non-perishable food and head NE. We are planning for 5 gallons of water per day and will probably just purchase those jugs at a store. We understand that water refill is possible but not abundant in the area.
Our rough plan is to be in Anza for 2 days, and in JT for 3-4 days, and hope to swing by the Sultan Sea at some point.
A little background on me: I basically live in the bush for most of the year for work, and have been doing so for over 13 yrs. I am usually out for 5-8 days at a time, living out of my pack or truck, so the outdoors isnt much of an unknown thing for me. I also taught outdoor survival and primitive living skills for a few years, but my focus was on winter conditions, as I lived in the Cascade Mts. I have considerable technical outdoor gear, and my family is reasonably fit and equally equipped. That being said, what I know is still very little.
But I would value anyones ideas, especially desert related pointers, and any thoughts from those who have spent time in this area. This is a trip I have been waiting to do for many years and I want to maximize the good time, as well as be safe.
Death Valley comes next (so pointers for there are cool, too )
Thank you very much.
I would like to hear recommendations on hikes and things to see, as well as any suggestions on gear, etc.
I have read a few books and compiled a rough list, but value this communities input.
This will be my first time into the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, and although I work in the Great Basin most summers, I think of this as my first time into the real desert (although I did spend a few days in the northern Sahara years ago ).
We plan to fly into San Diego, rent a vehicle, purchase coolers (we will donate these to charity at the end of the trip), load them with mostly non-perishable food and head NE. We are planning for 5 gallons of water per day and will probably just purchase those jugs at a store. We understand that water refill is possible but not abundant in the area.
Our rough plan is to be in Anza for 2 days, and in JT for 3-4 days, and hope to swing by the Sultan Sea at some point.
A little background on me: I basically live in the bush for most of the year for work, and have been doing so for over 13 yrs. I am usually out for 5-8 days at a time, living out of my pack or truck, so the outdoors isnt much of an unknown thing for me. I also taught outdoor survival and primitive living skills for a few years, but my focus was on winter conditions, as I lived in the Cascade Mts. I have considerable technical outdoor gear, and my family is reasonably fit and equally equipped. That being said, what I know is still very little.
But I would value anyones ideas, especially desert related pointers, and any thoughts from those who have spent time in this area. This is a trip I have been waiting to do for many years and I want to maximize the good time, as well as be safe.
Death Valley comes next (so pointers for there are cool, too )
Thank you very much.
