Help - Palm Springs and Joshua Tree

[Ramm9]

I'm going to be in Palm Springs and thought I would spend a few nights in the desert, probably in Joshua Tree but doesn't have to be. I started looking in trail books and maps and realized some of you may know the area pretty well and could suggest a few backpacking routes.

I want to keep it easy to moderate, up to four nights, and around 7 to 10 miles a day and camp wherever although would like to be able to use my hammock. I'll need to replenish water, 35lbs or more of just water starting out is too much for me, a couple of gallons will be about max.

Any ideas from you Southerners down that way?

 

[jds1]

The NPS site might be a good place to start. http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm Check out the link for trail maps too.

Jeff

 

[C Bryant]

I was in Joshua Treeva few weeks ago.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=629141

I have never done any backpacking there, just day hikes. There is the California Riding and Hiking Trail that goes from one end of the park to another.
Map: http://www.go-california.com/CA/images/photos/NPS-JOTR_map-large.jpg
Info: http://www.protrails.com/trail.php?trailID=214
Info: http://www.desertgold.com/park/hikes/crh.html

Hope that helps a little

 

[SilverFoxKnows]

Don't rule out Anza-Borrego. Look up the morteros in Blair Valley. On the map it's only two squares south of Joshua Tree, maybe you can do both.

Frank

 

[Ramm9]

Thanks for the links.

C Bryant, I remember seeing some of your photo's that had me thinking of a trip there.

I've never heard of Anza-Borrego so I'll look into it. The PCT passes near Palm Springs also so there may be some side trails off it as well.

 

[jds1]

Here's a site with some photos to wet your appetite.

http://www.joshuatreepictures.com/about.htm

Jeff

 

[bikermikearchery]

Go to the Joshua Tree NP, This time of the year is the best to see it. Is is a big park with a lot to see. If you like bouldering there are some good rocks to climb. Is has a lot of Wildlife diversity and this time of the year everything is out.
As always carry lots of water. it is best if you get up before dawn and enjoy the sun rise on the desert. That is also when the wildlife will be most active. It bill be brisk in the morning and a jacket will be handy. Once the sun light hits the valley floors it warms up quickly. You can leave the hammock at home, its hard to find two trees close enough together to put a hammock up.
Bring, and carry lots of water A tweezers in your first aid kit is handy also, lots of thorny stuff there.

 

[Ramm9]

You can leave the hammock at home, its hard to find two trees close enough together to put a hammock up.
Bring, and carry lots of water A tweezers in your first aid kit is handy also, lots of thorny stuff there.

Thanks, I kind of thought it wouldn't be a hammock friendly area although two rocks could work it isn't worth the time.

 

[Ramm9]

Thanks for the advice and links, the trip worked out great and I had four days and nights traveling the transition zone solo between the Colorado and Mojave deserts.

Rather than following any fixed trails it was all cross country. Entered the park at the southern Cottonwood entrance, parked at the Turkey Flats back country board and headed southwest toward fried liver wash and the Eldorado mine.

The time of year was perfect as the daytime temps were low 80's tops but did have a day of constant high winds and one cold (high 30's?) night.

With the exception of occasional vehicles on the Pinto Basin Road another human was not to be seen the entire hike.

 

[C Bryant]

Sounds great, I'm glad you had a good time. Had anything bloomed yet? When I was there all of the plants were just gearing up for it.

 

[tknife]

That sounds like an awesome trip!

 

[sasha]

Post some more pics if you have any and tell us about your trip more. What did you do about water???

Sasha

 

[jds1]

With the exception of occasional vehicles on the Pinto Basin Road another human was not to be seen the entire hike.

:thumbup:

Jeff

 

[Ramm9]

Sounds great, I'm glad you had a good time. Had anything bloomed yet? When I was there all of the plants were just gearing up for it.

Yes, lots of wildflowers and cacti in bloom although many others had already bloomed and were drying out. It was really colorful...for the desert. Saw a lot of blooming Barrel Cactus, Beaver Tail Cactus and Ocotillo.

Post some more pics if you have any and tell us about your trip more. What did you do about water???

Sasha

Unfortunately, my camera died one day in so the picture taking was a bust. Fortunately, I discovered the problem when I resupplied and before I headed back out with the camera and tripod so I was not carrying the extra load unnecessarily.

I packed water, 13 liters to begin. I resupplied after two nights and as the temps were not too high carried 8 or 9 liters out for the last two days. I can't imagine what the summer temperatures would demand but would venture to guess you couldn't carry enough water to get very far.