Something about the cooler weather in Southern California makes me want to spend a lot of time in the desert.
Other than the spring bloom season, the winter is, by far, the best time to visit a desert park. Daytime temperatures won’t boil you alive, nights are chilly and brisk, and the entire atmosphere is calm and quiet (if you can avoid boisterous climbers at Joshua Tree, that is).
A few local hiking bloggers appear to have the same seasonal urgings, it seems. Rockgrrl is getting ready to lead a climbing expedition to Joshua Tree, GeekHiker did a bit of exploring around Anza-Borrego (and got his fall-fix at Julian and Oak Glen), and 100 Peaks has been enjoying both areas as well – and has some really great info on peaks in and around Anza-Borrego up right now, too. Definitely worth checking out.
For a variety of reasons (including an unfortunate car break-in), I’ve been unable to get out onto the trails for a few weeks – and I’m starting to think a desert camping trip over Thanksgiving weekend is the only way out of it.
So … anyone else headed out to the desert anytime soon? Got any favorite places you’d like to share?
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I’m getting all antsy for my big annual desert trip too. I’ve been picking up my Zdon Desert Summits book multiple times a day and longingly flipping through it. We’ll be out the week of Thanksgiving, bagging peaks, exploring ruins and petroglyphs, wandering canyons, and filling gigabytes of camera memory. Can’t wait!
Thanks for the nod in the post.
I’ve been a desert camper since my teens, especially getting out there in the dead of winter. Something about the cool air and the angle of the light and shadows makes it a wonderful place and time.
The Anza-Borrego Desert is such a vast place. You could easily spend a week there and not scratch the surface of what you can do and see. The last couple of peaks I climbed in the Mount Laguna area are perched at the edge of the Anza-Borrego valley and really show you how large this desert truly is.
Another great area is Death Valley, which has Badwater, sand dunes, and telescope peak. We went from snow to sand within an hour one year.
I can’t get enough of the desert, but it isn’t the best place for small children, because everything seems spiky. I can’t wait for my daughter to get a little older.
Funny you should mention it. I’ve actually been toying with the idea of a DV trip over Thanksgiving, but I don’t think I’ll be picking up a new sleeping bag between now and then (I’ve only just started the shopping process which, for me, is long). My old bag has pretty much been reduced to summer use. :(
But if you go, have a spectacular time!
I’m going camping this weekend in the Mojave National Preserve where I hope to complete four hikes. Surprisingly few visitors for an area larger than Rhode Island.
I am trying to muster my pals for a 34 mile overnighter on the PCT from Hwy 78 to Warner Springs. I too am shooting for Thanksgiving weekend. We haven’t got runway clearance yet (a reference to getting my wife’s approval or acquiescence), but I have definitely been chomping at the bit.
A buddy and I are headed out to Joshua Tree on the 12th. It’s my first trip to CA, and first desert hiking trip despite being fascinated with deserts my whole life. What’s your favorite hike in the area?
Meatball, depending on how much time you’ve got there, there’s a lot to explore. They’re not particularly difficult trails, but the Ryan Mountain Trail and Barker Dam Loop are great introductions to the park with some really top-notch views along the way.
I really had fun going to Queen Mountain and exploring The Maze, too – and if you want, you can try to backpack or make an intense dayhike to Quail Mountain. All great stuff!
And make sure you stop at the Crossroads Cafe in the town of Joshua Tree for some good eats!
Thanks for the tips! I was researching The Maze last night and it looks amazing. I’ll put the others on my list and see what we can accomplish in our 3 full days there.
Thanks again!
The Lost Horse Mine Trail is also pretty good and not too difficult. It is a little burnt from the some fires earlier this year, but the views, especially from the summit, are pretty excellent. It’s a nice hike after you drive up to Keys View.
You can see some pics here:
http://www.100peaks.com/2009/10/22/joshua-tree-a-short-trip/
Have a great trip. It’s one of my favorite places and is sort of a cooling off spot for me when life gets too hectic.
And my “secret spot” is out there.