Comments on: Desert Fever

By: Derek

Derek — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:19:32 +0000

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.

By: meatball

meatball — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:05:13 +0000

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!

By: Modern Hiker

Modern Hiker — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:01:58 +0000

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!

By: Meatball

Meatball — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:56:58 +0000

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?

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:22:02 +0000

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.

By: Kolby

Kolby — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:44:09 +0000

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.

By: GeekHiker

GeekHiker — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:30:20 +0000

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!

By: Derek

Derek — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:10:57 +0000

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.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:23:17 +0000

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!