"Sleep Comes Like a Drug in God's Country"

I've visited California a handful of times, and have never been able to organize a day-trip to Joshua Tree National Park.  This time, I traveled alone so I could selfishly create the agenda; Joshua Tree was the only thing on my list.

One thing I was not prepared for was the sheer magnitude of the park.  Consisting of 790,000 acres, the park is larger than the State of Rhode Island, and took a few hours cruise about.

As I made my way through the park I stopped numerous times to really take in the unusual trees, each distinct with their own geometric beauty.  Technically not a tree, the "Joshua Tree" is a actually named Yucca Brevifolia, a plant species in the Agave family.  Although highly-concentrated in Joshua Tree National Park, I did see them throughout the entire Mojave Desert region.

Another surprise I saw early on were the massive boulders and opportunity for rock-climbing.  I was not prepared with the proper equipment, but should you be an avid climbing fan, there are 8,000 climbing routes in the park to choose from!

I'll keep this entry short and sweet; visit this place with your camera and accompanying music.  I will be returning soon to further explore more of this incredible park, but until then...I'm comin' home, baby.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Joshua Tree National Park
• Massive Boulders throughout were as incredible as the trees
• Drive through Mojave Desert region before and after my visit

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Driving to the park from the Arizona-side offers more tranquil scenery than if coming from the heavy traffic LA-side.
• Bring plenty of water
• Bring proper hiking gear, as well as climbing gear for the massive rocks
• Visit sometime between Oct-May to avoid excessive heat