Joshua Tree National Park

"The really wonderful moments of joy in this world are not the moments of self-satisfaction, but self-forgetfulness.
Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon and contemplating your own greatness is pathological.
At such moments we are made for a magnificent joy that comes from outside ourselves."

-John Piper | Don't Waste Your Life

Although it was not the Grand Canyon, a weekend trip to Joshua Tree National Park in California was a great reminder that we are made for a magnificent joy that comes from outside ourselves. 

Since it was a quick weekend trip, our carry-on backpacks were loaded up with non-perishable groceries (fruit, trail mix, jerky, stuff for avocado wraps, pb&j) for meals ahead of time. However, we did make a quick stop the next morning to pick-up a case of water to bring with to the desert.

Joshua Tree National Park is located about three hours from Los Angeles. It covers approximately 800,000 square miles and contains two deserts, the Mojave and Colorado. The Visitor Center was our first stop to watch an introduction movie and more importantly, to get our National Park Passports stamped.

From there, we drove into the park to see the rare Joshua Tree(s) and to spend the day hiking.

The Joshua Tree is native to the southwestern part of the United States (California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah) and only grows in the Mojave Desert at 2,000 - 6,000 feet. In order to reproduce, the trees rely on the yucca moth for pollination.

I lost track of the number of times we pulled the car over on the side of the road and got out to walk among the Joshua Trees, amazed by their unusual appearance.

The first hike was a couple of miles, up and over to a valley containing an oasis. It was remarkable and welcoming to see forty-nine palms standing tall and green, providing some shade, all while being surrounded by nothing but desert.

Split Rock was the next stop and there is a newer trail here that opened about two months ago. The rock formations were absolutely incredible. 

As it was springtime, the Joshua Trees, cacti, and some other plants were blooming. The colors on the cacti especially were vivid compared to the dry and brown surroundings, ranging from pinks to oranges depending on the species. 

And the rock formations and views throughout the entire park were truly incredible. 

I even got to do a little birding too. The hummingbirds were my favorite. 

This time of year, the average high temperature is 85* with a low of 50*. Thankfully, it was a cooler, pleasant day around 65* with a lot of sunshine. We were craving some Vitamin D after the long winter, so it was a warm welcome.

Matt especially took to climbing and jumping from boulder to boulder. The area near Skull Rock was the perfect playground for him.

The six-shooter tour came to Keyes View which overlooks the San Andreas Fault line.

Hidden Valley was another nice area with easy and flat hiking.

We could not help but marvel at creation and the One who created it all.

As the last rays of sun brought final warmth to the desert, we pulled over at Quail Springs and climbed up the nearest rocks to watch the sun disappear behind the mountains. Oh, how we were reminded as the day came to an end that we were made for joy that comes from outside of ourselves.

On Sunday, we worshipped with one of my college roommates and her husband at their church. It was so good to see them and catch up for a bit. She recommended brunch at The Source in Hermosa Beach.  It was delicious; I ordered a turkey panini, a zucchini-carrot GF muffin, and the healthy glow 2 [orange, carrot, apple, spinach, ginger juice]. 

From there, we ventured over to the Santa Monica pier to rent bikes.

Once and a while, there would be sand on the trail, so we would hop off, walk through, and then continue on. All in all, the warm sunshine made the afternoon and leisurely 16 mile ride even more enjoyable for us Minnesotans. 

Last but not least, Matt loves to review and breakdown hotel stays, so if you ever find yourself in the area here are some of our thoughts after staying at two hotels halfway between LA and Joshua Tree NP.

Holiday Inn Colton-Riverside North: A one-night stay required 10,000 IHG points and was what you would expect from a typical Holiday Inn, comfortable and basic. There was a continental breakfast which Matt loved, but for foodies and health nuts like Adam and I, we could have gone without. Yet, we did manage to eat some yogurt and bananas.

Four Points by Sheraton Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga: A one-night stay required 3,000 SPG points. We have become fans of SPG properties, and our experience here was no different. It was a very nicely decorated and comfortable room. Although breakfast was not included (a markdown from Matt), we preferred this stay over the one at the Holiday Inn.