Joshua Tree with Friends
The first time I visited Joshua Tree, I literally said, “It’s just rocks!”. Little did I know it would become one of my favorite getaway spot in California. Driving through Joshua Tree makes you feel like you’re Furiosa headed to gas town in Mad Max Fury Road even if you’re driving a Honda civic instead of the war rig. I am a sucker for any spot that has endless room to explore and hikes for days. My best friends, Cherelle and Carlos, and I spent a couple days in the desert for the 4th and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend the holiday any other way.
How to get there: Joshua Tree is a quick hour and forty-five-minute drive from LA. It’s anything but scenic but the Windmills, Cabazon outlets and Dinosaurs help with the monotony.
Where to stay: Last time we were in Joshua Tree, we were BROKE! We stayed at a motel for $60 a night and made the absolute best of it. We hardly spent any time in the room so it was bearable. This time around we Airbnd’d (obviously not a word) and it was the perfect little house for us. It was a 5-minute drive from the park and our hosts were the best.
Where to eat:
Pie for the People: After a long day of hiking Cherelle and I felt like we deserved endless carbs. The pizza was awesome and they had a two for one special going so we ate more than we should have.
Natural Sisters Café: A VEGAN spot in the middle of the desert! (Heart eyes emoji) That’s all I have to say about that.
What to see & do
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Art Museum: The outdoor museum sits on 10 areas and is home to endless environment sculptures. I saw a few pictures on Instagram and didn’t want to leave Joshua Tree without checking it out. Its donation based and the art is very cool.
World Famous Crochet Museum: I was dying to visit this place during the first visit but we didn’t make it. It is hands down on the creepiest places I’ve ever seen but super cool. The little green house located in the artist village is filled with thousands of crochets items including toys, blankets and clothes.
Hikes:
FortyNine Palms Oasis Trail: If you are just passing through Joshua tree and want to hike without paying an entrance fee, then this is the hike for you. It’s about 3 miles up and back hike that takes about hour and a half. The trail begins uphill revealing a more beautiful view of the valley with each step. At the half way point, you begin to head down hill and the refreshing palm trees of the oasis begin to appear. We did the hike just before sunset and catch the beautiful pinks and oranges that cover the desert.
Arch rock: It’s honestly just a really great spot to take an Instagram pictures. Park your car, walk less than .5 miles take your picture then get back to the hikes.
Ryan mountain: A moderate to strenuous hike that will leave you breathless at 5,457 feet. The views also contribute to the breathlessness but make sure you pack light and bring lots of water.
It meant everything to spend a couple days with my best friends after a long year in New Jersey and before a three-month assignment in China. If I could change one thing about our national parks, it would be the amount of African Americans that I see each time I go. I love a trip out of the country as much as the next person but I urge young travelers especially young black travelers to explore what is right here at home. Your tax dollars go to pay for the up keep of these parks and they are worth at least one visit during your lifetime. Let’s see more young black travelers in Yosemite, Joshua Tree and Zion National Park.
