Joshua Tree National Park can be found where the Mojave Desert and Colorado Desert meet. The park not only consists of Joshua trees, but also palm trees, massive rocks, cholla cacti, and much more in this otherworldly landscape. There’s a plethora of hiking inside the park, but these four hikes always brought calmness during moments of inner chaos. Make sure to be on the lookout for rabbits, tortoises, quails, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and other desert animals while enjoying the desert solitude.
What to bring:
- Water—and lots of it.
- Hiking shoes or sandals—wear socks with your sandals!
- A sustainable snack—such as a granola bar, fruit, or trail mix.
- Layers—temperatures tend to fluctuate a lot especially around sunrise and sunset.
- Tweezers—you never know when you may run into a prickly cactus.
49 Palms Oasis
This moderate, three-mile in and out hike is full of both uphill and downhill terrain until reaching a peaceful oasis in the middle of a valley of rocks. The trailhead is located in the northwestern area of the park, so it can be accessed without paying the $30 park entrance fee. This hike is enjoyable because it is not located on Park Blvd, the main road that goes through the park, so there normally are not as many hikers on the trail. The first part of the hike is spent trudging uphill with breathtaking panoramas of Twentynine Palms and other surrounding desert towns. The second part is hiking down the other side of the hill to reach the secluded oasis where the only things heard are palms blowing in the wind and distant chirps of birds. If you’re going on this hike in the fall make sure to keep an eye out for male tarantulas looking for mates as I’ve seen multiple around this area. Although they may be creepy-looking, these spiders are basically harmless if you keep your distance.
Barker Dam
This easy, 1.5-mile loop is one of the known places to find water inside the park, but usually only in the winter and spring. One fall morning I woke up before sunrise after a night of rain in hope of seeing water in the dam, but I was not lucky enough. This hike consists of climbing on gneiss rocks and petroglyphs drawn by Native Americans. This is also one of the few hikes in the park to have plaques giving information about the plants that inhabit the park. Even though this hike is short, you will still feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere while in a valley of rocks.
Lost Palms Oasis
This moderate hike is located at the southernmost part of the park, where the Colorado Desert ecosystem can be seen. If you’re hoping to spend time with Joshua Trees this is not the hike for you, but if you’re looking for gigantic palms and lumpy landscapes then you’re in the right place. This 7.2-mile in and out hike is a surreal journey through the desert. Panoramic views and mighty rocks surround the mostly flat hike. The oasis is located in a valley, which features a line of palm trees among the rocks. Unlike the 49 Palms Oasis trail, this hike allows you to walk right beneath the palm trees. It feels as if the smooth palms and hairy trunk protect me as I enjoy their shade.
Ryan Mountain
Ryan Mountain is a strenuous, 3-mile hike up to a peak in the park. If you’re looking for a workout, then this is it. I would recommend doing this hike in the early morning or close to sunset, especially if you’re going during the warmer months of the year. The quick change in elevation caused a pounding in my head as I hiked up the manmade steps to the peak. Once at the top of the mountain, there is a panoramic view of Joshua Tree’s sparseness. The rocks seem as if they are perfectly placed among the desert flatness.
There are so many amazing hikes in Joshua Tree National Park with a variety of views and plants. Getting lost in this dry paradise is truly good for the soul. Once you’re finished with a long day of hiking make sure to grab some food at the local restaurants. My personal favorites are the Joshua Tree Saloon, Pie for the People, The Natural Sisters Cafe, and Pappy & Harriet’s.
RILEY J ROAMS 
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