Southern California Joshua Tree NP?

[bobbiwoz]

We are thinking we will book the Westbound Panama Canal cruise on DCL next May. It will arrive in SD on the 17th of May, a Saturday. We have relatives we would like to spend the day with and then we would like to visit Joshua Tree NP. I am not able to hike trails, but would do boardwalk type HA trails, and go to Visitor's Centers and go to scenic overlooks. For the things that I want to do, would a trip of 1 day at the park or 2 days be better.

Thank you.
Bobbi

 

[rpbert1]

We go to JT when we are there as our cousin lives close to the entrance. i personally would say 1 day would be fine, but we do not do a lot of hiking or walking but spending a few hours there is lovely, its a couple of hours drive i think to get there from SD

 

[Camonkeygirl]

We go to JT when we are there as our cousin lives close to the entrance. i personally would say 1 day would be fine, but we do not do a lot of hiking or walking but spending a few hours there is lovely, its a couple of hours drive i think to get there from SD

It is right about 3 hours with traffic. dh and I just spent 4 days there. I would suggest making reservations for the Keys Rnch Tour as it was a lot of fun

 

[bobbiwoz]

It is right about 3 hours with traffic. dh and I just spent 4 days there. I would suggest making reservations for the Keys Rnch Tour as it was a lot of fun

Is the Keys Ranch something to be done through the NP Service?

 

[bobbiwoz]

I am not sure I can do a 90 minute walking tour, but I will mention the Keys Ranch tour to someone who can! It's something I would have loved to do!

 

[bcla]

Is the Keys Ranch something to be done through the NP Service?

http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/ranchtour.htm

 

[Purrkins]

We are thinking we will book the Westbound Panama Canal cruise on DCL next May. It will arrive in SD on the 17th of May, a Saturday. We have relatives we would like to spend the day with and then we would like to visit Joshua Tree NP. I am not able to hike trails, but would do boardwalk type HA trails, and go to Visitor's Centers and go to scenic overlooks. For the things that I want to do, would a trip of 1 day at the park or 2 days be better.

Thank you.
Bobbi

Not lots of "scenic overlooks" in Joshua Tree, it's pretty flat and very spread out.

Hidden Valley is a WONDERFUL 1.1 mile loop hike with 140 foot elevation gain. Plenty of parking and facilities and picnic tables at the trail head. Interpretive signs everywhere. Lots of rocks for the kids to scramble on.

Skull Rock is a major destination that is literally right off the road. Some wonderful slot canyons to explore in the area around it - we've spent a full day just playing in this area. Requires some climbing and crawling to get around however.

Arch Rock Trail is a .3 mile trail to some neat geological formations.

But honestly if you're not going to hike, 1 day is more than enough for you although try to time it so you can see a sunrise or sunset while you visit. The desert really changes in these hours with colors and textures emerging from the flat expanse when the sun is low on the horizon.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Not lots of "scenic overlooks" in Joshua Tree, it's pretty flat and very spread out.

Hidden Valley is a WONDERFUL 1.1 mile loop hike with 140 foot elevation gain. Plenty of parking and facilities and picnic tables at the trail head. Interpretive signs everywhere. Lots of rocks for the kids to scramble on.

Skull Rock is a major destination that is literally right off the road. Some wonderful slot canyons to explore in the area around it - we've spent a full day just playing in this area. Requires some climbing and crawling to get around however.

Arch Rock Trail is a .3 mile trail to some neat geological formations.

But honestly if you're not going to hike, 1 day is more than enough for you although try to time it so you can see a sunrise or sunset while you visit. The desert really changes in these hours with colors and textures emerging from the flat expanse when the sun is low on the horizon.

Thanks for the insight and suggestions. I am pretty sure we will spend 2 nights and at least 1 whole day in the park. We'll look for the sunrise and sunset, and enjoy what we can!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Travel arrangement have changed and we will be spending only 1 night in a motel right outside the park. From what I've read here, the 1 night will be enough. We will be there at sunrise, sunset. I'm intrigued. Thank you.

We will head up to DL sometime that second day.

 

[Purrkins]

Travel arrangement have changed and we will be spending only 1 night in a motel right outside the park. From what I've read here, the 1 night will be enough. We will be there at sunrise, sunset. I'm intrigued. Thank you.

We will head up to DL sometime that second day.

Just got back from a single night at JT. Woke up Saturday and family felt like we needed some desert time. Got in late morning, went to one of the campsites and caught someone leaving. Set up camp and took a hike in the canyons near the campsite. It was mid-80's so not too bad. Went back to camp cooked and early dinner and then climbed some rocks for sunset. After sunset dis some astrophotography until about midnight and we went to sleep. Woke up at 6, had breakfast and broke camp and was back home Sunday just after 1 PM. Recharged and relaxed. Perfect 24 or so hour trip. Have a blast!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Just got back from a single night at JT. Woke up Saturday and family felt like we needed some desert time. Got in late morning, went to one of the campsites and caught someone leaving. Set up camp and took a hike in the canyons near the campsite. It was mid-80's so not too bad. Went back to camp cooked and early dinner and then climbed some rocks for sunset. After sunset dis some astrophotography until about midnight and we went to sleep. Woke up at 6, had breakfast and broke camp and was back home Sunday just after 1 PM. Recharged and relaxed. Perfect 24 or so hour trip. Have a blast!

You really have found a place you enjoy! Thank you.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Too far from Joshua Tree? I would pend 1 night there, can get a cabin, before heading to Disney Land. We could pend 7 hours or so at the park, worth it?