This is a great video intro to Joshua Tree. Been going to Joshua the last dozen years or so, usually in the spring sometimes in the fall when it is not too hot. When I started going all the campsites were first come, first serve. just drive up get a campsite then put the cash in the yellow envelope. Now you need a reservation at most campsites, I also noticed this year you also need an advance online permit to 'back country camp'. Before you could drive up to one of the backcountry boards, fillout the yellow card then takeoff. Now there are designated areas to camp, so you need to check the online map to make sure the area is OK to backback into. So I have seen these changes as time has gone on, I think they are for the better since this Park has become more popular and it helps the Rangers to manage the park as visitors have increased yearly. A couple things I can add about the wildlife: first in the event you may encounter a desert tortoise, your best chances for good photographs would be to stay some distance away from the tortoise and get down on your stomach and crawl to approach the tortoise. If you stand up and walk toward the tortoise, at some point it will sense your presence, go into a defensive posture and it will retreat into it's shell, it will just sit there and it won't come out till you leave. So my advice is, hit the dirt, get on your stomach and find an angle where you can get a good photo while it is still walking around. If you are lucky it may even approach your and give you a 'head nod' . And never get too close to them and never touch them or pick them up unless they are in the road and in danger of being hit by an automobile. My other advice would be regarding snakes. There are some sidewinders there mainly in the very sandy areas these snakes can bury themselves in the sand all but their head and will wait outside of burrows to strike at rodents going in or out of the burrows. So keep an eye out. I usually wear snake gaiters, one of my first times out I nearly stepped on a sidewinder they are hard to see as they blend in with the sand, so keep an eye out ! There are also some wild mules out there in some remote areas I have seen just the tracks but never seen one individually. Regarding the seasons, sometime it can get real hot as soon as mid-to late April, in the 90's if you are hiking in the southern part of the park. If you are camping in the park ,it is best to have a shade shelter as there really are no trees for shade in most places. I have an REI 10 x 10 shade shelter which fits perfectly over the tables that are installed at the campsites. AS far as night sky goes, it is not as good as it once was years ago, but still good so if you have a telescope be sure to bring it.
Thank you 👍 Hoping to spend some time there this winter again. I heard that the monsoon rains this summer brought a mid-summer flower bloom, but way too hot for me out there right now.
I liked the suggestion to bring the National Geographic map. It has helped me find specific sites. It also shows distance between points on trails. They have them at the visitor center in Joshua Tree. The maps that are free are not what you want if you are actually hiking. Very practical tips!
Hey thanks for such a great video. You’ve done a good job and it’s helped me plan my visit and get me excited. I’m going in mid Feb, yeah, probs busy but can’t be helped. Cheers. 🇺🇸🌵🏴
Yea, it blows my mind. Also saw some serious tags in the middle of Cucamonga Wilderness this week. Where are the mountain lion attacks when you need them....
These are great videos! I'm planning a trip late Feb. and plan to arrive at the park early morning (6-7 a.m.) to get hiking. Is the park usual busy that early or do most people wait until later in the morning?
Thanks for this. I’m a writer and my characters live in Joshua Tree CA so these videos are super helpful. Someday I want to visit Joshua Tree National Park.
thanks, another great video! Their campgrounds are run like crap. We got there late and found the last first come first serve camping spot in Hidden Valley Campground. We saw some old tennis shoes. Rangers told me to stay because no ticket on the post. We got set up and a dude shows up said its his site. By then it was snowing. No campground host, nobody to talk too. What a mess!
Going for a few days this weekend. Thanks for the tips. I consider myself a moderate to advanced hiker. What are the most difficult hikes at JT? From what I have researched it seems Ryan Mountain would be the only moderate challenge.
does iphone GPS/compass work in all places in the park? XD one of my fear is for the iphone compass/gps to stop working. I don't know if that's real possibility or not. But the park is pretty flat, does many trees and tall mountains so I imagine it's a low low possbility
@@Hikingguy Thank you sir ! My family and I are going soon , I’ll make sure to confirm with people at the park to make sure it is in fact legal . Appreciate the reply !
This video is 2 years old but just across it after returning from Joshua Tree. The intro contains factual error: Joshua Tree isn't where Mohave Desert meets the Sonora Desert. It's where the Mohave Desert meets the Colorado Desert.
This is a great video intro to Joshua Tree. Been going to Joshua the last dozen years or so, usually in the spring sometimes in the fall when it is not too hot. When I started going all the campsites were first come, first serve. just drive up get a campsite then put the cash in the yellow envelope. Now you need a reservation at most campsites, I also noticed this year you also need an advance online permit to 'back country camp'. Before you could drive up to one of the backcountry boards, fillout the yellow card then takeoff. Now there are designated areas to camp, so you need to check the online map to make sure the area is OK to backback into. So I have seen these changes as time has gone on, I think they are for the better since this Park has become more popular and it helps the Rangers to manage the park as visitors have increased yearly. A couple things I can add about the wildlife: first in the event you may encounter a desert tortoise, your best chances for good photographs would be to stay some distance away from the tortoise and get down on your stomach and crawl to approach the tortoise. If you stand up and walk toward the tortoise, at some point it will sense your presence, go into a defensive posture and it will retreat into it's shell, it will just sit there and it won't come out till you leave. So my advice is, hit the dirt, get on your stomach and find an angle where you can get a good photo while it is still walking around. If you are lucky it may even approach your and give you a 'head nod' . And never get too close to them and never touch them or pick them up unless they are in the road and in danger of being hit by an automobile. My other advice would be regarding snakes. There are some sidewinders there mainly in the very sandy areas these snakes can bury themselves in the sand all but their head and will wait outside of burrows to strike at rodents going in or out of the burrows. So keep an eye out. I usually wear snake gaiters, one of my first times out I nearly stepped on a sidewinder they are hard to see as they blend in with the sand, so keep an eye out ! There are also some wild mules out there in some remote areas I have seen just the tracks but never seen one individually.
Regarding the seasons, sometime it can get real hot as soon as mid-to late April, in the 90's if you are hiking in the southern part of the park. If you are camping in the park ,it is best to have a shade shelter as there really are no trees for shade in most places. I have an REI 10 x 10 shade shelter which fits perfectly over the tables that are installed at the campsites. AS far as night sky goes, it is not as good as it once was years ago, but still good so if you have a telescope be sure to bring it.
One of my favourite regions in the US! Hiking Guy probably has some of the most extensive guides for most of the trails around here!
Thank you 👍 Hoping to spend some time there this winter again. I heard that the monsoon rains this summer brought a mid-summer flower bloom, but way too hot for me out there right now.
camping solo for the first time there....thank you for the tips!
Have fun, it's a great time to go!
I liked the suggestion to bring the National Geographic map. It has helped me find specific sites. It also shows distance between points on trails. They have them at the visitor center in Joshua Tree. The maps that are free are not what you want if you are actually hiking.
Very practical tips!
Thank you. Very informative and very no-nonsense!
Great video and very useful advice. Thanks
This is an incredibly helpful video!
I wish I could follow you around on your hikes. Ive been hiking SoCal alone for years but sure love the videos❤️
Heading that way tomorrow...thanks for the update
So perfect for trail runs !
Hey thanks for such a great video. You’ve done a good job and it’s helped me plan my visit and get me excited. I’m going in mid Feb, yeah, probs busy but can’t be helped. Cheers. 🇺🇸🌵🏴
Awesome, great to hear, have fun, it's a very cool spot
I wanna hike in Joshua after seeing this! So far I have only driven and taken pictures.
Very useful tips. Thank you!
Yea, it blows my mind. Also saw some serious tags in the middle of Cucamonga Wilderness this week. Where are the mountain lion attacks when you need them....
enjoying the videos! thanks for sharing and keep it up!
Great information. Nice video. Hope to see that area someday. ✌️
These are great videos! I'm planning a trip late Feb. and plan to arrive at the park early morning (6-7 a.m.) to get hiking. Is the park usual busy that early or do most people wait until later in the morning?
If you get there early you'll be all set - never have a problem when I get there that early.
Thanks for this. I’m a writer and my characters live in Joshua Tree CA so these videos are super helpful. Someday I want to visit Joshua Tree National Park.
thanks, another great video! Their campgrounds are run like crap. We got there late and found the last first come first serve camping spot in Hidden Valley Campground. We saw some old tennis shoes. Rangers told me to stay because no ticket on the post. We got set up and a dude shows up said its his site. By then it was snowing. No campground host, nobody to talk too. What a mess!
Thanks for the video! Great information
Great video
This was super helpful, thank you very much!
thanks for the hotel tips
Very informative. Thank you
Going for a few days this weekend. Thanks for the tips. I consider myself a moderate to advanced hiker. What are the most difficult hikes at JT? From what I have researched it seems Ryan Mountain would be the only moderate challenge.
Try Boy Scout Trail out and back for more of a challenge
Lots of great information here! Thank you for such a comprehensive guide. It will make my first trip there much less intimidating.
Awesome, thank you for letting me know and glad it was helpful. Just got back from a 3 day backpack there, it's so beautiful, you'll love it.
does iphone GPS/compass work in all places in the park? XD one of my fear is for the iphone compass/gps to stop working. I don't know if that's real possibility or not. But the park is pretty flat, does many trees and tall mountains so I imagine it's a low low possbility
Neither compass or GPS has failed for me over hundreds of miles here
Actually, thinking about it, we are here on the 16th, a full moon hike is now planned! Spooky….
Is it legal to have a fixed blade at Joshua tree ? I usually camp and hike with a knife on a belt sheath
Yea think knives are fine as long as they're legal in the area. I've seen plenty of fixed blades on hikers there before.
@@Hikingguy Thank you sir ! My family and I are going soon , I’ll make sure to confirm with people at the park to make sure it is in fact legal . Appreciate the reply !
This video is 2 years old but just across it after returning from Joshua Tree. The intro contains factual error: Joshua Tree isn't where Mohave Desert meets the Sonora Desert. It's where the Mohave Desert meets the Colorado Desert.
the Colorado Desert is part of the Sonoran Desert
Go to Cow Camp Dam, it is outstanding!
tell them to rent a subaru crosstrek raised up enough and ALL WHEEL DRIVE
And best car ever❤️
hahaha people from LA and their instagram shots. criiiiiiiinge
😂
We stayed in 29 Palms while visiting Joshua Tree. What a hellhole that town is. Don't bother yourself. Stay somewhere else.