‘From the time the Joshua tree was a tiny sapling, it had been so beaten down by the whipping wind that, rather than trying to grow skyward, it had grown in the direction that the wind pushed it. It existed now in a permanent state of windblowness, leaning over so far that it seemed ready to topple, although, in fact, its roots held it firmly in place.’-Jeannette Walls
While planning my road trip, I knew I wanted to go to Lake Arrowhead and Joshua Tree National Park, which conveniently is in the same neck of the woods. I had also never been. I had driven through the area, seen Joshua Trees, and gotten gas in Twentynine Palms but never actually visited the park. So what better time to go than in December!
I was going to be spending Christmas at Jumbo Rock Campground for two nights. The campground is rather large and very small parking turn outs. My spot had a lot of privacy so make sure you are reading the options. There is also no water or electric hook ups. The toilets are compost. There are spots where you can get cell reception but few and far between. Also make sure to get gas before entering the park. While I had a fire pit, it was extremely windy the entire time I was there, like in your bones cold. I don’t use fire pits in general but no one else did either. It was so cold at night, that I was curled up in the car by 5:30 lol. Clear sunny, albeit, windy days made it worth it but definitely something to keep in mind.
The campground is pet friendly although, like most of the NPS, the park is not. Which is fine, much of Joshua Tree you can see from the road. Gus had a great time climbing the rocks of our campground and we walked around the whole grounds. Spectacular sunsets could be seen from just across from my site so Gus could take part. And yes, he does have two leashes on him. He has a habit of becoming a houdini and getting out of his harness (the harness is great but he has narrow shoulders, so he just becomes a bucking bronco), so I have a longer leash on his collar as a back up. He just wants to roam free and I don’t, ha!
Gussy did enjoy his walks around the campground and was non-pulsed when a coyote crossed in front of us and ran to the top of the rocks. My new telephoto lens, a gift from my dad, did a wonderful job of capturing my furry friend. The coyote, much like Gus at home, just wanted to relax and lay out in the sunshine!
I really enjoyed visiting Joshua Tree and see why so many people find it magical. It was also a bit of home as from one of the outcrops you can see the San Andreas fault, which is the border of my mountain. It was cool seeing it from above! I would love to go back in the spring or fall, where it will be windy but more of a warm wind. Also, let’s get real, any reason to go back to California is a reason I will take-including seeing my favorite band at the Rose Bowl this summer so stay tuned!
