Journeying Through Joshua Tree, CA

Joshua Tree holds a special place in my heart, a haven where I've spent 8 significant years of my adult life. It all started when Scott took a job in 29 Palms right after his Marine Corps service. It took me three years to truly appreciate the desert's beauty—the peacefulness of its vast openness, the beauty of the owls in the Joshua Trees, and the respect required for the local wildlife like mountain lions, coyotes, and snakes. Gazing at the clear, milky way became a source of wonder. 

Gradually, I found my place in the community and grew to love this quaint town.

Where We Stay

1. Our latest retreat took us to Joshua Tree Lake, a peaceful spot with full hookups, artistic touches, and a quiet lakeside setting. Known for the Joshua Tree Music Festival, it offered tranquil nights under stunning, star-filled skies.

 Just 30 minutes from our friends in Yucca Valley and near Indian Cove, it was an ideal getaway!

Just 30 minutes from our friends in Yucca Valley and near Indian Cove, it was an ideal getaway!

2. Another favorite spot is Joshua Tree Sportsmans Club, with full hookups and a special place in our hearts. My kids loved playing soccer here, and the park with a splash pad adds to the fun. 

Its convenient location near town and the National Park made our stay even better!

3.For those with campers under 35 ft, Black Rock Campground is a stunning option to explore hiking trails within the National Park. 

While our camper exceeds this limit, I fondly recall my runs and extensive hikes on these very trails back in the day.

Things To Do

1. A must-do when in Joshua Tree is a visit to the renowned Joshua Tree National Park. Our explorations have taken us along numerous scenic trails, with Barker Dam being a simple, yet special spot.  

Some of my treasured moments often involved hiking through the national park with friends while our little ones were at school. The image of my dear friend fearlessly navigating the park's trails- with her awesome dog, even bouldering with her youngest on her back, remains etched in my memory—a true testament to her adventurous spirit and resilience!

2. Exploring the Morongo Basin through hikes is an absolute must. Our introduction to many local hikes was through soccer friends who share our passion for homeschooling and faith. The connection was instant, and through them, our kids found lasting friendships within our tight-knit homeschooling group. 

Fond memories flood my mind, particularly the weekly homeschool hikes we cherished, a true source of joy during the challenging times of Covid. 

Among my preferred trails are Indian Cove Trail ( boulder the rocks to see the frogs), Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail, Coyote Hole Petroglyphs, Indian Trail Loop at Pipe's Canyon, Whitewater, and Hidden Palm Oasis , each offering its own unique adventure and beauty.

3. Amidst scorching summer days, Whitewater emerges as a hidden oasis—free and uncrowded—perfect for a refreshing soak. A quick roadside stop allows you to relish in the inviting little pools created by resourceful visitors.

One of these "pools" proved so deep that our kids could actually dive in!

4. For those of you who enjoy BMX racing, Yucca Valley has an exciting track. Both my children spent hours honing their BMX skills here—my son, in particular, had an adventurous stint and even ended up breaking his arm on this very track.

4. For dirt bike riders, Johnson Valley and Landers offer thrilling adventures across vast dry lake beds. Johnson Valley is especially known for the "King of the Hammers" event, drawing rock crawling enthusiasts from all over.

5. A highlight of our trip was exploring Big Bear, with scenic backroads, a lakeside stroll, and time spent in the charming village.

6. Don't forget to shop local. One of my favorite spots is Hoof and the Horn. I got my favorite hat and pancho vest here.

7. We took a quick trip to the  Cabazon Outlets and Morongo Casino, where my friend and I treated our daughters to their first concert. The intimate Jordan Davis performance was cozy and enjoyable, with plenty of seating. Watching these lifelong friends grow before our eyes reminded us of the memories we've shared and the time passing by.

8. During your visit "down the hill," be sure to explore Palm Springs- a vibrant destination with a plethora of attractions. 

With kids in tow, you will love the Aerial Tramway, The Living Desert Zoo, Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert, Palm Springs Air Museum, and the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. For adult- centric activities, Main Street , The Shops on El Paseo, along with numerous resorts and casinos, offer an array of exciting options.

Where to Eat

• Las Palmas offers delightful Mexican cuisine, and a favorite among their menu is their delicious potato tacos.

• Larry and Milt's Western Cafe's peanut butter pancakes have become a beloved favorite for our family. To this day, we've never come across anyone who can replicate their unique and delightful flavor—we're left wondering about their secret recipe.

• Indulge in the delectable waffles at John's Place, a treat that's dessert-like in its deliciousness.

• Another spot we fancy is Castenedas, a notable chain. Their California burrito with a dollop of sour cream, rolled tacos, and perfectly done Carne Asada fries are among my personal favorites.

• La Copine is the new spot, and it's always packed!

If you are a foodie you have to make the 45 minute drive down to Palm Springs. They have an amazing food culture there. 

To be completely honest, the most enjoyable dining experiences for me happen right at our friends' homes—whether they're grilling a BBQ feast or serving up fresh chicken and eggs from their own coop. 

The camaraderie and warmth we share with our friends here are unparalleled. Their genuine down-to-earth nature, welcoming demeanor, and hospitality make these gatherings truly special. 

It's within these settings that I've not only gained a wealth of knowledge but also witnessed the beautiful bonds our children have formed, making it a truly heartwarming experience.

One of our friends just bought a travel trailer themselves! I can't wait to adventure with them!

Overall Experience

In recent years, Joshua Tree has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity, largely owing to the captivating National Park, its appeal as a haven for Hollywood figures, and the urban escape sought by many, especially during the pandemic, craving spacious homes and remote work settings. 

Despite the significant growth the town has experienced, we continue to return for visits, drawn to its enduring small-town charm and the opportunity to reunite with friends. 

Nevertheless, there's a sense of disappointment seeing prevailing societal shifts making their mark on this once quaint community. 

Yet, the enchantment of the desert, its timeless allure, remains as captivating as ever.

James 1:19 AMP

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [ be a careful, thoughtful listener ], slow to speak [ a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]

Reflection

A reflection I came across in the YouVersion Bible App really stuck with me. In a world that moves fast and urges us to speak up or be overlooked, we’re often pushed away from the biblical wisdom of being slow to speak and quick to listen. 

Meekness is sometimes seen as weakness, and patience is overlooked in a culture that values quick reactions. 

It reminded me of the gentle strength in embracing virtues like patience, understanding, and forgiveness.

This verse really hit home as I work to improve in these areas. I’ve caught myself interrupting or speaking over others, realizing I haven’t been the listener I strive to be. Sometimes, my words slip out before I’ve fully thought them through, and I struggle with holding onto grudges instead of forgiving immediately. 

It's a journey of growth and self-reflection, and I hope to align more with these teachings.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Jesus, the perfect friend and example. I pray for the strength to be a thoughtful listener, a person that chooses my words carefully, one who is full of immediate forgiveness. I praise you for your grace and for all the people you have placed in my life who show me these attributes. Guide me to be a better friend, and thank you for lovingly showing me where I need to grow. I appreciate your revelation of beauty in even the most desolate of places. 

I pray all of this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.

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