My Wonderful Hike in Joshua Tree National Park with a local MeetUp Group
There’s something about the desert that inspires me — the peaceful, unfiltered beauty stretching across the landscape of the Southwest region of the United States. Growing up in the country outside a small college town in Wisconsin, I learned early in life to appreciate places rich with nature’s beauty
And now, as an adult, I’m always eager to plan hiking trips to the vast number of hiking trails throughout the United States.
Hiking Joshua Tree National Park has always been on my hiking bucket list. I recently planned a hiking trip with a local MeetUp group based in that area.
I love attending hiking events with MeetUp hiking groups as this forum allows one to connect with others who love nature like I do, and to explore new places with hiking guides familiar with the location. I have attended dozens of Meetup Events over the years, and have found all of their members to be incredibly inclusive and welcoming.
I made the four hour drive to TwentyNine Palms, which serves as a gateway to the 800,000 acre Joshua Tree National Park, from Phoenix with one of my non hiking friends . I often travel with friends who don’t hike to out of town MeetUp events as I enjoy having their companionship for dinners, and it allows me to more easily mingle and get to know fellow Meetup members if I am not also hiking with someone I know well.
We stayed at a clean and updated Holiday Inn, a few miles from the Joshua Tree visitor center and from downtown TwentyNine Palms.
The leader of our group took us on a remote trek through “Lost Horse Valley”.
The mostly unmarked trail stretched just over six miles leading us to beautiful orange, yellow, and red rocks. These rocks get their color from lichens, fungus that grows on rocks to form these colors, along with a variety of funky looking Joshua Trees, and breathtaking desert views.
Beyond the sweeping desert views and jaw-dropping sunsets, a few culinary experiences from that trip stand out in my memory
29 Beer Company- located in downtown Twentynine Palms, this was the perfect place to enjoy a beer and a meal after a day of exploring. The patio outside provides beautiful views of nearby mountains.
Las Palomas Mexican Cuisine- a very reasonably priced Mexican restaurant in Yucca Valley, which serves water glass size pours of Chardonnay and wonderful food.
Thai Cafe- located in downtown TwentyNine palms. The Thai food was very tasty as they used only natural ingredients and fresh herbs in their dishes and the service was wonderful.
The adventure was more than worth it. If you go, be sure to stick to the trail or go with a hiking guide and it is easy to get lost in this sprawling park, and carry plenty of water — the journey is as memorable as the destination.
