Joshua Tree

Written and Photographed by Kelsie Stevens

A dark shadow looms over a forest green tent, pitched under a twisted tree as the sun sets over the surrounding desert. Above the trees, a thick rope dangles from the side of a woman’s hip as she meticulously places her feet in the cracks of a rock 80 feet off the ground, hoping to reach the top before sundown.

Only 111 miles away from Los Angeles sits an outdoor haven for those looking for a quick escape from busy city life. Joshua Tree holds a number of outdoor activities as well as a “glamping” lifestyle for every vacation need.

Nestled off the parks property sits a little hideaway, perfect for any traveler hoping to experience Joshua Tree without the busyness of the reserve. Black Lotus Ranch is a five-acre property with everything needed for a cozy camping experience.

The ranch’s main attraction is its tent, otherwise known as a yurt. Yurts are used in nomadic tribes for shelter but have recently been popularized more widely, specifically in Joshua Tree due to its similar climate. Those visiting the yurt have popularized the name “the dumpling” because of its resemblance to the Asian dish.

The Yurt is furnished with a queen-sized bed, a small fireplace, eclectic lighting and everything to keep warm in the cold desert climate. On the other side of the property sits the bathroom area and hosting space where guests can light a fire, grill and watch the sun set over the park. ➤

Rock Climbing & Hiking

Kate Sedrowski, a climber from Colorado, fixes her grip on a challenging route.

Although camping is a major part of Joshua Tree’s culture, another aspect of the park which draws in many outdoor enthusiasts is the areas dedicated to rock climbing. According to the park statistics, there are more than 8,000 spots throughout the national park that serve as rock climbing areas.

One of the most popular destinations in the park is Quail Springs, a portion of the reserve that presents large cliff-sides and adequate space to accommodate the masses of climbers. This space offers restrooms, various parking spots, and a nearby hiking trail to partake in after a climb.

In addition to rock climbing, Joshua Tree is also a hiker’s heaven. The park holds a series of hiking trails for both the expert and beginner, with many of the trails having historic destination points as their end point. One of the most popular trails in the park is Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail, a seven-mile, round-trip hike with a well-preserved gold mine from the 1930s situated at the top of the hike.

Near the main mine is a collection of miner’s belongings such as an old fireplace, remnants of vehicles and worn-away housing structures. Similar to these hiking spots, Joshua Tree holds a number of backcountry backpacking destinations such as the California Hiking & Riding Trail. This backpacking trip takes visitors throughout the park, seeing 35 miles of the land and trees, while stopping through major climbing and historic sites. ➤

A skilled climber hangs out in his harness and enjoys the view.

Food & Drink

Customers step into The Natural Sisters Cafe for a healthy lunch.

To start the day off like a true Joshua Tree tourist, visitors must stop at the Joshua Tree Coffee Co. This shop is best known for its nitro cold brew that is specially roasted and brewed in Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree Coffee Co. sits on the corner of Twentynine Palms Highway, the only road available to enter the north entrance of the park, making it an easy grab-and-go for any coffee lover hoping to get a cup before heading in.

Directly next to the coffee shop is Natural Sisters Café, where visitors can stop for a bite to eat or pair their coffee with an organic juice. The café offers organic, vegetarian and vegan options and specializes in comfort food and sandwiches.

The café also hopes to highlight the beauty of the surrounding area by showcasing local artists' work throughout the shop.

Cactus Mart

Butch, the shop’s mascot, naps peacefully beside the cacti

Many leaving Joshua Tree hope to take a souvenir home to remember their trip, and while many may stop at the nearest gift shop, others hope to make their trip extra special with a stop by Cactus Mart.

This shop specializes in plant keeping, offering a variety of plant species, both indoor and outdoor.

The most popular attraction at the shop is their “plant your own cactus” section, where guests are encouraged to grab a pot, pick out their favorite cactus and get their hands dirty by repotting their cactus with fresh soil.

Another popular draw to this shop is their wild animals, which roam the property. The outdoor areas have a number of chickens which are allowed to roam free during the day and help keep the premises clean of bugs.

Many of the indoor areas and greenhouse structures are home for the feline friends — one being the shop’s mascot, Butch, a tabby cat that roams around the plants, taking occasional naps among them.

Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive through the desert, a hike through a canyon or a night under the stars, Joshua Tree offers vacationers a wide variety of avenues for any traveler’s needs. ◆