Sometimes, adventure is more about the experience than the destination.
Recently, we passed by Joshua Tree National Park, on the way to the greater Los Angales area. We wanted to hike the Lost Palms Trail in the Park, but upon arrival we learned that the trail had just been closed due to carcinogenic metals leaching up to the topsoil from an old mine that existed at this location over a hundred years ago.
While I'm all for dangerous endeavors, reducing the risk of cancer is also important.... We inquired about alternative routes and the ranger station. Apparently, you can navigate/trail-blaze an overland route from the south boundary of the park. A GPS application is essential for this trip because there is absolutely no trail or way-mark of any kind.
ACCESS
To hike to Lost Palms from the south, exit Interstate-10 for Joshua Tree National Park. Drive north on the Cottonwood Springs Road until you reach a junction with a dirt road owned by the county water authority. Turn right onto this road and follow it for one mile. You can park along the road and camp practically anywhere in this area because it's BLM land. From here, you head north over a series of steep inclines and ridge lines. Theoretically, it's about 4-5 miles one way to Lost Palms Oasis.
So, we didn't make it all the way to the final destination because the sun was setting and we didn't have enough water, but it's always the journey that is the adventure. Like when our nalgene canteen broke or when we had to turn back from the original trail with the hazardous chemical leachate, the travel experience often trumps the destination.
Go find your Joshua Tree.
Recently, we passed by Joshua Tree National Park, on the way to the greater Los Angales area. We wanted to hike the Lost Palms Trail in the Park, but upon arrival we learned that the trail had just been closed due to carcinogenic metals leaching up to the topsoil from an old mine that existed at this location over a hundred years ago.
While I'm all for dangerous endeavors, reducing the risk of cancer is also important.... We inquired about alternative routes and the ranger station. Apparently, you can navigate/trail-blaze an overland route from the south boundary of the park. A GPS application is essential for this trip because there is absolutely no trail or way-mark of any kind.
ACCESS
To hike to Lost Palms from the south, exit Interstate-10 for Joshua Tree National Park. Drive north on the Cottonwood Springs Road until you reach a junction with a dirt road owned by the county water authority. Turn right onto this road and follow it for one mile. You can park along the road and camp practically anywhere in this area because it's BLM land. From here, you head north over a series of steep inclines and ridge lines. Theoretically, it's about 4-5 miles one way to Lost Palms Oasis.
So, we didn't make it all the way to the final destination because the sun was setting and we didn't have enough water, but it's always the journey that is the adventure. Like when our nalgene canteen broke or when we had to turn back from the original trail with the hazardous chemical leachate, the travel experience often trumps the destination.
Go find your Joshua Tree.
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