Getting Poked at Joshua Tree National Park

Desert Hot Springs should tell you everything you need to know about this area. You’re in the desert, it’s hot, and there prolly are some springs around. Yep, that’s about 100% accurate. With temps at 117 degrees everything is hot. The air, the car, the ground, the water, your face, your soul. EVERYTHING!!

I must admit during our summer of sunscreen tour of the southwest this is my least favorite place we have stayed. There is not a single shade tree. Making it almost impossible to get the camper under 90 degrees during the day. That is with 2 AC units running nonstop! At night the temps are closer to 86 so we are able to cool off…. eventually. Also, the sun is the devil. You cannot be outside comfortably to cook, have a fire, or just relax. So basically, you are in your car if you want any comfort.

Highlights are the springs. The pool at the KOA is fed with natural spring water. As are the hot tubs. Each of the three tubs are different temps ranging from 98 degrees to 104 degrees. This water is flowing with natural minerals making it very therapeutic to soak in. That is as long as you can handle the temps. Nevertheless, I did love soaking in that water. After the initial shock of being boiled alive, it actually is quite relaxing.

If you are thinking about coming to Joshua Tree National Park, this KOA is about an hour from visitor’s center. It’s not all that convenient but I am not sure there is better options that will give you full hook ups.

Joshua Tree National Park

If you are looking for something to do in the area there is not a shortage of outdoor activities and small communities surrounding this area. Between the city of Joshua Tree, 29 Palms, Dessert Hot Springs, and Palm Springs you will always have something to do that will distract you from the heat.

Did you know that within the park is where 2 desert meets? Yep, the Colorado desert and the Mojave Desert. This gives you a special look at just how diverse 2 different deserts that are in the same area can be.

You cannot forget to come into the park at night. This is a dark sky park showing you to see thousands of stars, satellites, shooting stars, and even the milky way!! If you are looking for the Milky Way then you will need to know when the moon is setting. On our visit into the park at night we were not able to get the full grand view of the Milky Way because the moon was just too bright. With the kids being young we were not able to stay out there until the moon set. That would have been close to 1 AM but the views would have been spectacular.

Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Hike

As you can clearly see from this post, I do not recommend visiting this park in the summer. We are here in July. It is just too hot to really enjoy, unless you are the kind of person that loves the heat.

Even with all the being said. If you are wanting to enjoy the park in the heat. There are some small short hikes that will get you into the environment without a huge risk of death. The Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is one of those hikes that are a must do. This short flat hike is only .25 mile long. Taking you through a small garden of teddy bear cholla cacti. This hike also gives you perfect views of the Pinto Basin.

Just BEE Ware. While we were enjoying this hike. There was a massive number of honeybees in the area. They never did bother us, but it is something to note. Especially if you have an allergy or young kids. Last thing you want is an emergency out here.

Joshua Tree National Park Skull Rock

Another short hike that is worth checking out is called skull rock. This rock is made of Granite and has eroded over the years to resemble a skull. This is a very popular hike so you will come across many people and restricted parking in the area. The short 1.7 mile hike takes you around the skull. The most fun part of the entire hike is being able to climb on all the rocks and of course getting a crazy photo with the skull of a desert giant.

Idyllwild

If you’re looking for a retreat from the heat but don’t want to sit inside the air conditioning. I suggest taking the hour drive to Idyllwild. This is a small mountain community that is at an elevation of about 5,300 ft. I know that is no elevation compared to somewhere like Colorado. Out here though it is enough to drop the outside temp by about 15 degrees. You also will get some shade with the pine trees. So, it feels pretty good in comparison.

There is plenty to do and it will keep you busy for the afternoon. There are many little shops, restaurants, brewery, wine tasting, and the best little ice cream shop. As long as you can handle the drive up and down the switchbacks this is a must do while visiting Desert hot Springs.