After much research, planning, and mapping out our routes, we headed out on our new adventure! Determined not to spend my 60th birthday at home, I was excited to explore and embrace the next decade of life. My loving husband and trusty sidekick was at the helm.

After doing a bit of research I booked our stay at The Bungalows, by Homestead Modern. This location did not disappoint. We were one of the first few guests at the recently remodeled facility. I chose this location for several reasons. The Bungalows are located in the town of Joshua Tree, minutes away from the park entrance. Their website boasted beauty, peaceful serenity with open views of natural surroundings. Indeed, our room had two walls of windows and was very beautifully decorated, with ample room both inside, and outside on the vast patio area. The feel of privacy was created by large separation walls, and with corner suites we had a fabulous view with the feel of seclusion. The expectation of quite evenings and peaceful surroundings was communicated, and the property had the feel of a relaxing retreat. The decor had a 60’s modern vibe with a touch of class and simplicity. The tans, orange and yellows blended well with the desert colors outside. I loved it from the moment I stepped inside. We enjoyed our early morning coffee with beautiful desert mountain views.

Below is a slide show with a few more photos:

With the park so close we didn’t feel the need to rush out early in the morning. My husband was still recovering from a partially torn calf muscle, so no hard hikes for us. However, we had plenty of driving opportunities, walking paths, and easy hikes to give us some great adventures in Joshua Tree National Park. Although the weather was a bit cold and blustery, we had lots of sun and layered up.

On one of our first walks we noticed rock climbers. There are a multitude of rock formations and this is a very popular place for rock climbers. Below you can see a climber close up.

A fuller photo showing the climber in the lower center area. At the very top you can see someone waiting,

One more photo of the same rock showing another climber almost to the top. We paused for a few minutes and just watched the progress.

I loved the small town of Joshua Tree. Just down the road from our bungalow is the turn off that leads to the park entrance. At the crossroads, there are a few shops, a couple of restaurants and the park visitors’ center. We ate at both of the restaurants there. The food was good, the atmosphere was unique, but we learned that it paid to get there early. There could be quite a wait later in the evening. It may have been worse because we were there on the weekend. However, I loved experiencing the town vibe.

The town of Joshua Tree is tiny, but the park is huge. with 790,000 square acres, it is bigger than the state of Rhode Island. If you decide to visit, remember, it is desert. There are restroom facilities in the park, but no water, no food, no hotel, no electricity and no cell service. Sadly, people die there every year because they don’t properly plan.

But it is beautiful!

The Joshua Tree:

• The Joshua Tree is a part of the Yucca plant family.
• The name is said to have originated from 19th century Mormons emigrating from Salt Lake City to Southern California. The appearance of the yucca plant was an indication to them that they were about halfway to their destination. Legend has it that the tree’s outstretched branches reminded them of the biblical Joshua beckining his people to the promise land.
• The trees don’t flower every each year. However, every few years most trees seem to flower at the same time and present a massive display of flowers!
• There are two types of Joshua Trees. One type found in generally in California (Western Joshua Trees), and those found in the Mojave National Preserve, Navada, Utah and Arizona (Eastern Joshua Trees).
• The Joshua Tree is the largest yucca in the US. One has been recorded at 56 feet back in 1930. More recently one was recorded at 42 and 40 feet. Unfortunately, both have died.
• Research indicates that Joshua Trees generally died before 150 years, although evidence suggests a rare individual tree may approach a maximan of 300 years.
• Joshua Trees were revered by Native Americans as an excellent source of food and fiber. Fibers were used for baskets, and flowers buds, blossoms and fruits were consumed.
• Fire does not necessarily destroy all Joshua trees. Many have found to survive by producing sprouts at the base of their burnt trunks.
• And finally, thanks to the Joshua Tree, during time of drought, the woodrat is able to obtain moisture from the Joshua Tree leaves! 🐀

Our last day we found a place to stop in the park and watch the sunset. It was cold, but I ventured out and took several photos of a very beautiful sunset.

We didn’t get to see every part of the park. Because of time and temperatures, we decided not to drive to the southern entrance of the park. Even with the cold weather and winds, the sunshine allowed us to see so many parts of this amazing park.

There are things to see outside the park worth exploring. We visited Pioneertown not far away, and I’m so happy we took the time to experience the World-Famous Crochet Museum! These are both worthy of their own posts, and I know you can’t wait! 😊

We took away great memories of our trip to Joshua Tree National Park.