Joshua Tree Car Camping
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Trip Report : April 4-6, 1997 |
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| when | March 16 - 20, 2026 |
| where | Joshua Tree National Park, California |
| the trip |
Joshua Tree National Park is a stunning desert destination where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, creating a unique landscape of rugged rock
formations, vast open skies, and the park’s iconic Joshua trees. Famous for its hiking trails, star-filled nights, and surreal scenery, the park
offers both adventure and tranquility.
Where: Joshua Tree National Park, California When: March 16–20, 2026 (Four nights, five days) Campground: Indian Cove, Group Site #3 Max Participants: 15 Max Vehicles: 10 Trip Schedule Day 1 – Monday, March 16 Arrival & Camp Setup Arrive at Joshua Tree group campsite in the afternoon (it is five hours drive from Chandler) Set up tents, camp kitchen, and settle in Short Sunset Hike – Hidden Valley Nature Trail (1-mile, easy loop) Perfect warm-up hike through iconic rock formations Evening – Relax & storytelling around the campfire & stargazing (Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park) Day 2 – Tuesday, March 17 Morning Hike – Ryan Mountain (3 miles roundtrip, 1,000 ft elevation gain), Panoramic views of the park’s valleys and mountains Hall of Horrors (.6 mile) Barker Dam (1.3 mile) Afternoon Exploration – Skull Rock Trail (1.7 miles loop, easy), Famous rock shaped like a skull + photo opportunities, desert wildlife, petroglyphs and historic water tank Split Rock loop Trail (2.5 miles, moderate), less crowded hike with amazing rock formations. Evening – Group dinner & stargazing program (if offered by park rangers) Day 3 – Wednesday, March 18 Day Hike Adventure – Lost Horse Mine Trail (6.5 miles loop, moderate) Explore one of the park’s best-preserved gold mines Scenic desert landscapes and historic ruins Keys view and Inspiration peak trail (1.8 mile) Evening – Leftover Group dinner & stargazing program (if offered by park rangers) Day 4 – Thursday, March 19 Longer Hike – Boy Scout Trail (8 miles point-to-point, moderate) Shuttle cars for a one-way hike through classic Joshua Tree scenery Iconic rock formations, Joshua Trees, and desert landscapes Evening – Relax & storytelling around the campfire Day 5 – Friday, March 20 Pack Up & Departure Break down camp Optional stop at Joshua Tree Visitor Center before heading home Optional hike – Hidden Valley or Arch Rock Trail (short, easy) Heart Rock & Arch Rock Trail (1.6 miles). Cholla Cactus Garden Final chance to stop at Joshua Tree Visitor Center before heading home What you need to take along: • Sturdy hiking boots • At least 3 liters of water for every day of activities • Rain poncho • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses, some warm clothing for early morning hours • Enough clothes for 5 or 6 days • Lunch or snacks for each day • Camera and of course all your camping gear. |
| distance | There are several hiking trails planned for this trip. Total distance cannot be determined yet, depending on time and how many we hike. But there would be enough for everybody and for all levels of hikers. |
| time | Five full days in the Park. |
| EC | Variable depending on the trail. |
| type | In and out mostly, but some loops. |
| starting at | Various trailheads in Joshua Tree National Park. |
| on trail | 100% all the time. |
| rating | "C" for most of the trails. Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs allowed | no |
| cost | A National Park Pass or Senior Pass per car will save you
the entrance fee to the Park for all passengers in that car.
TBD for other details regarding fees.
$55 per night × 4 nights = $220 total (to be shared equally among participants) This will be a great opportunity to explore the park’s trails, enjoy campfires under the stars, and experience the desert beauty together. When car-pooling, please pay your share of the cost of gasoline and any other fees. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5/non-member. |
| weather | Joshua Tree National Park |
| leader | You must email the leader to confirm. |
| meet | Car pools will start from their points of origin throughout the Valley. Some may want to caravan. |
| drive | From Phoenix drive west on I-10 to Quartzsite. Stop for refueling and restroom break. Last stop before entry to park is in Desert Center, CA. Distance from central Phoenix to Quartzsite is 125 miles (2 hrs) and from Quartzsite to the Cottonwood Visitors Center south of Park is about 125 miles (2 hrs). Our camp site is Indian Cove Group G03 |
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