Travel With Me Through JTNP, + 10 Short Hikes To Do In The Summer!

Welcome to Thursday Travels! Hope your day is going well! Today is all about JTNP.

I live pretty close to Joshua Tree National Park, so it's pretty much in my backyard. That being said I tend to take advantage of that as much as I can. The views are always beautiful, and never get old. How many Joshua Trees can you see in your life right? They only grow here in the Mojave Desert, so it's pretty cool to see. Whenever I think of Joshua Trees, I think strength and beauty. They live for so long, and yet are still so beautiful.

My husband and I go quite often. Here's some of our favorite spots!

*Skull Rock

*Keys View

*Constant Mine Trail

These are just a couple of our favs, of course we have others as well! So here’s some other options for you for hiking!

10 Short Hikes to do in the Summer (does include lookout points and stops) - Since we are in the desert and temperatures tend to dwell over 100 degrees, short hikes are best. As long as your prepared. If you plan to do the longer hikes, start in the early morning, that way you can finish before it gets too hot.

1. Indian Cove (This is outside of the park, off 29 Palms Highway)

This is a fairly easy hike (0.6 miles). Walk the loop and take a closer look at desert plants and learn about their traditional uses.

2. Oasis of Mara (Before you hit the entrance to the park - part of the 29 Palms Inn) (0.5 miles)

Walk the loop and see how it's been used over time by wildlife and people. *Pets are allowed here on leashes.

3. Constant Mine Trail

As soon as you enter the Park via the 29 Palms Entrance, this trail is sort of the first pull off to the right that you see. Very short walk. But the views are nice. And in the Spring, quite a bit of wildflowers bloom here.

4. Hidden Valley (1 mile)

Discover a rock enclosed valley that was rumored to have been used by cattle rustlers, it's a loop as well.

5. Barker Dam (1.1 mile)

Be careful of bighorn sheep at this one, as when the dam does have water in it, they tend to flock here. Explore cultural history with a view of the historic dam (built by cattle rustlers)

6. Skull Rock (1.7 miles)

Although this is a hike, you could easily just park and see Skull Rock. I think this is one of the coolest parts of the Park. The name gives it away, straight up reminds me of that scene in Pirates of the Caribbean. Explore boulder piles, and desert washes. And of course the famous rock itself!

7. Keys View (0.25 miles - lookout point)

Breathtaking views of the San Andrea's Fault, Mt San Jacinto, Mt San Gorgonio, and the Salton Sea on a super clear day. Beautiful any time of the day.

8. Cottonwood Spring (0.1 mile)

This is a short walk to fan palm oasis with Cottonwood trees. Lots of shade, and a perfect spot for birding!

9. Bajada Nature Trail (0.25 miles)

Discover plants of the Colorado Desert with this informative loop trail. During the Spring, this was covered in carpets of wildflowers! So pretty!

10. Cholla Cactus Garden (0.25 miles)

Walk through the Cactus Garden and view thousands of densely concentrated, naturally growing cholla cactus.

Things you need to be mindful as you enjoy the National Park in the Summer:

- Heat! As temperatures begin to rise, make sure you are prepared and stay hydrated! You typically don't have service in most areas of the Park, so make sure your car is filled up and have plenty of extra water.

- Rattlesnakes! Don’t stick your hand behind any rock or crevice you can’t see. This is where they like to hide, and they are spotted pretty often. Can see from a distance, but don’t go too close!

To get into Joshua Tree National Park, there is a $30 fee per car (pass is good for 7 days) , unless you take the Road Runner Shuttle (when it's running) you get into the park for free. Their are annual passes you can get for National Parks, along with Free Fee Days!

Hope you enjoyed today’s travel with me! And if you haven’t been to JTNP, it’s a must! Rock Climbing, Camping, Hiking, Stunning Views, Wildlife... NATURE!

As always be sure to follow me on Instagram, “halesbeautyxfashion“ for all things beauty and fashion related. Talk tomorrow for Fashion Friday’s!! Style the same shirt with me for 7 days!

- haley