Getting a campsite reservation in Joshua Tree National Park is fairly elusive, especially on weekends for this time of year. A few weeks ago, at the nudging of the kids, I started browsing for sites, and to my surprise, a single site was available in Jumbo Rocks, so I grabbed it. We decided on two nights, so the first night will be at easy-to-reserve Black Rock, just at the northern edge of the park.
Under starlight, Yan and I pitch camp while the kids sleep in the car. Then, we help all of them slither into their sleeping bags and drift deeper into sleep.
Saturday morning, we wake up to beautiful clear skies. After breakfast, we wander over to Pioneertown. I had heard about this place from a patient of mine. We hang out in the courtyard of the Pioneertown Motel, where the front desk guy supplies the kids with peanuts to feed the jays. After lunch at a local pizza place, we head into the park.
This is the first time using Daphney’s fourth grader national park pass. Unlike the old annual pass cards, this is a QR code in my Apple wallet. The ranger inspects the car to make sure there’s indeed a fourth grader inside. Our first stop is Hidden Valley, where we repeat the loop hike among boulders.
Campsite #1 is tucked among giant rocks, and Jayden uses some of the skills learned in bouldering camp. After dinner, the kids make a teepee of kindling, and we get a fire going.
The sun is a giant fireball this camping morning. It quickly warms up our campsite. All too soon, we pack up and leave this site we chanced upon.
Camping among the Joshua Trees at Black Rock CampgroundMyles at Black Rock CampgroundCamping among the Joshua Trees at Black Rock CampgroundJay perched at the Pioneertown MotelPlaying outside the Pioneertown MotelJay perched at the Pioneertown MotelBy the Pioneer Town Motel, Red Dog Saloon That A WayStrolling in PioneertownPetting zoo with farm animals at PioneertownStrolling in PioneertownBouldering in Hidden Valley, along the trailBouldering in Hidden Valley, along the trailBouldering in Hidden Valley, along the trailBouldering in Hidden Valley, along the trailBouldering in Hidden Valley, along the trailBouldering in Hidden Valley, along the trailBouldering in Hidden Valley, along the trailBouldering in Hidden Valley, along the trailBouldering in Hidden Valley, along the trailBouldering in Hidden Valley, along the trailBouldering in Hidden Valley, along the trailHiking Hidden ValleyGetting ready for the camp fireJumbo Rocks campsite #1Jayden bouldering by our campsite at Jumbo RocksSunset with Jumbo Rocks and Joshua treesJayden bouldering by our campsite at Jumbo RocksMoonrise with Joshua tree, nearly full moonMoonrise with Joshua tree, nearly full moonMoonrise with Joshua tree, nearly full moonMoonrise with Jumbo RocksDaphney cooking noodlesMyles and Daphney enjoying spinach noodlesJayden eating noodles perched on a boulderDaphney by our campfireSunrise in the distanceJayden looking at the sunriseJayden looking at the sunriseJayden bouldering by our campsite at Jumbo RocksDaphney warming her hands, having hash brownsMyles on the picnic tableBouldering at Jumbo RocksBouldering at Jumbo RocksBouldering at Jumbo RocksPlaying with the camp chairsLoaded up in the car, heading home
Nearly every day for the last two months, Daphney had been asking about camping—not just any camping, but specifically in Joshua Tree, or where there are foxes (Santa Cruz Island). The other request is to have a campfire, both in the evening and the following morning. That rules out the Santa Cruz site. Now that Joshua Tree National Park offers some reservation sites, we found the single open spot for the weekend. Sometimes, impromptu camping brings the most joy.
You must be logged in to post a comment.