Friday, February 13 (hope you had good luck) - We hiked the Lost Palms Oasis trail today in Joshua Tree National Park, Indio, CA.
We left home a little later than usual (7:30), and that had us ending our 7.5 mile hike too late in the day....Hot, Hot, Hot. The temperature gauge read 88 degrees at 2:00 p.m..
This area of Joshua Tree NP is considered "high desert.” We quickly realize that, as we climbed the 10 mile incline on East bound I-10 to the park entrance.
The trail, although a little longer than we prefer, is an enjoyable hike. It is very well marked and doesn't have too much of an elevation gain…about 400 feet. The problem is you gain and lose the 400 feet numerous times as you climb in and out of the washes and canyons.
Much of the hike is in coarse sand. Slow going here.
Be prepared for some rocky climbing.
Lots of beauty all around.
The two canyons we hiked through were lovely.
Once you reach the Oasis at the end of the trail it is a pretty scary climb down into the canyon, if you want a close-up view of the palm trees. Remember, if you climb down there, you have to climb back out! YIKES!
Besides the Palms in the bottom of the canyon, they are way up the side of the canyon too.
Brunch with a view.
On the way back to the trailhead, Paul thought we could take a short cut down one of the washes. Men! After about a half mile, Paul agreed with Marsha…We better go back to the trail. He insists it would have eventually brought us out to about the Saltan Sea.....30 miles away! Ha Ha!
On the way back, we were able to see the Salton Sea…waaaay over there.
Just when we thought we were almost back to the trailhead, our legs said….Oh No! Not more steps.
Regardless, after nearly 5 hours, we returned to the trailhead a little tired and ready to head home.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!
awesome hike. . .but did you see a Joshua Tree?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I know what one looks like yet. . .
I'm always amazed at your endurance. Two tireless seniors.
ReplyDeleteLove the way you experience these beautiful areas with your hikes!
ReplyDeleteAnother excellent hike, and the weather?
ReplyDeleteWell would be lovin' that right about now!
Way to go you two!! You are really getting into it...yes!! Looks like a super hike with the palm oasis as a reward:) I see Paul has poles. Smart idea with loose sand and rocky trials makes all the difference in the world in your legs. The weather has been just beautiful hasn't it!!
ReplyDeleteYikes, that is getting hot. I've been wanted to visit Joshua Tree for quite some time. Great shots of the area.
ReplyDeleteWith all the hiking that you keep doing you're both going to need to buy smaller clothes to fit properly.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
good looking hike...
ReplyDeleteI'd sure hate to get lost on one of those trails. There was a story a while back about a couple who went for a hike at the Aerial Tramway and couldn't find their way back. I guess i we don't hear from you, we'll send someone out looking. :)
ReplyDeleteThat must have been a real workout...what a hike! You and Paul are sure putting on the desert miles!
ReplyDeleteWOW! You two impress me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip on this hike. We are planning to head over to Joshua Tree soon.
ReplyDelete