|
Post by bo on Mar 28, 2018 9:48:06 GMT -8
I'm planning on doing my first solo overnight hike in Joshua Tree this coming weekend. I've backpacked with partners before, but this will be my first trip going it alone. Any advice for a backcountry overnight in this region? Stuff to be prepared for? I'm planning on playing it safe as much as possible, hiking under 9 miles, carrying lots of water, using a GPS on my phone and a map and compass as backup. But as a newbie I'm sure there are lots of unpredictable things that'd be good to keep in mind just in case! Thanks in advance!
|
|
null
Trail Wise!
Posts: 578
|
Post by null on Mar 28, 2018 11:38:02 GMT -8
If you want to stay on an established trail, Big Pine is a nice overnight destination from the Boy Scout TH.
Another option is to start at Ryan Campground, hike to the base of Quail Peak, set up camp and day-hike to the summit.
As for "unpredictable", it might get really cold at night.
|
|
|
Post by bo on Mar 28, 2018 12:22:37 GMT -8
null Yeah, last time I car camped at Joshua Tree the nighttime temps got super chilly - the wind was also insane. I've been keeping an eye on the weather, fingers crossed the wind won't be as much this time around. Probably should've specified in the first post, but I was thinking of doing a stretch of the California Riding and Hiking trail starting from Black Rock. I'll look into Big Pine tho!
|
|
|
Post by johntpenca on Mar 28, 2018 19:13:44 GMT -8
fingers crossed the wind won't be as much this time around. As you have noticed, wind in JT can be somewhat fierce. Choose your camp site on the lee side of a big rock, preferably in an alcove. Black Rock area is relatively low elevation, so expect both hot days and cold nights and be prepared for monsoon-ish rains. But in general, late March to April are great times to be in JT. The buzz worms should still be pretty docile. Don't let the easy terrain fool you; look back frequently as you hike in, those domes look a lot different from the backside. Less important if you stay on a trail, but if you get to wandering around, know what the landmarks look like from the backside. Have fun, take photos and write us a TR.
|
|
|
Post by bo on Mar 29, 2018 8:22:02 GMT -8
Good advice! I honestly hadn't even thought about rattlesnakes - being from the PNW, snakes were just never a concern in the areas I used to hike. Good to keep in mind. I'll definitely take pics and return with a TR
|
|
jdlp
Trail Wise!
SoCal hiker and backpacker, occasional kayaker, looking to explore
Posts: 61
|
Post by jdlp on Mar 29, 2018 9:31:21 GMT -8
Ditto on what John said on checking your back. As for rattlesnakes, they usually veer clear of people, but always be sure to keep an eye on the ground where you're going. Two points I'll add:
1. It cannot be stressed enough to never, ever set up camp in a wash. 2. Plan your itinerary ahead of time, know exactly where you're going, and let someone know what those plans are (and also instructions on what to do if they don't hear from you by a certain time).
|
|
|
Post by bo on Mar 29, 2018 9:42:34 GMT -8
1. It cannot be stressed enough to never, ever set up camp in a wash. Can you clarify on this a bit? Again, I'm just used to PNW terrain. I assume the concern here is that in case of rain, a wash might flash-flood. Is there a reliable way to recognize a dry wash? Are there other reasons to avoid these areas? (Also yes, I've got a pretty detailed itinerary and am sending it to friends along with a backup plan!)
|
|
jdlp
Trail Wise!
SoCal hiker and backpacker, occasional kayaker, looking to explore
Posts: 61
|
Post by jdlp on Mar 29, 2018 10:14:39 GMT -8
1. It cannot be stressed enough to never, ever set up camp in a wash. Can you clarify on this a bit? Again, I'm just used to PNW terrain. I assume the concern here is that in case of rain, a wash might flash-flood. Is there a reliable way to recognize a dry wash? Are there other reasons to avoid these areas? (Also yes, I've got a pretty detailed itinerary and am sending it to friends along with a backup plan!) Happy to elaborate. Your assumption is correct on the flash-floods being the reason you should avoid setting up camp in these areas. Washes are basically dried river/creek beds that run through the desert, usually sandy (which makes them tempting camping spots), and you'll be able to see the evidence of flowing water. They're pretty easily identifiable...one of those, "You'll know it when you see it," features. It's still early enough in the year that rain is always a possibility, and even a small shower can potentially wreak havoc. Since you're a relative desert newbie, another piece of advice I'll throw in is to have good camp shoes/don't walk around barefoot or in flipflops after you set up camp. The desert floor is littered with cactus spikes. Cholla especially can be a pain in the ass.
|
|
|
Post by bo on Mar 29, 2018 10:46:05 GMT -8
Awesome, this is super helpful. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
|
|
null
Trail Wise!
Posts: 578
|
Post by null on Mar 29, 2018 11:25:34 GMT -8
One other piece of advice. The trail between Eureka Peak and the Covington Backcountry Board is parallel to the (lightly traveled) road, so finding a nice place to set up that isn't within sight or earshot of it may be difficult.
If you have 10 miles in you, a really nice place to camp is Covington Crest. Not a lot of flat areas, but the views are pretty amazing.
|
|
|
Post by cweston on Mar 29, 2018 14:33:43 GMT -8
On solo camping generally: give some thought to how you will pass the time while not hiking. I usually take a book when I’m solo. (And be sure to take backup batteries for your headlamp if you’ll be using it to read.)
|
|
|
Post by bo on Apr 2, 2018 10:11:09 GMT -8
For all of you kind people who gave me advice before I set out: here's my trip report from the hike! It went great, and I can't thank you all enough for the tips and encouragement Joshua Tree trip report!
|
|
jdlp
Trail Wise!
SoCal hiker and backpacker, occasional kayaker, looking to explore
Posts: 61
|
Post by jdlp on Apr 3, 2018 10:03:36 GMT -8
Thanks for the trip report and glad you had a great trip, bo! Hope you have fun continuing to explore the desert. Death Valley is also a must visit place, and would also highly recommend visiting Mojave National Preserve when you get a chance.
|
|
|
Post by bo on Apr 3, 2018 10:40:48 GMT -8
Death Valley is also a must visit place, and would also highly recommend visiting Mojave National Preserve when you get a chance. Thanks for the recs! I visited Death Valley as a kid, I'd love to return and explore it as an adult now. Hadn't thought about the Mojave National Preserve, I'll look into that too
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,959
|
Post by rebeccad on Apr 11, 2018 19:13:16 GMT -8
Hadn't thought about the Mojave National Preserve, I'll look into that too There are some cool places there! Kelso Dunes are fun, even when the primroses aren't in bloom, and milkshakes at the Kelso Depot (now the NP Visitor's Center) are a real treat (and an historical one--my husband's family used to stop there for ice cream back when it was an operating depot and the road was gravel). ETA: and the Joshua Tree forest on Cima Dome is the best in the world.
|
|