There’s a lot more going on at Joshua Tree than hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing.
Horseback riding is another excellent way to experience the park, with 253 miles of designated equestrian trails. Ryan and Black Campgrounds are the only designated camping areas allowing horses and stock. You can also camp in the backcountry with your stock, but a free permit is required. Call (760) 367-5545 to arrange a permit or to make reservations at Ryan Campground. Grazing is not permitted within the park. Water is usually the limiting factor when planning a trip, as horses are not permitted within 0.25 mile of any water source. You can put the planning into someone else’s hands by taking a guided trail ride from Joshua Tree Ranch. A 1.5-hour Basic Ride costs $65 per rider. They also offer advanced rides: 2.5-hour at $85 per rider and 4-hour at $125 per rider.
Joshua Tree Ranch | 760-902-7336 | Mile 2.9 up Park Blvd. (8651 Quail Springs Rd); Joshua Tree, CA 92252 | www.joshuatreeranch.com
Biking is permitted on all park roads; unpaved and 4WD roads’ limited traffic make them ideal for mountain bikers. The park also hopes to develop 29 miles of trails for bike use but is awaiting approval by Congress. Check online or at a visitor center for the current status.
Stargazing: If you come from a busy metropolitan area like Los Angeles, there’s nothing quite like a clear night sky. Bring a set of binoculars and tour the Milky Way on your own. You can also join one of the park’s free Night Sky Programs, which are held about once a week between October and May. A current schedule can be found at the park website, campground bulletin boards, entrance stations, and visitor centers.
Wildflowers: When flowers are in bloom Joshua Tree becomes a colorful paradise. Blooms vary from year-to-year with seasonal differences in rainfall and temperature. Flowers begin to bloom in the low elevations by February and may last until June in the higher elevations.
Then there’s Joshua Tree’s Desert Institute (760.367.5535, www.desertinstitute.homestead.com), which provides educational programs to park guests. Reasonably priced courses in natural science, survival skills, arts, and more are offered regularly, but do not cater to children.