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Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding area in California

76 posts

Perilous Portal Pictographs

Perilous Portal Pictographs

This amazing site is just around the corner from the Sky Portal site, and I visited it on the same trip. Did I mention that I almost got lost on this trip? I almost got lost on this trip. The GPS device I was using to navigate this maze of

Los Angeles and Brooklyn Mines

Los Angeles and Brooklyn Mines

Deep in the Pinto Mountains, just outside Joshua Tree National Park, lie the remnants of two once-thriving gold mines: the Brooklyn and Los Angeles. The story of the Brooklyn Mine began in 1890 when prospector John Burt discovered rich gold-bearing veins in this remote canyon. Burt partnered with F. J.

Bernard and Little Berdoo Peaks

Bernard and Little Berdoo Peaks

In a far corner of the Little San Bernardino Mountains of Joshua Tree National Park lie Bernard and Little Berdoo Peaks, two seldom-visited summits with incredible views. This adventurous cross-country ramble climbs up rugged canyons and rocky ridges to reach these two peaks. The views are the reason to be

California Riding and Hiking Trail

California Riding and Hiking Trail

The California Riding and Hiking Trail was part of an ambitious 1940s California State Parks project to create a statewide trail network. Due to land ownership issues, it was never completed. However, the sections within Joshua Tree are complete and provide an excellent opportunity for experienced hikers to explore the

Covington Crest

Covington Crest

The Covington Crest trail offers a short but rewarding trek into little-visited Covington Flat. It is an easy 3-mile round trip hike that rambles through some of the park's largest Joshua trees. The trail culminates at a dramatic precipice overlooking the canyons of the Little San Bernardino Mountains,

Warren Peak

Warren Peak

Warren Peak is an unassuming peak in the quiet northwest corner of Joshua Tree National Park. At 5,103 feet, it is only the 10th highest peak in the park, but from its summit the extraordinary panoramic view takes in Mount San Gorgonio, the Coachella Valley, Mount San Jacinto, as

Lost Horse Mine

Lost Horse Mine

If you are a fan of mining history and scenic desert hikes (and I think you are since you're probably reading this), you should stop by the Lost Horse Mine. The Lost Horse Mine is well-known, but its history remains obscure to most. Few people hike the entire