Joshua Tree Weekend Adventure March 24-26

Photo by Ryan Tuttle

Join us on a weekend road trip to Joshua Tree National Park March 24-26!

Joshua Tree National Park is located in the backyard of Los Angeles, where the Mojave and the Colorado deserts meet producing a unique landscape with a rich diversity of life. Most famously, Joshua Trees grow throughout the park, playfully greeting visitors with their crooked arms.

On Saturday, we will get an early start to explore the highlights of Joshua Tree National Park, including Keys View, Cholla “Teddy Bear” Cactus Garden, Barker Dam and Skull Rock.

On Sunday, we will travel back in time at the Integraton, a sound chamber built in 1954 by George van Tassel, who claimed to have received the plans from an alien visiting from Venus. We will enjoy a 30-minute sound bath meditation in which quartz crystal singing bowls are played to provide healing and rejuvenation to the body. Before returning to Los Angeles, we will have lunch at local favorite Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown.

Gourmet camp meals and first-time camper support included for all Shoestring Adventures. Subscribe to our newsletter to be first in line when tickets go on sale!

Trip Type: Car Camping

Trip Level: All Levels

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the wonders of Joshua Tree National Park, including Keys View, Cholla “Teddy Bear” Cactus Garden and Skull Rock
  • Learn the skills you need to camp confidently in the outdoors, like how to build a campfire, pitch a tent and cook a delicious meal in the outdoors.
  • Professional photographer will capture the best moments all weekend long!
  • Enjoy a rejuvenating sound bath at the Integratron!

Ticket Includes

  • Gourmet camp meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Campfire and s’mores
  • Campsite fees/permit
  • Wilderness First Responder/CPR Certified Leader with 4 years of guide experience
  • Guide assistant to help facilitate group hikes and meals
  • Leave No Trace Instruction
  • A portion of your fee goes back to the park service to maintain and protect Joshua Tree
  • National Park for future generations.

Extras

If you’re traveling or don’t have camping gear, we’ve got you covered! Our partner GetOutfitted is offering Shoestring Warriors an exclusive 20% discount for convenient gear rentals. More details will be provided after registration.

What To Expect

Itinerary

Friday: Meet at Indian Cove Campground in Joshua Tree National Park, and set-up camp. Dinner, followed by a campfire building lesson, s’mores and stargazing.

Saturday: We’ll get an early start to cover the highlights of Joshua Tree National Park, including Lost Horse Loop Trail, Cholla “Teddy Bear” Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, Barker Dam and Keys View. Return to camp for dinner and campfire.

Sunday: Breakfast and camp breakdown. Sound bath at the Integratron and lunch at Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown before return to Los Angeles.

* Schedule subject to change due to weather, extreme heat, camper ability/injury, natural events, fire or park restrictions. Shoestring Warriors should be in good physical shape, but we will hike at an easy pace and take breaks as needed.

Accommodations

We have reserved a spacious group tent site at Indian Cove Campground, located centrally in Joshua Tree National Park. Amenities include vault toilets.

What to Bring

Campers should bring their own sleeping bag and pad. See above for details on convenient gear rentals available from GetOutfitted.

All cooking equipment, dishes and meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast are provided. Fresh coffee will be served each morning. We practice Leave No Trace to enjoy the environment responsibly, so please bring your own reusable water bottle.

Check out our Car Camping Gear Checklist for other recommendations. You will receive a customized packing list before our trip.

Photographers, bring your camera, tripod, extra battery and memory card. Joshua Tree is the ultimate location to practice your photos skills.

How to Prepare

Don’t know anyone going on the trip? No problem! We offer a community for anyone who wants to experience the outdoors. After you register, you will receive a Welcome Kit email, which includes introductions to your fellow campers, a detailed packing list, itinerary, weather forecast and everything else you need to know to prepare for our trip. We are available to answers all questions and guide first-time campers every step of the way.

Weather

Temperatures are most comfortable in the spring, with an average high/low of 85 and 50°F respectively.

Transportation

Transportation is not included. Allow 2.5 hours drive time from Los Angeles. We will help facilitate carpools with other campers in your neighborhood. Each passenger will contribute toward their driver for gas and wear and tear.

Health & Safety

We take extra measures to ensure your safety and maximum level of fun. All Shoestring Adventures guides hold Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications. In remote destinations, we carry a DeLorme inReach Explorer Satellite Messenger to contact authorities in case of emergency.

On the trail, we encourage campers to stay together, wear sun protection and stay hydrated. We minimize risk on the trail by keeping groups together while hiking, encouraging everyone to drink water and apply sunscreen, and making sure we’re prepared with gear appropriate to weather and our activities.

Other Important Stuff

Every camper must sign a Acknowledgement of Risks, Media Release and Leave It Better Pledge. Click each link to review and print at your convenience. For other questions, check out our FAQ or email alyx@shoestringadventures.com.

Become an Official Member

Once you register for your first event, you will become an official club member and receive 10% off future events.

Featured photos © 2016 Ryan Tuttle

More from Alyx Schwarz
My Brother, The Pirate
Facebook Twitter Pinterest EmailsharesSince I began Shoestring Adventures, my brother Mike has...
Read More
0 replies on “Joshua Tree Weekend Adventure March 24-26”