Joshua Tree National Park
After visiting National Parks in the past few years, I’m getting more aware what National Parks can I visit everywhere I go. After visiting my friend Sandra in Palm Desert, I set out to visit Johua Tree National Park on the way back to Los Angeles. When I took the 10 East heading to Phoenix and 32 miles of driving, I finally got to the exit where I had to drive another 15 miles going to the visitor center. Although it is considered a mid-sized national park, much larger than smaller parks like Acadia but significantly smaller than the colossal Alaskan parks, it is still huge. In essence, Joshua Tree's combination of wide, uninterrupted landscapes, dramatic terrain, sparse vegetation, and clear skies creates an impression of boundlessness, making it feel much larger than its actual size. The park’s natural beauty and spaciousness can leave a lasting impression of being surrounded by an immense, untouched wilderness.
I found out later on that I could take the entrance from the other side, close to Palm Spring without taking an extra 32 miles driving heading to the direction of Phoenix. It turned out to be just fine, because I got to hike to Mostotna and Lost Palm Oasis.
Although it isn’t advisable to be hiking alone in National Parks, but I saw that the signs are clear and also ran into solo hikers along the way; that’s a sign that it’s alright to do it.
Visiting national parks can hold deep significance for an individual, offering a mix of personal enrichment, physical well-being, and emotional renewal.
National parks provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in unspoiled natural beauty, fostering a sense of awe and wonder. This connection with nature can help recalibrate one’s perspective on life and remind us of our place in the world.
I hiked up to Mastotna where you got a nice view of the landscape and salt lake water afar. While heading down, I saw coming from another trail called The Lost Palm Oasis. I took this trail until the end of the trail. Coming here is a self-reflection.