
COST: $25.00 PER PERSON
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 13, 2009
Joshua Tree National Park is a great camping location offering a unique desert experience. It is a rustic outdoor adventure that includes rock climbing, hiking, viewing desert scenery/wildlife, and stargazing. The campsites are rustic with no showers, no power and no water. Toilets are nearby and a water faucet is at the ranger station at the park entrance. Bring your tent, sleeping bag, EZ Up for shade, sunscreen and plenty of water. Each Circle will prepare their own meals.
The rock climbing is appropriate for all skill levels and quite spectacular. See desert tortoises, cool lizards, scorpions and more. Besides nature, the other highlight of the trip is the rocket launch on Saturday morning. Hundreds of rockets shooting in the sky at a nearby dry lake bed.
|
AGENDA |
|
| FRIDAY |
Carpool if possible as parking can be limited. Arrive after 12:00 noon and check into the campsites assigned to each Circle. There will be an informational campfire on Friday night to go over activities, safety rules, etc. Scavenger Hunt Starts: Each Circle will be given scavenger hunt sheets on Friday at check in to record things seen while camping. This will include plants, animals, insects etc. Completed sheets will be turned in to the Trappers on Saturday night for prizes. This activity will help educate the dads & kids on the local wildlife, plant life, etc. and encourage exploration. |
| SATURDAY |
Hiking, climbing, bike riding, etc. with your group. Rocket Launch: We will head over to the dry lake bed for the rocket launch around 10:15 am. Bring water, EZ Ups and rockets. Bikes to chase rockets work well. Nation Campfire: 7:30pm with chants, skits, fun and Joshua Tree Trivia. Guided Scorpion Hunt: Adults will guide kids on a scorpion hunt using hand held UV lights provided to each Circle. Safety is the key as we will be viewing them but not touching. Stargazing: We are trying to arrange telescopes to view the stars, etc. |
| SUNDAY | Roundup at 9:00am. Free day for hiking, etc. Depart for home. |
|
WHAT TO BRING |
|
| WATER | Bring lots of fresh water. If you have large containers, fill these and bring them. Water is available only at the Ranger Station. |
| COOKING SUPPLIES | You will need to bring all your own cooking supplies. Team up with others in your circle. |
| SUN SHADES | If you have any canopies (Easy-up, Quik-Shade, etc) bring these. There is limited shade in the campground. |
| CAMPING GEAR | Tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, binoculars, tables and chairs. Backpacks work well for during hiking for water, snacks and other supplies. Consult with your Circle leader about RVs as we have tent only sites unless special arrangements are made in advance. |
| CLOTHING | Bring warm clothes for night (it can get really cold) and jeans & shorts for the day. |
| SWIM SUITS | If
there has been some rain, there may be some natural pools nearby. |
| SAFETY GEAR | The
Little Explorers will do some climbing.
Bicycle helmets are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!
Gloves, knee and elbow pads are also recommended.
Bring Band-Aids, small scrapes are common. |
| FIRE WOOD | Bring LOTS! Each Circle will contribute one bundle to the Saturday night campfire. There is a Big 5 and Walmart 15-20 minutes nearby for forgotten items. |
| ROCKET LAUNCH: |
Walmart, Hobby People, Michaels and Jo-Anne’s all carry rocket starter kits and engines. Build your rockets before you come up (it takes a little time). I suggest bringing two rockets in case you have a crash. Not everyone needs a launcher so check with your Circle so you have a couple in your group. |
| OTHER STUFF | Bring all that other stuff needed for a campout. |
![]()
Directions:
Take I-10 East toward Palm Springs. Pass the HWY 111 exit and continue toward Indio. Exit onto HWY 62 toward Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, 29 Palms. You will pass thru the towns of Morongo and Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree. Continue on HWY 62 toward 29 Palms. Turn Right on Indian Cove Road (this is about 9 miles after the City of Joshua Tree). Follow the road into the Campground.
Park Maps
Large detailed map (this may take a while to load)
![]()
CAMP SITES: We are in the INDIAN COVE CAMP.
Circle assignments: TBA
CHECK-IN: Check in at the Rangers Station and tell them you are with the YMCA Adventure Guides Group. We have most of the sites from 55-101. Each Circle will be assigned a block of sites. You will be given a parking pass for your vehicle by the ranger or your navigator if he has already picked up your groups passes from the ranger.
Weather Conditions: During the month of April the average High Temp is 80F, Average Low of 50F. Click here for the current weather
(Hit "refresh" or "reload" to get the latest information)
Joshua Tree Links
www.joshua.tree.national-park.com/
www.desertusa.com/jtree/jtmain.html
![]()