Garden Travel Food and Wine

Joshua Tree Journey

The otherworldly landscape of Joshua Tree National Park is transporting.

Joshua Tree National Park Photo © Alice Joyce

One’s senses are heightened when taking in the powerful juxtaposition of wondrous rock formations and the oddly entrancing forms of Joshua Trees marching across the desert’s hills and flatlands.

Joshua Tree Silhouettes Photo © Alice Joyce

I had vowed to return to the park after an all-too-brief foray a few years ago; managing but one hike on a perfect winter’s day in bright sunshine. Checking into our hotel after driving from Borrego Springs, we set out immediately for Joshua Tree, knowing that a rainstorm was predicted for the following day: A day when I had planned to spend long hours exploring the park.

Yucca brevifolia – Joshua Tree

: Joshua Tree Rockscape Photo © Alice Joyce

By the time we arrived in mid-afternoon, the weather system at Joshua Tree had rapidly shifted. The sky threatened rain, and the strength of the bitterly cold wind at the Keys View overlook nearly toppled me as I stood facing a vista of the Little San Bernardino Mountains.

: Joshua Tree – Keys View Overlook (Photo: Alice Joyce)

Despite knowing I would not be returning the following day for another hike in the sun, I felt thankful to have caught a ‘window’ before the storm hit. Although too early in the season to see the Joshua trees in bloom, their presence was a stirring sight. (The park’s succulent species generally flower in April or May.)

: Joshua Tree Panicle: Wikipedia

The parkland spans diverse ecosystems; taking in a section of the Colorado Desert – part of the vast Sonoran Desert, the Mojave, and an area of the Little San Bernardino Mountain range. The flora encompasses Palo verde (Cercidium) and pencil cholla (Cylindropuntia), smoketree, ocotillo (Fouqueria), and chuparosa (Justicia). It’s the north part of the park that is, in fact, the southern boundary of the Mojave Desert: the special habitat where you’ll see the Joshua tree – Yucca brevifolia, looking palm-like to some eyes.

Created by age-old volcanic activity, the parkland’s ‘rockpiles’

- stunning geologic formations – are breathtaking and mesmerizing.

More to see in Borrego Springs… & Southern California

Majestic Vistas .. Anza-Borrego Interlude

Font’s Point

Anza-Borrego: Font's Point Photo © Alice Joyce

One of the most compelling aspects to emerge when exploring Anza-Borrego is the striking contrast between the State Park’s sweeping vistas and the diminutive flora and fauna of the desert floor and rugged overlooks. I must confess: I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon. Any expectations I’d formed about Font’s Point were greatly exceeded, as I found myself swept away by the magnificence of the breathtaking canyonland that is one aspect of the vast topography of Anza-Borrego.

Wild Gardens … Amazon

Eremalche rotundifolia: Desert Five-spot Photo © Alice Joyce.jpg

In their own way, the wildflowers – their diminutive delicacy and beauty – were equally delightful to behold: Desert Five-Spot (Eremalche rotundifolia) and Brown-eyed Primrose were among the wee blooms that transported me. I’d thought about upgrading my camera before the journey in expectation of such macro shots. I may finally make the move to upgrade in celebration of the first anniversary of this web site, which passed without fanfare.

Brown-eyed Primrose / Camissonia claviformis Photo © Alice Joyce

This sub-species of Camissonia which grows in the western United States – a member of Onagraceae family, brown-eyed primrose tugs at your heart. Or is it that I have a soft spot for the sight of primroses associated with the awakening of Springtime.

Anza-Borrego Clark Dry Lake Photo © Alice Joyce

Equally compelling, albeit, in a quieter way, the landscape of Clark Dry Lake adjacent to the Santa Rosa Mountains provokes an eerie yet magical mood. Not, in fact, a dry lake bed, the sandy expanse abuts an alluvial fan which can be seen at the base of the mountains. The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association is a fine source for information on the park’s topography and habitats, historical sites and activities.

Font’s Point – Lizard (Photo: Alice Joyce)

Lizard’s coloration blends in with the rocky soil: It appeared to be taking in the view from the cliff’s edge.

My compact, lightweight car would never be fit for this type of exploration, not to mention, my camping days are long past: these days I’m much too high-maintenance. In order to take in a good sweep of Anza-Borrego’S highlights approached along unpaved roads for the most part: Hawk Canyon, the Badlands and South End, Font’s Point, Clark Dry Lake…

Photo Courtesy Kathryn Chandler: California Overland

I decided to experience the park’s wonderous settings by booking with California Overland excursions. Based in the midst of the park in the town of Borrego Springs, the company put together a small group comprised of excellent companions for a tour that proved to be enjoyable in every way. I can’t wait to return.

The Desert in Bloom

Fouqueria splendens Anza Borrego Photo © Alice Joyce

Wildflower Guides .. Amazon

Beavertail Cactus – Opuntia Basilaris Photo © Alice Joyce

Known as one of the top U.S. sites for spring wildflower displays, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park did not disappoint. I’d hoped to visit since moving to California, and finally found time for a mid-March getaway.

Myriad conditions must be in harmony for wildflowers to appear in this magnificent setting: A matter of rain, sun, wind, and temperature: all in harmony during the prior year and the season leading up to Spring. 2011 is proving to be noteworthy, with vast swathes of lupine, dune evening primrose, brittlebush, and ocotillo (Fouqueria splendens), to name but a few.

Set in the midst of Anza-Borrego State Park is Borrego Springs .. a town that comes to life most vividly during the wildflower season. A small, friendly oasis, Borrego Springs offers a limited number of rooms available in a comfy resorts, motels and no-nonsense hotels, campgrounds, and the lovely Borrego Valley Inn.

My trip began in Palm Springs, where I hiked in Andreas Canyon; one of a group of the Indian Canyons.

There are easy hikes of great beauty in each of the canyons, along with more rugged treks: I recommend the foot trail along Andreas Creek, culminating in a lush grove of native fan palms. A peaceful setting of breathtaking beauty that I had hoped to find on this sojourn.

Seated on my hotel balcony in Palm Springs, I waited for T. to arrive after the drive down from Northern California. I took a flight directly to Palm Springs, where I watched the sun set just as he was pulling into the hotel’s parking lot.

XIV Michael Mina Restaurant L.A. (Photo: Alice Joyce)

A cool topiary outside Michael Mina’s XIV Restaurant in Los Angeles on Sunset Boulevard.

You’ll notice, I’ve been hopping between cities and towns in Southern California. But I invite you to stay tuned for upcoming features, where I’ll shed light on destinations from Palm Springs to California’s Central Coast. Stunning natural settings to trendy eateries: When my travels include vigorous workouts in rugged terrain, I look forward to indulging my foodie cravings, accompanied by a glass of excellent wine.

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Joshua Tree Journey

Majestic Vistas .. Anza-Borrego Interlude

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