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Desert Travel

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

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Desert Travel

Majestic Vistas .. Anza-Borrego Interlude

Font’s Point

        Anza-Borrego: Font’s Point

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.

           Eremalche rotundifolia: Desert Five-spot 

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 © 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  © 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.

Read more about desert travel,

Anza-Borrego, and Borrego Springs on Alice’s Garden Travel Buzz

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Desert Travel

Borrego Springs: Palms at Indian Head

Anza-Borrego Desert Vista – The Palms at Indian Head

Palms at Indian Head Hotel Pool © Alice Joyce

The town of Borrego Springs is situated in the heart of the northern part of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Among your accommodation choices: RV campgrounds and motels, small hotels and resorts for the golf aficionado.

There’s an intriguing history attached to The Palms at Indian Head – with its classic mid-century architecture and basic rooms. (I needed to switch rooms after the first night, and enjoyed ‘day 2’ when I stayed in one of the hotel’s view rooms.)

Palms At Indian Head © Alice Joyce

Formerly the Hoberg Resort, the property is renowned as a one-time getaway for movie stars from Marilyn Monroe to Clark Gable, and a safe haven at the time for actors seeking privacy, like Montgomery Clift and Raymond Burr.  The current owners stepped in to save the main building and two poolside casitas from being demolished after a fire destroyed many bungalows on the land.

Two restaurants provide plenty of choices at any time on a Spring day: the Red Ocotillo, and Krazy Coyote for evening dining. The inviting bar served appetizers from 4:30 to 6p.m., satisfying my foodie cravings with a selection that included guacamole and cheese quesadillas, accompanied by a glass of Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay.

Justicia californica

A direct path leads from ‘The Palms’ to Anza-Borrego’s Palm Canyon Hiking Trail which covers about 3-miles. The sights and sensory experience of the trail offer a memorable immersion in an awe-inspiring boulder-strewn, wildflower bedecked landscape of Anza-Borrego State Park.

Read More .. Desert Travel in Southern California

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