Desert Dreamy

This time of year Joshua Tree National Park's vast desert landscape looks even more golden with autumn's low-slung sun, and at night the sky fills with bold stars. From hiking to camping to exploring whimsical scenery—here's how to see Joshua Tree.

Week: 11.10.2015
Regions: Southern CA

Two Hikes, Trees Company

Hike Hidden Valley and Barker Dam in Joshua Tree

If you have time for only one hike during your visit in Joshua Tree National Park, do two! Located just 5 miles from the park's main entrance—and within 5 minutes of each other—the Hidden Valley and Barker Dam loops combine for a total of 2.5 miles, and make a great way to see th
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Sunny Days Are Here Again

Winter Vacation to Sun Valley

By a show of hands, how many people like a hassle? Traffic jams. Long lines. Crowds. Anybody? It's time to take the hassle out of your winter vacation. It is a vacation, after all! Sunny days are here again, along with the snow—in Sun Valley, Idaho! Just a 2.5-hour flight from Lo
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Wild West Side

Hike to Lost Horse Mine in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is wild in more ways than its gnarly namesake trees. Hike the park's west side for a big-picture vantage of the desertscape and to explore a historic mine dating to the late nineteenth century. The 6.7-mile Lost Horse Mine loop is both eerie and beautifu
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Starry-Eyed Camp Surprise

Indian Cove Campground Joshua Tree

No trip to Joshua Tree National Park is complete without a stargazing party and the comfort of a campfire. The night sky illuminates spectacularly in the desert (especially during a new moon) and is best observed with good company. Indian Cove Campground, nestled 13 miles east of
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  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

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  2. Sundialed

    Redding is home to one of the world’s most famous pedestrian-only bridges—the Sundial Bridge was created by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (its sister bridges are in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Seville, Spain). The glass-deck bridge across the Sacramento River is a true sundial....

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  3. View from Keys View Joshua Tree

    Trio of Trails

    Get into Joshua Tree National Park Park early and hit the classic circuit of short trails before the crowds arrive. We also have some food and overnight recos.

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  4. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

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