getting there from LA

Directions: Indian Cove Campground. Head east on the 10 Freeway past San Bernardino. Just passed the Palm Springs turn-off, head north on the Yucca Valley Freeway. Stay on the road through Joshua Tree “high street”. The entrance turns right off the main road, 5 minutes past the center of Joshua Tree on the northern border of the National Park.

Time from LA: 2.5 hours traffic dependent. We recommend leaving early.

Total adventure time: 1.5 days including 1-night camping.

When to go: Spring & Fall are ideal. Winter also but it can get cold and windy (check the weather). Avoid summer due to the heat.

Along the way:

• Frontier Cafe, Yucca Valley. Decent coffee.

• Natural Sister’s Cafe, Joshua Tree: Health food, GF sandwiches, smoothies

• Pappy + Harriet’s: Famous establishment saloon bar 40 minutes north of Joshua Tree. Bustling and fun (on weekends prepare for a wait). Big BBQ out back. The ribs are better than the brisket.