I believe it’s a Blainville's horned lizard - can anyone confirm?

Hey everyone! I’ll be in Palm Springs for a few days, and I’m planning on spending a morning hiking in Joshua Tree. I’ve done the Willow Hole trail the last couple of years and loved it—mainly because of the easy parking, tons of Joshua trees, the beautiful changes in landscape, and how lightly trafficked it felt.

This time, I’m thinking about switching it up and doing the Panorama Loop and Warren Peak on a Monday morning. For those who’ve done it, does it check my boxes for parking availability and Joshua tree sightings? And, just as important, is it usually quiet enough to avoid big crowds?

Hey everyone I’ve been to palms springs at least 25 times but never JoshuaTree want to know is there anything I should be aware of what should I bring and what to expect! I am planning on renting a little house for the first week of December for a little get away thank you in advance for your response!

Looking for last second help! Should we get a permit for the backcountry camping, just to have a parking lot to stay at?

Would we be cool if we pull off on the side of the road until the morning?

Should we search campsites for general (non-camping) parking lots to post up in? I'm pretty sure we can't stay in the hiking trail parking lots overnight, can we?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hello, world!👽

Planning a 3-4 day solo backpacking trip to Joshua Tree in mid-December. I’ve done a lot of research and feel a bit overwhelmed. How would you plan it if you were me?

I’m leaning towards reserving campsites to avoid last-minute hassle but open to off-trail camping or setting up a hammock where permitted. I have camping and backpacking experience (not a pro).

Thanks!

I’ll be out there solo at the end of February/beginning of March. I’m looking for a loop trail to backpack for a night and not have to arrange transportation to or from a trail head.

I’m looking at potentially doing Black Rock trailhead, CRHT, Eureka Peak, Burnt Hill Trail.

I haven’t decided on the full plan or itinerary yet but that’s relatively what I’m looking at right now. Been on and off the fence about adding in Eureka Peak or not.

If I add Eureka peak I’d likely be looking to do a water cache since it appears to be accessible by Covington Rd with a short hike. If I don’t do Eureka Peak, I’ll likely just heavy pack it and carry a few gallons with me.

Those of you who have been there/know this trail: any thoughts or feedback? Open to any and all suggestions :-)

Also: second silly question… all my research recommends a venom extractor kit, is this an actual a necessity, or just guidebook-ese? Any recommendations of a backpacking friendly one if it is a necessity?

Thanks!

Signed, A North Eastern Coast Backpacker on her 3rd desert backpacking adventure.

Visiting JTNP and taking this picture was truly one of the best experiences of my life. No hyperbole.

Headed to Joshua tree with a 5 year old who's obsessed with bats this weekend. Any pointers on the best places to go to see them?

In the past I've seen them around Hidden Valley and Belle campgrounds at sunset. My hunch would be Barker Dam but i sort of assume it's dry this time of year so it might not have as many insects for them. Let me know your thoughts! Staying in town so the closer the better.

Going to JT for a friend’s birthday and they have requested tiramisu for their cake. Their preference is for a more coffee forward version with actual ladyfingers, not sponge cake.

It looks like Stater Bros has tiramisu, but it’s hard to tell quality from afar even if the picture looks ok. Any opinions on it? Would I be better calling a bakery or restaurant?

I’m flying into Palm Springs, so I’m open to suggestions anywhere in the greater area between the two.

Thanks in advance!

Hi yall! I need to escape the city into some nature— but all the spots are taken for this long weekend. Anyone got an extra car space? I don’t even mind camping in the car to not take up any space (plus it might be windy?). Please let me know! I just wanna see the Sunrise Sunday>Monday

Planning a weekend trip and curious if anyone has any recommendations for a daycare or day boarding situation for my small dog? I know he’s not allowed in the park so I need to bring him somewhere so I can go in to hike. Thanks!!

Hello, visiting from the UK, was planning to make the drive up from Anaheim today. Woke up to news of high winds in the area. In real terms how does look for the conditions in JT? Looking at the apps it says highs of 15-17mph winds. This is the only day we can make it so is it worth making the trip? Any tips are very welcome. Thanks.

I have a permit for a boyscout backpacking campsite on a Saturday what time can I arrive and what time on Sunday do I have to leave by

visiting around thanksgiving week. looking for affordable lodging for 3 adults with decent wifi (I need to do hw) and heating (will also bring my own small heater too lmao). i looked into it and it is past new moon phase, so idk if it's still worth stargazing? unclear where to start haha. staying for 3 days 3 nights, driving from OC