Think of  Joshua Tree National Park and the images that are immediately called to mind are of the mystical prehistoric looking desert scape populated only with the curious-looking Joshua Trees and relatively little other plant or animal life. (“J-trees” were named by Mormon settlers in the middle of the 19^th century for their appearance, which resembled the biblical character of Joshua with his arms extended to the heavens in prayer). Other images that might come to mind are those from every single indie fashion label editorial in which groups of biker girls and hippie chicks frolic at dusk silhouetted against the twilight sky wearing nothing but jeans and biker boots, or with only bare feet and Army jackets. They are thin with messy hair; they smoke and drink whiskey. They ride horses and Harley Davidsons; sometimes they drive vintage cars. They never worry about running out of gas or dying of dehydration. They are unapologetic outlaws, communing with the J-trees and mother Luna and everyone laughs and laughs.

My two visions of Joshua Tree were exactly this, so during a 3-day visit to Palm Springs in 2015, I knew I had to visit. I enjoy hiking and try to do some hiking – even urban hiking – in every location I visit. As part of the National Park system, I knew Joshua Tree had many hiking trails and incorporated a day-long hike into my plan. I was confused on how to dress appropriately for this adventure – after all daytime temperatures are unforgiving, there are no visible park personnel, and cell phone service is nonexistent. Should I plan for a desert hiking experience with sunscreen and a camelback, and long sleeves? Would shorts and a t-shirt be fine? Would I need a snakebite kit? I also couldn’t help but wonder if I should wear ripped jeans and a Led Zeppelin t – shirt in the event I stumbled across a van full of hippie ladies drinking whiskey and listening to classic rock in the midday sun. Preparing for this hike was the hardest.

The ex-military in me decided to be practical. I decided to wear long hiking pants that wick – the kind you buy at Prana or REI. I wore only a t-shirt, but would recommend a long sleeve wicking shirt as well because the sun is scorching and sunburns are dangerous. I added a back pack with snacks, water, sunscreen, and a fully charged cell phone just in case, and set off on my hike.  I chose Ryan Mountain because it seemed like a more difficult hike, and, with no real incline in any of the options, I was hoping for something more interesting and challenging https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/upload/RyanMountain.pdf.

The scenery was magnificent, and the natural beauty was breathtaking, but the hike itself was underwhelming. I did not connect to the desert as I hoped I would. I have much greater sense of connection to the Texas Hill Country and would choose that time and again over a trip back to Joshua Tree. I believe some people visit Joshua Tree and feel extremely connected to the spirituality of the place, the history of the various peoples that inhabited the wild landscape, and the otherworldly panoramas. I sadly did not. Joshua Tree is not the land of my people.

I encountered many people rock climbing and I think this is certainly a great place to do that. If you are into bouldering or free climbing, there is no shortage of great and challenging options for rock climbing in Joshua Tree. Exploring Joshua Tree is best suited for rock climbing enthusiasts, photographers looking for epic scenery, or for adventurers hoping to have a vision quest or go on an ayahuasca journey.

TIP: Joshua Tree is great for rock climbing, but not so much for hiking. The best time to visit is at dusk when the minimal animal life emerges and enlivens the already secretive landscape. It is worth it to drive through and take photos of this unique and sacred space, but if you don’t feel the connection you expected, it’s okay. It just might not be the land of your people. I believe the people that have the most memorable experience at Joshua Tree National Park are the ones who have taken a mind altering substance to commune with nature or are there listening to “Physical Graffiti” in the back of a Chevy van.