I am camped out in Joshua Tree National Park at the hidden valley campground. Originally, I had not intended to camp here. I thought I would just do a quick drive thru and be on my way. When I got here and saw how magical this place really is, I grabbed the first camping spot I saw. The campsites are nestled right up against amazing gigantic granite boulders. The field surrounding the camp is filled with more Joshua Trees with even more amazing boulder formations in the distance.

When I got back to camp this evening, after a full afternoon of exploring, I could hear the distinctive beat of a drum echoing from across the camp. It was not invasive and lent a very nice ambience to the evening.

Today, I went for a couple of "easy" nature loop hikes (about a mile each). These hikes were really a great way to get up close and personal with the vegetation. The first hike, I wound up getting off onto a climbers path and into some pretty scrambly terrain. From my high vantage point, I could clearly see my easy nature loop in the valley below. I retraced my steps and only after being attacked and stung by several bees, did I make it down to the floor to complete the "easy" loop.

There is alot you can see in this park right from the road, so I did the "fat american tourist" thing and drove along, stopping at the requisite pullouts along the way.

This is a big park, and backcountry travel and camping is allowed, although there is no water available. You must carry what you will need for your entire backpacking trip. The park wants you to leave the natural water sources for the wild animal population.

There are just a few attractions that I want to catch in the morning,
and then I am off to Kernville and the giant Sequoias.