Joshua Tree: Rockin’ in the Free World
Three days of climbing rocks and exploring the mighty Mohave during a full moon.
2-4 December, 2025
Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, CA
"And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of the Lord." — Joshua 24:26
Leaving Arizona and entering California westbound on I-10, we approached Joshua Tree National Park from the southern Cottonwood Springs entrance in the Colorado Desert. During the next hour of driving, we marveled at the changes in plants and landscape as we gained elevation and converged into the higher and cooler Mojave Desert.
Teddy Bear Cholla cactus — These are also known as “jumping cactus” because If you barely brush against one, the microscopic backward-facing barbs on the loosely attached spines latch onto your skin or clothing instantly. Cuddle at your own peril!
When we lived in San Diego from 2005-2010, Peyton and I made several trips to J-Tree to camp and rock climb, often with friends. In 2020, we drove through the park with Sadie and Nate but didn’t have time to stop and explore.
J-Tree is really known for two things: rocks and Joshua trees. Basically, we spent the next three days climbing on rocks and marveling at the high desert and the park’s namesake trees.
Evenings and sunsets seem to take on a heightened dramatic effect in the desert. We were lucky enough to be in the park when these elements combined with an early rising full moon to create an even more stunning landscape.
Hanging out in “Skull Rock” as the moon rises
The “Hall of Horrors” slot canyon
Peyton cautiously entering the “Hall of Horrors”
We spent our final day at J-Tree on the north side of the park in the Indian Cove area and ended did a hike that ended up becoming one of our family favorites: Rattlesnake Canyon. Unlike the park's groomed paths, there are no official trail markers or signs. The route follows a sandy wash up a canyon that quickly transforms into a hands-and-feet climbing scramble over massive house-sized granite boulders and through narrow slot canyons.
Rattlesnake Canyon
Due to recent and rare heavy rains before our arrival, the further we ascended up the canyon the more water we saw in the wash. As we reached a massive granite slot canyon we were treated to a waterfall and multiple successive hidden grottos whose pools beautifully cascaded down the polished stone.
Slot canyon grottos
Finishing up the hike and returning to the truck, we had about an hour of daylight remaining. Our drive away from the Rattlesnake Canyon trailhead took us through the Indian Cove Campground and past several prominent rock climbing routes. Nate was game, so I scrambled up the backside of a few giant boulders to set up a top-rope.
Nate perfecting his J-Tree slab climbing skills
Celebrating victory in the glow of the moon
Peyton graciously leaving the warm truck to belay me in the chilly evening air
A rock-solid ending to a few fun-filled days in Joshua Tree National Park!
Who are we?
A combat veteran with PTSD and his conflict-avoiding wife take their moody preteen and neurodiverse son on a yearlong camping trip. What could go wrong?
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