Traveling, Camping and Hiking My Way Westward
#55 of my 2023 52 Hike Challenge
Trail/Park: Mastodon Peak Trail and Cottonwood Spring Trail, Joshua Tree National Park
There is an interesting thing I find about spending time outdoors regularly. I am not a morning person except when I’m spending outside. In the times when I’m camping or backpacking rising early in the morning becomes easy. It’s like my body and soul are in tune with natural rhythms instead of being pulled back into the lull of comfort. Before the sun broke the horizon, I was up getting breakfast. I’d have until early afternoon to explore on this day.
Mastodon and Cottonwood
A hearty breakfast followed by organizing the camper and car a bit gave me the sense of readiness I needed to start the day. I’d hike this morning on the Mastodon Peak Trail, a 2.5-ish mile loop trail. Taking a slower pace, I would easily be able to cover the distance in under two hours. This would land me back at the campground with plenty of time for my next leg of driving.
The trailhead from the parking lot was just a short distance from my campsite. The heat of the coming day was already building. I was grateful for the good supply of water I’d gotten the day before, carrying two liters of water with me for the hike. My one frustration was that I could not find my bag with my 10 essentials. I have a dedicated waterproof bag I simply move from one backpack to the other when I’m hiking or backpacking. I had a nagging feeling I’d left it back home at the beginning of my trip thinking I’d always be with the car and the items I was carrying in the camper. That’s faulty logic at best since I’d be hiking away from the camper. It meant I was not comfortable hiking anywhere far from camp or well traveled trailheads until I found it.
Not one to miss even a short hiking opportunity I headed out with map in hand. As I followed the trail, I took time to carefully follow the trail signs, read interpretive signs and take pictures. A bit further along the trail I realized I’d left my SPOT device back at the car. It’s my backup for my phone and my other safety resources. Another safety miss, reminiscent of those made by many hikers. Then I discovered I’d left behind sunscreen. At least I was wearing my sun-shirt, offering a measure of protection from the beating sun.
I followed the trail a bit longer to the top of a natural stair. I could see camp in the distance. Taking in the view, my missing safety items nagged at me. I’ve hiked alone enough to know the danger of not having them along. The loop is indicated as an easy hike, but I hadn’t seen anyone else for a long time. I turned to go back the way I’d come.
Desert Oasis
Back at the base of the stairs, I followed signs for the Cottonwood Oasis trail for a bit. It wasn’t long before it was running parallel to the road to the Cottonwood Oasis. I was exploring within the area I felt I could easily find my way back to camp from safely. A couple cars went by. I decided to follow the trail to the oasis, knowing I was near the road.
The oasis in the park are typically filled with palm trees and other vegetation because it’s a spot where water collects. The lushness is a stark contrast to the seeming desolation of the surrounding desert. This was no exception. Tucked in what looks to be the top of a canyon the palms, desert shrubs and cactus were starting to show the late fall colors of greens, reds and yellow. The air was cooler, crisp almost. I lingered trying to get photos of the tiny flowers and the lizards sunning themselves near the shrubs which offered a place for them to retreat to safety.
I considered again the idea of hiking the loop back to the campground. but in the end my discomfort with not having my hiking essentials had me heading back along the same trail to the campground. While I was disappointed to not do more hiking, I knew it was for the best as a solo traveler. I reminded myself that hiking the same trail from a different direction is a great way to see it as “new”. It’s easy to think you’ve seen all there is to see going one way. Turning back often reveals things I didn’t see on my first pass. I noticed a variety of flowers and birds along the way. A partial spine from some animal lay off the side of the trail. Had I not turned back, I might have missed these sightings.
Hot Roads, Cool Coffee
Leaving the southern entrance to the park, I was ready for a cold coffee. The next place I would be able to stop for coffee and a top off to the gas tank would be Chiriaco Summit. A restaurant, gift shop, gas and service station and a travel information center offer a mid-desert stop between Los Angeles and Phoenix. I pulled in to fuel up, making note of the thick pads on the restaurant doors to protect hands from the southern facing handles which can burn when the temperatures hit their peak. A snack and cup of coffee in hand, along with a full tank of gas I was on my way.
The miles rolled by as I made my way toward my next stop near Phoenix, AZ where I would spend time with friends made through my various career paths. I enjoyed another day of subtle changes in landscape as I drove. I arrived near sunset to a warm welcome, a delicious dinner and a seat fireside before heading to bed.
This travel, hike and camping took place on the traditional territory of the Chumash, Tongva (Gabrieleno), Ɂívil̃uwenetem Meytémak (Cahuilla), Payómkawichum (Luiseño), Yuhaaviatam/Maarenga’yam (Serrano), and Newe Sogobia (Western Shoshone) who have stewarded this land for time immemorial. I respect the histories, languages and cultures of these peoples, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant and changing communities. Join me in learning more about the tribes and these lands, by following the links provided.
Next Post Preview: Time with friends is precious. Having a local to take to see outdoor highlights is a welcome change from my traveling solo.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME: My adventure camper is a lovely little teardrop made-to-order by the incredibly talented people at Vistabule in St. Paul, MN.
GEAR: Granite Gear Crown2 38 Pack,Marmot Kompressor Pack,Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof,Oboz Katabic Low,Mountain Hardware Stretchdown™ Light Jacket, Mountain Hardware Stretchdown™ Pant,REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket,REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie,REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Pants, Gnara Go There™ Pants, Chickfly Merino Eucalyptus Leggings,Icebreaker Women’s Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Thermal Leggings, SPOT GEN3 Satellite GPS Messenger, Dueter Dirtbag, Kula Cloth, Leki Women’s Micro Vario Cor-Tec TA trekking poles, Nemo Dragonfly™ Ultralight Backpacking Tent, Nemo Sonic™ 0 Down Sleeping Bag,Paria Thermodown 30 down quilt, Exped Ultra 7R Mat,REI Flash 3-Season Sleeping Pad, Thermarest Z Seat™,MSR Pocket Rocket Stove, TOAKS Titanium 450ML Cup with Lid, MSR® IsoPro™ Fuel.
Want to know more about my gear selections? Head on over to Gear & Gadgets or check out my posts titled “Gear in Review”.
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