Joshua Tree National Park Courses
Offered between October and April. Come explore the wondrous high desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park!

Sample Intinerary
(subject to change according to conditions)

Day 1: We meet at our trailhead in the midst of Joshua Tree National Park at 8 am. We will spend a few hours reviewing our equipment needs for the trip, and ensuring we have all that we need (and what you don’t need!) for our journey, and how to pack your pack efficiently. Our hike begins on modest terrain, wandering through Joshua Trees towards a gap just south of prominent Ryan Mountain. Along the way, you will learn about skills such as pack fitting, basic navigation, pacing, and foot care. We typically arrive at our backcountry campsite around mid-afternoon, where you will learn about campsite selection, using tents and shelters, water treatment, stoves and cooking skills. After a hearty dinner, we settle in for a beautiful evening in the woods, usually with an amazing sky of stars overhead

Day 2: We awake and enjoy a good breakfast amongst the warming sun and unusual rock formations. The day’s activities often consist of continued instruction in navigation skills, and often involves a trek to the summit of incredible Malapai Hill, with 360° views of the southeastern aspect of Joshua Tree National Park, and wide, expansive desert valleys. After enjoying one of the most view-ful lunches you have ever had, we begin our return trip to the trailhead. After turning in equipment, we enjoy a debrief discussion of the trip, and usually depart around 4:30 pm.

What to bring
Generally speaking, you will need to bring your personal equipment, including clothing, and boots, backpack, sleeping bag and pad, as well as your own lunches and snacks. We provide tents and shelters, stoves, cooking equipment, first aid kits, water treatment, and navigational gear such as maps and compasses. We will provide dinner on Day 1, as well as breakfast on Day 2.