Joshua Tree Desert Trek
NOTE: this itinerary is highly variable subject to change according to weather, experience and interests of the group, and many other unpredictable events!

Sample Intinerary

The evening before our adventure, we will stay at a one of the campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park- our campsite will be available by 5 pm for you and your family to arrive and get settled in. It is highly advisable to arrive with your family already fed for the evening, though there will be some group cooking equipment available, if you wish to prepare a light snack with your own food. Wilderness Outings will have your tents already set up, ready for you and your family to simply unroll your sleeping bags.

Day 1: We will have a ‘kitchen’ set up for your use to prepare your own breakfast, including a stove and cooking implements. After breakfast, we will meet as a group for introductions and an overview of the Outing. We then gear up for a day of rock climbing, where you will learn the skills of basic knots, equipment use, how to protect a climber by ‘belaying’, as well as lots of time spent climbing and learning various techniques. We often finish the day with an exciting rappel, afterwhich we head back to the campsite to prepare dinner (which is on your own), and begin to prepare for the backpacking section. A great day is finished under a night of a million stars!

Day 2: We will have a ‘kitchen’ set up for your use to prepare your own breakfast, including a stove and cooking implements. We will spend time at the campsite reviewing the necessary equipment for backpacking, and how to properly pack your pack. Then, we’re off to the trailhead (which sometimes involves a short drive), and we head down the trail to explore the backcountry of Joshua Tree. This backpacking itinerary is geared especially for kids and families, and spends plenty of time learning about the environment and the technical skills of backpacking and navigation. At our campsite, we set up tents and enjoy a dinner provided by Wilderness Outings, and then rest our heads under another brilliant sky of stars.

Day 3: After a hearty breakfast provided by Wilderness Outings, we pack up our packs, and begin our journey back towards the trailhead. Along the way, we will spend time learning more about Joshua Tree, or possibly explore a nearby peak or canyon. We usually return to the vehicles around 3 pm, and after spending some time organizing gear and debriefing the trip, depart around 4 pm or so.

What to bring
Generally speaking, each person will need to bring their own personal equipment, including clothing, and boots, backpack, sleeping bag and pad, as well as their own lunches and snacks. You will also want to bring along your own food storage and preparation equipment, as necessary (i.e. coolers, containers, etc.) Wilderness Outings will provide tents and shelters, stoves, cooking equipment, first aid kits, water storage, and navigational gear such as maps and compasses. Wilderness Outings will provide dinner during the Backpacking Section on Day 2, and breakfast on Day 3.