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Tag Archives: petroglyphs

Finding Solitude at Joshua Tree National Park, California

18 March 20253 May 2025

1 Light behind Tree, JTSP

My last visit to Joshua Tree National Park was last November, a perfect time of the year for a hike.  The weather had begun to cool down in comparison to the summer heat and I was ready to set out for an amazing adventure. There are so many fabulous parks in southern California where you can feel like you are the only one in the world.  This is one of them.   The surroundings are just as unique as its unpredictable environment that each visit can bring about a whole new experience.

2 Joshua Tree State Park

The whimsical Joshua Tree, for which the park is named, is an indigenous plant that reminds me of a furry cactus with starburst pompoms. These plants were used by the American Indians for food (their seeds and flower buds), household items and clothing (baskets and sandals).

The ground cover was scarce in most parts with clumps of brush, predominantly creosote bush.  Colorful ocotillo and cactus were intermittently scattered throughout the vast expanse of the desert.

3 Joshua Tree Landscape

In addition to the Joshua Tree, what I found so fascinating about this park were the endless rock formations and twisted boulders shaped by geologic forces.  According to the national park, these rocks rose from the ground beneath as a result of volcanic activity.  As the boulders were pushed up from the earth, they cooled down and crystallized.  Over time, the water from the ground rounded the edges and widened the cracks, resulting in heaps of monzogranite that look similar to toy blocks in a stack.

4 The Eagle Rock at Joshua Tree

During the scenic drive, I took the time to find images in the rocks.  If there was a large pile of them, I would pull over to see what shapes and figures appeared out of the monoliths.  I had imagined a variety of objects from eagles, rabbits, horses and even people.

5 Joshua Tree State Park Activities

About halfway to Barker Dam, I met up with a rock climber to see if I could make the climb.  I felt safe with the guide I hired, knowing that he would be there in the chance that I slipped and fell.  We met in a safe location and one that was not too difficult for a first try.    I was surprised that the rocks, for the most part, were fairly stable.  It was exhilarating to reach the top and look out into the distance of the park. I wished I would have done this sooner.

6 Rock Climbing at JTSP

Many people come to Joshua Tree National Park for a variety of outdoor activities.  During my scenic drive I noticed bikers, hikers and the occasional rock climber.  This is a perfect location for rock climbing and there are a few outfitters available to take out the adventurous for an adrenaline-filled afternoon.  I hired an excellent guide from Joshua Tree Outfitters, who was specialized in working with novice climbers.

7 Barker Dam Trail

I had also set aside some time for a hike, so I decided on the Barker Dam Nature Loop, just over a mile long.  This trail took me through parts of the desert where cattlemen built dams as a water source for their livestock back in the 1800s.  Later, miners arrived in search of gold until the 1930’s when the land was parceled out to homesteaders.

8 Landscape on the Barker Dam Trail

I enjoyed the vast diversity of hiking the trail with rock formations that took on a wide variety of shapes.  The dried out flora and fauna were at the mercy of the hot sun. and trees provided a brief solace from the scorching heat.

12 Wide Angle Landscape on the Barker Dam Trail

The landscape was extremely spacious with small rocks and boulders, while hills in the distance were low lying and desolate.  The hike remained unsteady with stones until I finally reached the dam.  I tried to look down into the wall but there was not a way for me to approach it any closer without falling over the edge.

14 Petroglyphs on the Barker Dam Trail

I was nearing the end of the trail when a boulder appeared in the middle of nowhere.  As I closed in on the site, I noticed there were petroglyphs painted in red and black.  I learned that there were actual Indian markings in the rocks, but they had been painted over and were not authentic.

15 Chipmunk at the Park

My day at Joshua Tree had come to a close and as I was crossing the parking lot, I saw a little chipmunk dart out from one underneath a car.  There is nothing better than seeing animals in their natural habitat.  Such a highlight of my day.

An area slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island, Joshua Tree National Park begs to be explored.  Offering activities for all types of outdoorsmen, this is a wonderful way to explore the deserts of California.

Have you visited Joshua Tree National Park?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for following my journey through Joshua Tree National Park!  Wishing you many Happy Travels!!

What to See and What to Do:

Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA  74485
Telephone:  760 367 5500

  • Admission Fee:  $30 for a 7 day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days.  Motorcycles:  $25 for a 7-day entrance permit, per motorcycle; Individual Entrance Fee: $15 7-day entrance fee, per person on foot or bike; Non-commercial groups: $15 per person charged to non-commercial groups entering in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 passengers or more. Joshua Tree Annual Pass is $55 valid for 12 months from the month of purchase.
  • Hours:  Open all year
  • Amenities:  Campsites are available for camping and overnight backpacking, rock climbing, birding, mountain biking, horseback riding.  There are tours offered such as a Geology Motor Tour or a tour of Keys Ranch.
  • Scenic View:   Views throughout the desert are incredible, but are amazing from the top of the rocks after a great climb. Stargazing is another spectacular opportunity for outstanding scenic views.
  • Length of Visit:  To visit the full park would take at least a couple of days, but even a day visit is well worth the trip.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  There is no cellular service throughout the park.  Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the desert can become quite hot during the day.  In the evening, temperatures can drop, so it is also recommended to bring along a jacket. There are limited gas stations as well, so ensure that you have fueled up your vehicle.  Refer to the park’s website ahead of time to note any closures and stop by the visitor’s center for any updates regarding the park.

Where to Stay:

Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA  92101
Telephone:  619 564 3333

Where to Eat:

Parq Restaurant
615 Broadway
San Diego, CA
Telephone:  619 727 6789

There were so many amazing items on the menu such as oysters, gnocchi, mussels and my favorite, the Charcuterie Board!  Since I was taking clients out for dinner, we ordered each one and shared…perfect for four.

What to Eat:

  • Mexican cuisine, especially tamales
  • California wood-fired pizza
  • Southeast Asian foods
  • Sushi
  • Seafood
  • Local Wines

What to Read:

  • The Land of Little Rain, by Mary Hunter Austin
  • Wonder Valley, by Ivy Pochada
  • Twentynine Palms: A True Story of Murder, Marines and the Mojave, by Deanne Stillman

Photo Guide for San Diego:

  • Arch Rock at White Tank Campground
  • Skull Rock a few dozen yards from Park Boulevard
  • Cholla Cactus Garden along Pinto Basin Road
  • Barker Dam
  • Indian Cove at Indian Cove Campground
  • The Joshua Trees
  • Rock Climbers

16 Blue Skies and Boulders

One of my favorite photos of Joshua Tree National Park

17 121112, Petroglyphs at JTSP

More Petroglyphs

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The Petrified Forest National Park is a Scientific Phenomenon

8 May 201431 August 2024

Looking out into the Petrified Forest

Located in northeastern Arizona, the Petrified Forest National Park hosts over 800,000 visitors each year.  Words cannot explain this surreal environment where scattered logs cover 170 square miles. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect on my visit, but what I witnessed was truly an interesting phenomenon.

Throughout the park, fragments of wood seem to have been strewn about for no apparent reason. At first glance, it seems impossible to understand exactly what took place here but scientists seem to have an explanation.  They believe that the area was once abundant with trees which had become fossilized and learned that there were other fossils to be found.  Paleontologists have been studying this area unearthing such fossils as large amphibians, phytosaurs (reptiles), Buettneria (amphibians) and early dinosaurs.

And if the geology of the park is not fascinating enough, there is also evidence of human life with over 600 archaeological sites and petroglyphs.  The petroglyphs are dated between 650 to 2000 years old.

Although seemingly barren, the park is also home to a number of protected mammals which include bobcats, coyotes, black-tailed jackrabbits, prairie dogs, foxes, squirrels, mule deer and pronghorn as well as deer mice.

000 Petrified Forest

I suppose the biggest question is, how did the wood become petrified.  Most of the explanations that I found in my research were way above my head, so I am making an attempt to explain it in laymen’s terms.  Throughout the area there were river channels in the park.  Trees that grew up near the channels, fell down, and ended up in the water.  Over time and on several occasions, residue that contained volcanic ash would bury these trees.  The water would dissolve the silica (silicon dioxide, a chemical) from the ash and would end up inside of the logs.  From here, the silica would form quartz crystals that would replace the living parts of the inside of the tree.  Some of this material would also remain on the outer layer of the tree, giving it its fossilized exterior.  Other substances, such as iron oxide would combine with the silica to create the various colors that appear in the petrified wood.

In addition to learning more about the Petrified Forest, there are many activities available for visitors in the park to include hiking and backpacking,  photography, sightseeing and driving through the park. There are seven hiking trails that range from a half a mile to close to three miles in length.  The trails are named Agate House, Blue Mesa, Crystal Forest, Giant Logs, Long Logs, Painted Desert Rim and Puerco Pueblo.

While humans are the major threat to the park, there are strict rules and warnings for the removal of petrified wood.  It is estimated by the park service that approximately “12 short tons of the fossil wood is stolen from the Petrified Forest each year”.  It would be a shame for future generations to miss out on such an interesting site, but lucky for us, the park was designated a National Park in 1962.

Have you visited the Petrified Forest?  What did you think of it?  I would love to hear about your experience in the comments section below!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

To further plan your visit to Petrified Forest National Park,  visit their website at https://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm.  It is open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas, but has a variation in its schedule depending on the time that you visit.  Information about the Painted Desert is available at this website as well.

What to See and What to Do:

Petrified Forest
1 Main Street
Petrified Forest, AZ  86031

  • Admission Fee:  Petrified Forest Entrance fees:  $20 for auto seven-day pass; $10 per person arriving by bike; $15 flat fee for motorcycle; annual pass is $40.
  • Hours:  The park is open daily with the exception of Christmas Day.  From September 15 – April 13:  8AM to 5PM; from April 14 to May 11:  7AM to 7PM; from May 12 to August 3: from 7AM to 7:30PM; from August 4 to August 31: from 7AM to 7PM and from September 1 to September 14:  from 7AM to 6PM.
  • Amenities:  Museum and bookstore
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
  • Scenic View:  Photograph the colorful desert and petrified forest during the golden hours for spectacular photos
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Bring water and sunscreen as the site is in the middle of the desert.  Check out the petroglyphs and eight of the sites that are located on the National Register and don’t forget to make a stop at the Visitor’s Center for souvenirs, exhibits and other amenities.  A schedule of tours is also available at the Visitor’s Center.  You can easily find Petrified Forest National Park along I-40. Don’t forget that your entrance fee also includes the Painted Desert!

Where to Stay:

La Posada Hotel & Gardens
303 E. 2nd Street (Route 66)
Winslow, AZ  86047
Telephone:  928 289 4366

Where to Eat:

Fred Harvey Diner
1 Main Street
Petrified Forest National Park, AZ  86028

Order the Navajo taco….it is huge!

What to Eat: 

  • Avocado Fries are sliced avocados dipped in spiced bread crumbs and deep fried.
  • Chiltepin Peppers….very hot!
  • Cholla, a cactus found in the area, that is boiled and the gooey acid is removed to eat directly or added to salsas.
  • Cochinitos are a puffy, doughy cookie usually found in the shape of a pig.  This light dessert is seasoned with molasses and cinnamon.
  • Prickly Pear Cactus which is made into a candy and a sweet syrup
  • Sonoran Hot Dog, popular in Phoenix and Tucson, this Mexican creation is topped with beans, onions, and tomatoes along with mayonnaise and mustard.
  • Tamales!

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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