Into the Mojave
Destination: Joshua Tree National Park & Palm Springs, California
As one enters the Coachella Valley from the west along Interstate 10, a garden of red beacons denoting the Palm Springs windmill farm slowly becomes visible to the naked eye. Strikingly similar to the glimmering red lights atop Tokyo’s skyline, this roadside landmark denotes the turn off north to the high desert of the Majove and Joshua Tree National Park.
Defined by the presence of the rare Joshua Tree, the Mojave Desert is the driest place in North America. Devoid of almost all precipitation and visible life, this seemingly harsh landscape simultaneously has the power to nourish the human soul in uncanny ways.
http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm
http://www.visitpalmsprings.com
Joshua Tree National Park
Everyone has heard of U2’s 1987 world’s best-selling album. Prior to having actually visited the national park this was my only frame of reference when hearing and/or seeing the words Joshua Tree.
Let me very succinctly describe Joshua Tree National Park as follows: it’s fucking unreal.
Composed of two core elevations and subsequent ecosystems, the higher and “cooler” Mojave Desert is home to the splendid Joshua Tree. Almost solider like in appearance, these yucca palms are crowned with dagger-like leaves and are unfortunately quickly disappearing due to California’s epic drought.
The northernmost section of park is adorned with Mars-like geological rock formations and desert plants. Not to miss are Jumbo Rocks, the Hidden Valley, and Cholla Cactus Garden. The cholla cacti, which transition from black in color near their foundations to almost white in appearance near their crests, can be found in the exact spot where the Mojave flows into the lower Colorado Desert. It’s a bit of a drive to the cactus garden but well worth the trek.
Hiking and exploring is of course advised to truly appreciate the hidden gems of the park but be cautious: afternoon temperatures easily surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit so prioritize wandering about during the early morning or late afternoon hours. Sunscreen, snacks, and copious amounts of liquid are all a must. Lastly, be aware of hidden rattlesnakes when venturing into rock formations located off denoted paths. Seriously, this is the last place where you want to experience a life emergency.
http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-joshua-20150607-story.html
The Tunes: All road trips require a carefully orchestrated playlist. The stunning landscape and natural beauty of the Mojave Desert pairs perfectly with chill tunes so choose accordingly.
Changes – Faul & Wad Ad, Pnau
My Love – Route 94 ft. Jess Glynne
Cannes (Radio Edit) – Aevion
Kopernikus – Parra for Cuva
Small Flowerd (Original Mix) – Parra for Cuva, Anna Nakia
We Were Young – Sascha Kloeber Mix
The Edibles: Crossroads Cafe
The Mojave’s bone-dry air and harsh rays of sunlight quickly dehydrate the body. As such, refuel often and ensure a hearty breakfast before venturing into Joshua Tree National Park.
Crossroads Cafe is located just a few minutes from the park’s west entrance station and is known for their hearty breakfast staples: country sausage with biscuits and gravy, huevos rancheros, buttermilk hotcakes – you name it, they’ve got it!
Although 100+ miles from Los Angeles, the small town of Joshua Tree still has that California progressive, ride-or-die outlaw atmosphere. Don’t be surprised if bikers from the Hells Angels are brunching next to your table at Crossroads.
http://www.crossroadscafejtree.com
The Essentials: Cactus Mart
California is so desperately dry as of late that the only outdoor household plants that really survive are succulents or cacti. The Cactus Mart, located just outside Joshua Tree in Morongo Valley, has a first class selection of desert adaptive plants. Highly rare are the cholla cacti so I suggest picking up a few before departing the Mojave.
http://cactusmart.net
Palm Springs
Palm Springs, a mid-century modern oasis with 300+ days of sunshine per year, is the ideal reprieve after exiting the harsh realities of Joshua Tree National Park. Filled with low-key lounge hotels and bed and breakfasts, the entire town facilitates afternoons by the pool and casual evenings out.
The Pad: Sparrows Lodge
A chill retreat situated below the looming San Jacinto Mountains, the Sparrows Lodge has 20 minimalist rooms. With no televisions or other modern-day annoyances, the rustic vibe of Sparrows calls for lounging by the outdoor pool or blanket-covered evenings next to the firepit. Before heading out to explore the city everyday be sure to hit up the morning “simple breakfast” which is served within the lodge’s barn.
http://sparrowslodge.com
The Lounge: Parker Palm Springs
Remember the outdoor garden hedge maze in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining? Well, The Parker’s lush outdoor grounds are comparable…minus the psychological horror of Jack Nicholson.
The entire 13-acre complex features midcentury modern architecture infused with lovely desert garden grounds. Grab a few drinks, wonder about the maze-like resort, and ensure frequent pit stops to relax amongst the outdoor hidden hammocks.
http://www.theparkerpalmsprings.com/index.php
The Edibles: Workshop Kitchen + Bar
Located in an area known as Uptown, Workshop Kitchen + Bar is the perfect spot for a desert chic dinner:
“Our kitchen is based around seasonal products from local farms, so the menu changes often; we enjoy the playfulness and creativity in that. Although ‘Americana’ may best describe the style of our food, influences are many.”
Recommendations include the octopus carpaccio and the mesquite-grilled iron house ranch flat steak.
http://workshoppalmsprings.com
The Liquid: Purple Palm
Spanish colonial in an architectural sense, the Colony Palms Hotel infuses both intimacy and sophistication. Head directly to the Purple Palm restaurant for several rounds of rosé before retiring poolside to enjoy the cool desert evenings.
http://www.colonypalmshotel.com/dining/