Homeward: Prescott to Joshua Tree National Park

Roja Grande - Joshua Tree National Park

Saturday March 24th - Prescott to Ehrenburg CA:  A leisurely morning of packing, loading our overnight bags into Roja Grande and saying our farewells and once more we were underway.  Our route took us along Hwy 69 to connect with I-17 for a time, with the intent to follow the "Carefree Highway" AZ 74, which runs north of I-10.  Some mysterious 'special event' had backed up traffic so we had to quickly check for alternate routes and memorial parkways around Greater Phoenix - and ended up on I-10 in spite of best laid plans.  A flashing highway sign advised of a further detour which led us north to Vickburg Junction and back south west along Hwy 60, joining I-10 again east of Quartzsite.  Our inconvenience and wondering paled when we found out that there had been a serious accident with fatalities; a driver headed east on the westbound lanes struck and killed at least 3 people.  Somewhat subdued, we checked into our accommodation in the truck stop of Ehrenburg near the Arizona western border.  Not much to do or see and fast food for dinner, but it gave us a chance for an early start the next morning.

Sunday March 25th - Ehrenburg AZ to Joshua Tree National Park CA:  With an reasonable night's rest and an early-ish start, we headed west, crossing the Colorado River forming the Arizona-California border. Not long after we stopped at the Churiaco Summit travel stop and were impressed with the activity and amenities it offers, including including a museum to honour General Patton and his Desert Training Center from WWII.  Members of the Churiaco family continue to operate the gas station, 'general store', bakery and accommodations.  The Admiral appreciated the facilities.  Within minutes we turned north onto Cottonwood Springs Road and had entered Joshua Tree National Park from the south.

Kelly had been impressed and enthusiastic about his first visit to the park, so we were both looking forward to spending almost an entire day driving and walking the trails.  We drove and stopped and walked and took photos, had a picnic lunch and continued, avoiding the most crowded stops and having an easy yet invigorating day. The park website has excellent descriptions as reference:  https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/historyculture/parkhistory.htm

Our photos capture only a small part of the park's essence and atmosphere.

Cottonwood Springs and Fan Palms

Cottonwood Springs - Delicate wildflowers 

Ocatillo in Bloom

Cholla Cactus Garden

Cholla Cactus in bloom

Beavertail cactus - striking blooms

 

Rock formations near White Tank campground - one of the best spots for night time star gazing

And finally - Joshua Trees in profusion!

By late afternoon we were heading out of the western side of the park towards Yucca Valley where we had booked our stay.  Although we were tempted to head back in after dark for night sky viewing, by the time we had checked in, freshened up and found a diner for dinner and finally, a gas station, it was time for a good night's rest.  This park is one we would never tire of visiting.