First camping trip of the year took us around the Southern California deserts for a nice 5 day trip (1/1/14 - 1/5/14). Weather during the day was warmer than usual. Lots of sun with highs in the 60s but cool at night (30s).
First stop was Red Rock Canyon State Park. Very nice park with lots of space between campsites. Only downside was the cost: $25 per night.
Next stop was the Trona Pinnacles. Quite an interesting place with the large tufa spires all over. The camping is dispersed (and free), and we were the only people there. Very quiet except for the occasional train.
Friday we traveled to Amboy Crater. Great hike up to and around the crater. Camping was in the overflow parking lot (and free), but it worked out well. Quiet except for the occasional coyote yelping and a few trains.
Last stop was Joshua Tree National Park. We were planning on driving thru because we were told the campgrounds were all full, but when we got to Cottonwood at the southern end, it was only 1/2 full so we stayed there ($15 per night). The elevation is 3,000 feet, so it was cool, but warmer than the other higher elevation campgrounds in the park.
All in all a great start of the new year, and weโre already planning our next trip to Anza Borrego State Park during the MLK holiday. We really like camping in remote locations.
-Kylekai
First stop was Red Rock Canyon State Park. Very nice park with lots of space between campsites. Only downside was the cost: $25 per night.
Next stop was the Trona Pinnacles. Quite an interesting place with the large tufa spires all over. The camping is dispersed (and free), and we were the only people there. Very quiet except for the occasional train.
Friday we traveled to Amboy Crater. Great hike up to and around the crater. Camping was in the overflow parking lot (and free), but it worked out well. Quiet except for the occasional coyote yelping and a few trains.
Last stop was Joshua Tree National Park. We were planning on driving thru because we were told the campgrounds were all full, but when we got to Cottonwood at the southern end, it was only 1/2 full so we stayed there ($15 per night). The elevation is 3,000 feet, so it was cool, but warmer than the other higher elevation campgrounds in the park.
All in all a great start of the new year, and weโre already planning our next trip to Anza Borrego State Park during the MLK holiday. We really like camping in remote locations.
-Kylekai
