Hi-Desert Visitor's Guide

So I have had a lot of friends ask me about Joshua Tree...some have gone out to visit and thought...it's just a bunch of trees...others love the artist lifestyle. Recently, my friend, photographer Sofia Negron, asked me about taking a day trip to Joshua Tree. I figured I would write a blog for all of my friends and anyone that might be interested in exploring Joshua Tree.

First of all, there are multiple entrances to Joshua Tree National Park. You will first drive through Yucca Valley, which is basically the "town". There are grocery stores, gas stations, Starbucks, etc. My favorite place to eat in Yucca Valley is Frontier Cafe. There is usually a local musician playing and the Green Dream sandwich is the best! Definitely check out a few of the local shops. A few of my favorites are Hoof and the Horn; and Shop on the Mesa. The Yucca Valley Sky Village Swap Meet is not to be missed! Perhaps you will meet Bob Carr and get to go inside his Crystal Cave.

Next, you have the option to go to Landers and/or Pioneertown before driving into the town of Joshua Tree. They are both north of Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree. Here's a little map:

Landers is where our property is. The drive down Old Woman Springs Road is beautiful. There are a few places to check out in Landers: La Copine for lunch; Moon Wind Trading Co. for shopping; The Integratron for sound healing (you must reserve in advance but it is totally worth it!); and Giant Rock.

Pioneertown is an old Western-style town founded by a few Hollywood investors as a film location. There are a few cute shops and the famous restaurant "Pappy & Harriet's". Pioneertown is definitely a fun experience, especially if you have kids!

Now back to Joshua Tree. We usually eat lunch at Crossroads Cafe and dinner at Pie for the People. Joshua Tree Coffee Company is a must and for beautiful ceramics check out BKB Ceramics. There is a Farmer's Market in Joshua Tree on Saturdays, which is really fun. We usually go to the Joshua Tree Visitor's Center and then go through the entrance there. The National Park can be very crowded but it is a beautiful drive and there are many wonderful places to hike.

We feel so at peace when we go out to the desert. It's magical for us and allows us to unplug from everything. I hope you enjoy your desert trip and feel free to email me if you have any questions!

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