We hiked several trails for a total of about seven miles. The signage wasn't great, nor was the map/info, but we figured them out eventually and saw quite a few of the sites. Joshua Tree isn't as visually interesting or colorful as other desert parks but the trails weren't as challenging, which we did appreciate. But the sky was brilliantly blue streaked with wispy clouds that made for very nice pictures.😎 I think our favorite trail was the Barker Dam loop.😍 While Keys View would probably have been much more enjoyable if the wind hadn't been so severe! 😕The greatest disappointment was the the Fortynine Palms Oasis trail was closed. 😞
Split Rock
Arch Rock
Face Rock
these little lizards were pretty camera shy (and fast)
Skull Rock
Elephant Rock
Ryan Ranch was an interesting place to explore...
The lookout at Keys View was so windy that we only stayed long enough to snap a few quick shots...
If I could have gone on only one trail, Barker Dam Loop would be the one...
We got to see a chuckwalla!
Barker Dam was built by ranchers in order to water their herds...
We overheard that a rancher painted over the petroglyphs so they could be better seen...
An easier day of hiking meant we had plenty of time to go to Pioneertown for an early BBQ dinner at Pappy & Harriet's and to check out the "town"...
Pioneertown was built as a set for Westerns in the 1940s because it was so close to Hollywood. Now it houses little shops and restaurants and a small museum...
Our waitress suggested getting dessert at The Copper Room at the airport in Yucca Valley. I wish we had gotten pictures but the place was PACKED and we were fortunate to get in at all! But the mid-century vibe, live music and exquisite desserts were AMAZING! We'll most likely never be back there but that place would be worth a stop... 😍😋
