Joshua Tree National Park, CA

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After Sequoia National Park, we drove straight to Joshua NP through I-395 scenic route.

On the way, we made a quick stop at Big Bear Lake. I visited Big Bear lake in 2007 and the lake was full of water in the peak summer. Now, in 2014 winter, the water level was bad.

By the time we reached the park visitor center, it was 10-mins before the closing time. The ranger was in rush to leave and didn’t help us much to figure out camping situation.

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We used to gps to look up nearest camp ground. About 7 miles away from the park visitor center, Black Rock RV campground had few spots left. When we reached there, the camp host had left.

They had the list of sites reserved for the day and the site we took was not reserved. So, we decided to talk to ranger in the morning to pay.

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Campground area was very windy and cold. We decided to go out for dinner at a local Mexican restaurant.

Unlike other campgrounds in the park, this one has drinking water and flush toilets.

Next day morning, stopped by visitor center to get map, ask for day-trip hiking trails, best spot for sunset.

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Inside the park there is no drinking water access. But at the park entrance you can fill. So, fill as much as water as you can at the entrance itself.

We drove by a few view points and kind of got bored of similar looking Joshua trees fairly quickly.

We did do the Ryan Mountain hike to see more of the desert.

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First we were thinking of staying back till sunset at the park, but somehow it didn’t feel that appealing after the hike.

Heard, wildflower time in Spring is a better time to visit this park.

Next stop to San Diego.

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