Joshua Tree NP is a regular VHC destination. And I was able to reserve a group campsite good for 20 people with parking for 8 cars. But due to the threat of Covid-19, I will be limiting attendance to just 10 people.
First of all, I have only done JTNP twice. So, I do not plan to lead a hike because I have such a poor sense of direction. Honestly, I’ve been lost many times while travelling outside of the country. And I consider it part of the fun. But not in JTNP. People die there when they get lost. So, if you want to hike, I will just follow.
I reserved the campsite primarily because I want to shoot the Milky Way on August 7, 2021 when illumination is at 0%. On that day, there’s a 4:24-hr. window to shoot the galaxy, from 21:24 to 1:48. I will be bringing very basic equipment: an old full frame camera (Canon 5D MKII with a 14mm F2.8 manual lens for landscape astrophotography), an old crop sensor camera (Canon 200D with a 135mm F2 manual lens for deep-sky astrophotography) and a star tracker. If interested, you can join me.
What: Astrophotography, Bouldering, Camping & Hiking
When: Friday August 6th – Sunday August 8th (2 nights of camping)
Where: Joshua Tree NP (Indian Cove Campground); Campsite GO2
Day 1 Friday – Check-in at Indian Cove Campground anytime after 12 noon.
Day 2 Saturday – Breakfast, lunch on the trail, then dinner back in the campground.
Day 3 Sunday – Breakfast, lunch on the trail, dinner back in camp or head home.
Indian Cove is not inside Joshua Tree NP proper. If you camped with VHC before, there is no JT entrance fees. There are no entrance fees to get into this campground. Indian Cove, while primitive, is about as nice as you can get. Bathrooms are readily available and well maintained as are trash facilities. There is no potable water at the campground. The closest water is available at the usually unmanned visitors center when entering the campground.
Fires are okay so if you can contribute firewood that would be helpful.
Directions
From Los Angeles head towards Palm Springs via the 10 fwy. Stay on the 10, not the 111, and shortly after White Water take the 62 N towards Yucca Valley & Twenty Nine Palms. Read below.
From the Antelope Valley you could head to the area via Apple Valley and the 18, eventually connecting with the 247 in the Lucerne Valley area. Take the 247 to the 62 and go left. Read below.
To Joshua Tree NP
On the 62 the main entrance into Joshua Tree for this area is from Park Blvd. It could be another 20-30 minutes from the intersection of the 62 and Park Blvd until we reach any of the various hiking trails inside the park.
To Indian Cove
Continue on the 62 well past Park Blvd. towards Twenty Nine Palms. Before entering Twenty Nine Palms you’ll turn right on Indian Cove Rd. This area is well signed. You will shortly be making a right turn to the group campsites and our sites are near the end at the turn around. For any last minute necessities there will be a Stater Bros. between Park and Indian Cove. The group sites are before the individual sites.
GPSers can use 69087 29 Palms Hwy, Twenty Nine Palms, CA 92277. This is where Indian Cove Rd is.
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PLEASE – Know your limits and abilities. Bring snacks and drink plenty of liquids when hiking. Check weather conditions and dress accordingly and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watching out for poison oak, snakes, ticks, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fauna all while interacting with awesome (usually) fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding and fun.
PLEASE – Hopefully, by then all of us would have been vaccinated. But we will still strictly observe Covid-19 prevention measures.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you’re taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The VHC Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any VHC Meetup events, you are releasing the VHC Meetup Group and it’s organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
