Fortynine Palms Oasis | Ryan Mountain | Sunset near Split Rock Trail
Date of Visit: March 31 – April 1, 2012
How we got there: Drove from Los Angeles, 3 hours from LAX, depending on LA traffic of course.
Lodging: Harmony Motel – Great vintage motel that hosted U2 while recording the Joshua Tree album.
Favorites:
- Hidden Valley and Barker Dam Nature Trails – Two easy, loop trails (1 and 1.3 miles) that provide close up views of the famous trees and rocks of the park.
- Ryan Mountain hike – 3 mile round trip hike to the top of Ryan Mountain, one of the highest peaks in Joshua Tree at 5461 feet. 360 degree views of the park from the summit. 1,050 ft elevation gain.
- Fortynine Palms Oasis – 3 mile round trip hike to a stand of tall palm trees and pools of spring water. 300 ft elevation gain each way.
Tips: Find a spot along the park road to watch the sunset.
Next time: Visit the lower elevation, less visited Colorado Desert section of the park.
highkicktravel 
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