How to Spend a Long Weekend in Joshua Tree
All adventurers know: the best places to explore are those that feel hidden away from the world. We look for what’s secret, what’s special, and altogether new. The cities, small towns, and countries that surprise us with their magic—turning the experience of travel into something novel and unforeseen. It’s this common pursuit that’s elevated Joshua Tree to its recent destination-level status. If it’s on your must-visit list, consider this your ultimate guide of things to do in Joshua Tree, from a local herself.
The high California desert boasts breathtaking views and of course, the endangered beauty of the Joshua tree.
This eponymous hero of the desert offers food and habitat for countless living things, making the area home to a diverse array of wildlife and flora. It’s the landscape’s natural allure that’s attracted so many creatives to the area. It’s a haven for beautiful homes that blend with the environment and entrepreneurs who find inspiration in every corner of the desert.
In this article
How to Spend a Long Weekend in Joshua Tree
The latter case describes our resident Joshua tree expert perfectly. Alison Carroll, co-founder alongside her husband Jay of the popular olive oil and skincare brand, Wonder Valley, intentionally sought out somewhere to build a life that allows for endless creative expansion. In Joshua Tree, Alison has found a community that supports her intuitive approach to life. She leads with a curiosity-first mindset, exploring and highlighting ingredients’ full capacity in her recipes that feel all at once simple and fascinatingly complex. (A paradoxical feat only an artist-cum-chef can achieve.)
Below, Alison takes us through all the must-see, must-do highlights of this wonderfully, wholly unique area of the country. Trust: this is so much more than a bucket list. Instead, expect to find under-the-radar, locals-only recommendations that’ll help you experience all the beauty Joshua Tree has to offer.
When to Visit Joshua Tree
While some may seek out the breezy chill of autumn in New England or the Pacific Northwest, Alison loves October in the desert. If you want to experience all of Joshua Tree minus the heat, there isn’t a better time than mid-fall. “By then, the intense summer heat has faded,” Alison notes. “The days are warm and sunny, and the evenings cool.”
But don’t worry if you’ve already used up all of your PTO days by fall. Depending on the year, spring can also be ideal. If the winter’s been rainy, Alison calls spring “the season to visit.” Cactus blooms in April and May, and if there’s been enough rain, expect to see a superbloom. “The entire desert floor gets covered with tiny flowers and blanketed with color,” Alison notes. “Every cactus is bursting with new growth and vibrant flowers, and the Joshua trees get trumpet-shaped big white blooms.”
How to Get to Joshua Tree
Skip the hectic chaos that is LAX—Alison recommends flying into Palm Springs instead. “You get to wait outside under a palm tree until your flight boards, and there’s so much to explore in the area,” she says. If you have time to spare, extend your stay and explore the low desert as well.
Alternatively, if you can’t make Palm Springs happen (because it’s a smaller airport, flights may be more expensive), LAX or even Vegas both work in a pinch. The upside of the latter option? “The drive is more expansive, open desert and there’s less traffic,” Alison adds.
Her final note on transportation: if you’re wanting to book a trip to Joshua Tree, you’ll need a car to explore. Because of how remote the area is, you can’t rely on publication transportation or ride shares like Uber to get around.
What to Pack for a Long Weekend in Joshua Tree
It’s the same as for any trip—check the weather before you go. But given how much the temperatures fluctuate in the desert, you’ll want to be all the more mindful of this tip when you’re headed to Joshua Tree.
“Look at the low and high temperatures of the time of year you’re coming,” says Alison. “We can shift up to 40 degrees from day to night.” For all the activity you’ll be doing while you’re in Joshua Tree, Alison suggests prioritizing comfort in your clothing and footwear choices, being sure to bring along a pair of sturdy hiking boots. In addition to that, you’ll also want to be mindful to keep yourself protected from the desert sun. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all essentials.
Alison’s final note? “Going out in Joshua Tree couldn’t be more casual… You’d be fine saddling up to the bar in your rock climbing gear. Come as you are!”
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Where to Stay in Joshua Tree
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage | Indicator 11.4.1: Total expenditure (public and private) per capita spent on the preservation, protection, and conservation of all cultural and natural heritage, by type of heritage (cultural, natural, mixed, and World Heritage Centre designation), level of government (national, regional, and local/municipal), type of expenditure (operating expenditure/investment) and type of private funding (donations in kind, private non-profit sector, sponsorship, and others) |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products | Indicator 8.9.1: Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the natural allure of Joshua Tree, highlighting the endangered beauty of the Joshua tree and the diverse array of wildlife and flora in the area. This connects to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity on land.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article mentions the cities and small towns in Joshua Tree that surprise visitors with their magic and blend with the natural environment. This aligns with SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article mentions entrepreneurs finding inspiration in Joshua Tree and highlights the tourism industry in the area. This relates to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
The article emphasizes the natural allure of Joshua Tree and mentions the endangered beauty of the Joshua tree. Protecting and preserving the unique ecosystem of Joshua Tree aligns with this target under SDG 15.
Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
The article highlights the cities, small towns, and homes in Joshua Tree that blend with the environment. Preserving the cultural and natural heritage of Joshua Tree is in line with this target under SDG 11.
Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
The article mentions entrepreneurs finding inspiration in Joshua Tree and the tourism industry in the area. Promoting sustainable tourism that creates jobs and supports local culture aligns with this target under SDG 8.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, potential indicators that can be used include:
- Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index – This indicator measures the extinction risk of species and can be used to assess progress in protecting and preventing the extinction of threatened species.
- Indicator 11.4.1: Total expenditure (public and private) per capita spent on the preservation, protection, and conservation of all cultural and natural heritage – This indicator can measure the efforts and investments made to protect and safeguard the cultural and natural heritage of Joshua Tree.
- Indicator 8.9.1: Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate – This indicator can measure the contribution of sustainable tourism to economic growth and job creation in Joshua Tree.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage | Indicator 11.4.1: Total expenditure (public and private) per capita spent on the preservation, protection, and conservation of all cultural and natural heritage, by type of heritage (cultural, natural, mixed, and World Heritage Centre designation), level of government (national, regional, and local/municipal), type of expenditure (operating expenditure/investment) and type of private funding (donations in kind, private non-profit sector, sponsorship, and others) |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products | Indicator 8.9.1: Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: camillestyles.com
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