“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares, drop away from you like autumn leaves. -John Muir.
After completing THE MIGHTY FIVE IN UTAH, National Parks , ( see the link) we set out on our next Journey to Californ-ia. As we made our way, our first stop was Route 66! I heard about getting your kicks on Route 66 but I didn’t realize we would use it to get to Joshua Tree and the Mojave Desert. I got so excited when I saw the signs for it. We had been on the road for quite some time, so we got out there and had a little fun taking pictures. Next stop the National parks!
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARKhttps://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm
As we got closer to the Mojave Desert, you could spot the Joshua Trees starting to pop up along the road. Supposedly, the Yucca Species, Brevifolia, got its name from Mormon Pioneers who thought the limbs of the Joshua Tree’s resemble the upstretched arms of Joshua leading them through the Promised Land. Joshua Tree has several entrances and Visitor Centers. Due to Covid-19, some are closed. So plan your route before you go. The drive through Joshua Tree takes you through the dry hot sun-soaked Mojave Desert that eventually leads you to the Colorado Desert. The Joshua Trees decorate the road along your way, welcoming you to their land. They are almost fake-looking, Dr. Suess’s appearance. Our youngest Joy is named Joshua. So of course, he wanted to stop for a picture here.
We thought we were HOT in Utah. Here, you could literally feel your skin boil. We did the Scenic Drive to see the changes in the two desert landscapes. It takes almost an hour to drive from one to the other. Mojave had the Joshua Trees and the Colorado side had these Cacti garden called the Cholla Cactus Garden. Be careful here, there are lots of little balls of thorns and they will stick in your feet, shoes and clothes and they are not easy to get out. I still have some in my hiking shoes as a little souvenir. We did stop and hike the Barker Dam trail. Bring plenty of water! We would have enjoyed staying a little longer and hiking more but the July heat in the desert was pretty exhausting!
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK–
Due to park restrictions, there are some areas of Sequoia National Park that you can not go with a 33 ft RV. So we rented a car for a few days so we wouldn’t have to miss anything. Also, be sure to gas up before heading in. We didn’t find any gas in that area. RV’s can park at various locations around the visitor center. Due to COVID, this visitor center was closed but the bathrooms and water filling stations were open. (Be sure to check for updates on the website before heading there.) Also, there were many picnic tables around for dining. But be sure to remember there are bears all around this area so don’t leave food in your car or you might be sorry.
As we got closer to Sequoia, the roads got a little more winding and curvy. You could feel the air get a little lighter and cooler. The trees and vegetation were such a change from all the Dry, Hot rocky land formations of Utah. We were limited on time but wanted to hit the Highlights. There are several ways to enter the park. So study the map to decide on which entrance is the best from your location. We entered from the Three Rivers’ side. We decided to take Generals Drive to get to General Shermans Tree. Somehow we were misinformed and thought this drive would take us about an hour. It took us 3 hours total up and down and we were not wasting any time. If you have time to check it all out it’s going to take much longer. So be prepared. Generals drive is a twisting, winding road. If you have any folks with motion sickness in your group you may want to prepare.
One of the most famous stops at Sequoia is the General Sherman tree. The largest living tree in the world!. Dating back over 3,000 years old. It is a short trail being approx. 1/2 mile walk to the tree but due to elevation, it will have you huffing and puffing a bit on the way back. I will say, one of the kid’s favorite adventures included driving through The Tunnel Log. We did a little Tree Bathing on the Tree Bay trail. The boys were having a little fun being tree huggers. The massive size of these trees is just mind-blowing even when you are staring right up at it. The last stop for us was Moro Rock! It’s a 400 stone step climb for some of the best views around. Be careful with small kids here. It was pretty scary in spots. I would have loved to do a few more hikes around here but the RV was loading up and trying to get to Yosemite for Sunset. On the road again……
YOSEMITE
Sunset was on the agenda but we arrived just a little after the setting. Either way, we saw some glimpses of what the next day would hold.
As we drove in the next morning, the trees, the mountains, the rocks, the running streams, everything was so magnificent and beautiful. it was just glistening in the sunshine. Like an amusement park for Nature Lovers. It has it all! The views are like heaven on earth. I guess that why Ansel Adams and John Muir got their inspiration here. As I watched the roaring stream flowing over the rocks, I felt as if I could have stayed there forever.
Our first hike of the day was an easy one to Yosemite falls. We got some great shots here, strolled through the shady tree forest, and then took the Glacier point drive up to the top. Glacier point (no RV’s over 28ft here). If you are wanting a family shot, this is the spot. We ended the day hiking the Mist Trail. It was pretty tough and more of a workout than we expected. All in all, I could have stayed in Yosemite for days and days. I hope to visit again one day. Since we had been booking it non-stop for days….our trip took a little detour to Paso Robles Wine Country for a little relaxation and some time checking out the Pacific Coast Highway. More on that will come in the next blog post! But in keeping in the National Parks Theme we will jump ahead to out last park on this journey…. But enjoy a few more shots of Yosemite. The pictures can’t even describe the breathtaking beauty you witness in person. *TIP-Due to Covid-19 you need a reservation to go to Yosemite. Plan ahead and book your reservation on www.nps.gov. This is a great time to visit Yosemite! Some spots you have all to yourself.
Death Valley
Now on the to the last National Park stop, Death Valley. Now I know I keep describing how hot we have been on the trip. Ha! I had no idea. NOW, THIS WAS HOT. I was a bit nervous here. The stories of people breaking down and getting stranded in the heat was always in the back of my mind. They say temps can get up to like 130 here. Our Winnie Minnie RV did just fine. We made a few stops and took a few pics. The boys did a short hike. But nothing major here as far as hiking. It was just too Hot! My kids might have tried to fry an egg on the pavement or might not have. That is a mystery. We can say we went here but I can’t say it was one I care to go back to. *Tip: make sure to gas up before hitting this area. Take lots of water and make sure your car doesn’t have any issues. It gets so hot here that cars overheat and tires melt. You do not want to break down here.
Too hot to jump!
This wraps our Ultimate National Park Tour part 2. I will never forget the majestic views of Zion and the cool hike in the Narrows. Bryce and its hoodoos, sunrise, and double rainbows. The Mesa Arch sunrise in Canyonlands. The very hot hike to Delicate Arch. Seeing the funny little Joshua Trees with my Joshua Joy. The tree-hugging in Sequoia, and the massive views in Yosemite. We packed it in but we lived and we did it all. All we could for this trip anyway!
Joys On A Journey
*Travel at your own risk. These are just suggestions and highlights in hopes that it will help you plan your next journey. Due to Covid-19 status of some of these parks opening/closings change constantly. Please see www.nps.gov for updates.