It's the middle of summer and I'm going to Joshua Tree National Park

"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
08/23/2019 at 11:09 • Filed to: None

What could possibly go wrong with a camping trip in the desert at the hottest time of the year? Thankfully I’m not going there with the intent of doing much outdoors during the day. Instead, I’ll be there looking upwards after the sun has gone down.

It’s still probably gonna be around 70F at night which is balmy for camping but I’ve certainly experienced worse on the east coast with humidity. But that’s also why I’m only going for one night, unless the night sky makes it worth sweating it out to stay for again. I wish I could go next weekend since it’s supposed to be a new moon then but at least it’s halfway there now and moonrise isn’t until midnight anyways. It should be clear enough though to get a great view of the milkyway.

And I should be able to get in some super early dawn hiking in before it gets hot out. If I decide to stick around Saturday, I’ll have to find a watering hole to hide out in through the midday heat.

DISCUSSION (10)

PyroHoltz f@h Oppo 261120 > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
08/23/2019 at 11:17

You're way braver than I am! I hate hot camping but to do star gazing, that'll be badass! Have fun, share some pics, post return.

and 100 more > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
08/23/2019 at 11:18

Enjoy! JTNP was basically my back yard when i was growing up.

As I’m sure you know, the drier air makes the heat much more bearable, especially in the evening. But bring lots of water. More than you think you’ll need.

Also, early dawn and late evening are when the snakes are either waking up or getting ready to sleep, so keep an eye out.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > PyroHoltz f@h Oppo 261120
08/23/2019 at 11:28

Well my phone is notoriously bad at taking photos in the dark. So I am not gonna get too many photos. But I’ll just have to take in the IRL experience. I hate humid camping, with the bugs and all. At least it’ll be dry so I won’t literally be unable to sleep. I just prefer sleeping in “I would die without a sleeping bag” weather.

But it's the reason I only want to go for one night. It's a sub 3 hour drive from home so it's no loss if it kinda sucks and isn't worth it. But if it's good enough of a view to deal with the heat, I'll consider finding an air conditioned place for the day and stay another night.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > and 100 more
08/23/2019 at 11:32

Yup, always aware of snakes out there. They've got the right idea since that's the only palatable weather! I've got a 2.5 gallon jug of water, another gallon as a backup, my 3L backpack with liquid iv in it, and some various water bottles in the car. Should be plenty since I'm going into town anyways if I end up staying more than one night. Gotta find air conditioning to make it through the daytime!

DipodomysDeserti > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
08/23/2019 at 11:47

It probably won’t even break 100F during the day this time of year. Shouldn’t be too bad. I’ve done 8-10 mile hikes with my kids in 105ish temps without issue. They are acclimated to the heat, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you aren’t, but if you’re healthy it won’t kill you (as long as you have enough water).

As a desert rat, I would caution you to bring a lot more water than that, and never plan on being able to refill your supply. Baseline for water consumption in hot, dry climates is around 2 gallons, and that’s without exertion. If you’re going solo, I’d bring at least twice as much as you think you need.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
08/23/2019 at 12:23

I spent about six months on 29 palms with the boy scouts (the ones without adult supervision). It may be a bit hotter than that at night this time of year. I got there in September and it routinely stayed in the low 80's at night, which is to say it was capable of getting hotter-than-balls well into October.

That said, JTNP has some neat areas. If you drive up a few miles South of 62 on Utah Trail/Park Blvd (but before you get over the hills and into the park basin), you can get a fantastic light show if 7th Marines (or anyone else on else on 29 Palms) are doing night shots with artillery.

Beyond the obvious watch for snakes (especially at night), keep an eye out for places where you start seeing a whole bunch of small holes close together in the ground. The sand can give way underfoot, and you’re better off not unexpectedly pissing off the creatures that may or may not still be inside.

His Stigness > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
08/23/2019 at 13:18

You can borrow my DSLR if you want. I think you’ll be responsible with it.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > His Stigness
08/23/2019 at 13:41

That also requires figuring out how to use it lol

His Stigness > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
08/23/2019 at 14:45

There’s an auto setting. But Google is your friend. I have no real clue how to use it, that’s why I have a Pixel 3.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
08/23/2019 at 15:38

Hot desert camping is great. Should be gorgeous.