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Hiking the High Desert: Joshua Tree National Park |
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Program Number: |
20819RJ |
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| Start
and End Dates: |
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| Duration: |
5 nights |
| Location: |
Joshua Tree National Park, California
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| Price starting at: |
$945.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city |
| Program Type:
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Walking/Hiking; National Parks
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Activity Level: |
t (see description) |
| Meals: |
13;
5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners |
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| Meal
Options: |
Vegetarian |
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Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park and the desert surrounding Palm Springs is an opportunity not to be missed. Famous for the other-worldly Joshua Tree and geologic formations that attract elite rock climbers, the park is a desert lover’s paradise where the Sonoran and Mojave deserts meet. In the Palm Springs area hike to palm oases where water brings abundance and has created the largest density of California palm trees in the world. Ride the thrilling Palm Springs Aerial Tram for sweeping views of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas fault zone and distant desert peaks.
Highlights
• Experienced naturalist guides will reveal the amazing adaptations for survival employed by the flora, fauna and pioneers who have tested their mettle in this landscape.
• Hike two days in Joshua Tree National Park. Explore the granitic maze known as the “Wonderland of Rocks”. Hike to off the beaten path locations where a mix of rock, desert vegetation and sky will lead to a sense of discovery and delight.
• In the Palm Springs area hike the Agua Caliente Tribe's "Indian Canyons" and explore San Jacinto State Park accessed by the Aerial Tramway.
Activity Particulars
Hiking up to six and a half miles, on established rocky trails, dirt paths, dry stream beds, boulders, desert vegetation and uneven terrain. Elevation changes of 500–1,000 feet, seasonal shallow stream crossing possible. Come prepared for a physically active program as we will be hiking on four full days. To prepare for hiking every day, participants should be involved in regular physical activity such as hiking, biking, swimming or other aerobic activity. We will hike as one group throughout the week with a hike leader and a sweep. Weather and temperature extremes may be encountered during the week and may result in changes to hiking locations and distances.
Date Specific Information
11-10-2013
This program will have two special additions. Weather permitting, we will be taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tram up into the majestic San Jacinto mountains (8,500`) to enjoy hiking the Pine covered trails of Long and Round Valley`s. This excursion will provide stunning views of the desert below and provide a striking contrast to the desert hiking we do on the other days. This excursion will replace one of the Palm Springs area hikes. The second addition will be attending the Palm Springs `Villagefest". This weekly street fair is consistently voted Palm Springs number one local event with more than 200 booths offering beautiful art, handcrafted items, entertainment and unique food.
11-15-2013
This program will have a special addition. Weather permitting, we will be taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tram up into the majestic San Jacinto mountains (8,500`) to enjoy hiking the Pine covered trails of Long and Round Valley`s. This excursion will provide stunning views of the desert below and provide a striking contrast to the desert hiking we do on the other days. This excursion will replace one of the Palm Springs area hikes.
Coordinated by Northern Arizona University.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree comprises nearly 800,000 acres of California’s most interesting geology arranged in a stark, wind-shaped landscape that gives way to the colors of desert vegetation with the unpredictable arrival of rain and moderate weather. Two desert ecosystems meet here, including the Mojave, habitat for the strange tree for which the park is named.
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Accommodations
Miracle Springs Spa and Resort has a wonderful patio area with eight warm and hot spring pools fed by naturally occurring hot spring fed water.
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| Road Scholar Instructors | | These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur. | Bruce Banker
| | Bruce Banker is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, where he studied natural sciences and geology. He lives in Flagstaff and has worked for the National Park Service as a naturalist on the north rim of the Grand Canyon, Chaco Canyon National Historic Park and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Bruce also serves as an outdoor educator for the Grand Canyon Field Institute. Bruce has taken students to many of the far-flung corners of the Southwest and has a few good stories to share. | | | | Mike Young
| | Mike Young has lived in Arizona for 40 years, and taught math and geology at Yavapai College prior to his work with Road Scholar. To convey the Arizona landscape, Mike uses a broad range of topics including botany, natural history and geomorphology. He has worked as a commercial boatman, designed and constructed his own home, and conducted field exercises throughout the intermountain west. He is an accomplished hike leader who challenges hikers of all skill levels. | | | | Richard Stephens
| | Rich has been director of Northern Arizona University’s highly popular Road Scholar programs since 2001. He previously spent many years in the field as a program coordinator and group leader, where he honed his skills and learned the importance of detailed, pre-trip planning. Before making his home in Arizona’s spectacular red-rock country, Rich spent 10 years in Yosemite National Park and the Santa Cruz mountains as an environmental educator. | | | |
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