Joshua Tree Women's Backpacking

Our adventure begins in Palm Springs, where we meet our guides and fellow adventurers at our host hotel before setting out on our journey to Joshua Tree National Park. Our warm-up cache hike offers a fantastic introduction to this unique desert ecosystem. Soon after hitting the trail, we are surrounded by Joshua trees and a dramatic landscape, formed over the ages by the forces of wind and water. Dropping fresh water for use later in our adventure, we head to our campground and pitch camp, our guides assisting with tent setup as the surrounding desert glows with late-day light. If desire, weather, and daylight are favorable, we can enjoy another short but fun adventure close to camp before we watch the sunset cast shades of orange, pink, and gold over the Mojave Desert while our guides prepare a delicious dinner in camp. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: 3 miles, Elevation gain/loss: Minimal; Transfer: 2 hours

We fuel up with a hot breakfast this morning in preparation for our journey into the park's backcountry. After gearing up and adjusting our backpacks, we head down trail into the heart of the desert. As we hike away from the park roads and deeper into the wilderness, our guides interpret the unique features of this rugged landscape and provide tips on wilderness travel and backpacking techniques. We pass by towering rock fins, cacti of all shapes and sizes, and uncountable picturesque Joshua Trees, which only exist here in the Mojave. We also watch for Bighorn sheep, a desert-adapted species that seeks out this rocky terrain for protection against predators. Stopping at Keys Mountain, we get a taste of the scrambling we'll do more of tomorrow, and a panoramic view of this awesome national park. We arrive at our campsite, but before we can enjoy this tranquil oasis, we must do one more stroll and reclaim our cache, then we can enjoy being nestled in our tents amongst the giant rocks, from where we can gaze up at an inky sky filled with countless stars, enjoying the company of newfound friends. All meals included.

Backpacking: 8 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +414'/-627'

Our day begins with the crystalline morning light and the smell of fresh-brewed coffee. We leave our backpacks at camp today and head out with just our daypacks for more backcountry exploration. Before long, we reach Willow Hole, a beautiful riparian area dotted with seasonal water pools. After a picnic lunch among the Wonderland of Rocks' giant granite boulders, group members interested in a challenge can join our guides for an adventurous option to scramble to an amazing vantage point overlooking Rattlesnake Canyon that our guides have affectionately named Pride Rock. Those looking for even more adventure, may have the chance to discover a hidden hideout from the 1930's known as Oh-Bay-Yo-Yo. Those participating in the scramble can use gloves to protect hands from the course rocks, and should expect scrambling up, down, over, and around huge boulders, some exposure, short steps from one rock to another, and balancing with your feet and hands in contact with the rock. Your guides will be there to provide coaching and lend a helping hand when needed. The route isn't an easy one but promises to be one of the highlights of this adventure! Our final evening in camp is filled with laughter as we reflect on another epic day in Joshua Tree. All meals included.

Hiking: 7.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +320'/-420'; Optional rock scramble: 2+ hours, 1.5 miles

We enjoy a last relaxing morning in the backcountry before reluctantly breaking camp and loading up our backpacks for our hike out. We walk north along the picturesque Boy Scout Trail to our waiting van in Indian Cove, surrounded by the wide-open desert under the brilliant SoCal sky. We enjoy our last lunch together before transferring to Palm Springs and our host hotel, saying our final goodbyes to our guides and fellow adventurers. We anticipate being back at the hotel between 4-5pm this afternoon. If you are flying out of Palm Springs today, we recommend not booking any flights departing earlier than 6:00 pm. Breakfast and lunch included.

Backpacking: 6.5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +150'/- 1,200'; Van transfer: 2 hours