Hidden Hotspot
Posted by Lisa & RenaA couple of weeks ago, I left Rena alone at Rare Device in the cold and windy San Francisco and headed for one of my favorite spots in the world: California's Mojave Desert.
I flew into Palm Springs (which is a treat itself) and met my aunt and uncle, who live about 50 miles outside of Palm Springs, near Joshua Tree National Forest, in the town of 29 Palms.
A sign entering 29 Palms
29 Palms is a bit of a sleepy town, and that’s what I like about it. I have returned time and time again for its clear, clean air, gorgeous sparse desert landscape, and mountain vistas. There isn’t a whole lot to do there besides hike around Joshua Tree, but this activity alone makes the trip worth it.
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most special places in the world -- there is nothing else like it on the planet. (In fact, sometimes walking around the park you feel like you might be on another planet).
The famous Joshua trees of Joshua Tree
Before my aunt and uncle retired there last year, I stayed twice at the lovely 29 Palms Inn, a rustic, affordable, and beautiful accommodation in town, near the entrance to Joshua Tree Park.
Besides hiking in the park, there is some great antiquing and thrift store shopping in nearby Yucca Valley. And any kid will enjoy a visit to Pioneer Town, a cool movie set where they used to shoot western TV shows and films. If you like driving around and taking photos of old signs, the expanse between 29 Palms and Yucca Valley are chock full.
An abandoned homestead
Low on pretense and cost, high on hidden charm, gorgeous desert views and fantastic weather (especially in the fall and spring), 29 Palms is truly out of this world.
it is another world, indeed. very lucky for us Los Angeles-dwellers. I got to visit the park in bloom for the first time this year. spectacular [though in a subdued sort of way]. here are some of those photos:
http://wideruins.blogspot.com/2008/02/spreading-like-wildflower.html
Posted by: Olivia | Wednesday, June 04, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Don't forget that 29 Palms is home to the world's largest land-wise Marine Corps base. I spent 4 years in 29 Palms while my husband was stationed there. Very much a small town feel. Nice if you don't mind the desert, and you are too far from L.A, beaches and Las Vegas.
Posted by: Amber | Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 11:49 PM
I love the abandoned homestead shot! How beautiful.
Posted by: Mischa | Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 09:06 PM
I <3 Yucca Brevifolia
Posted by: michael | Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 06:32 PM