A popular National Park on a weekend? Am I crazy?

Cruising along Highway 111, with the Salton Sea on my right, I realized the weekend was starting. And the weather was nice. So Joshua Tree would be crowded. That was okay, because I tend toward the less used areas of the park.

My prediction of crowdedness was reinforced as I looked for a camping spot on the BLM land by the south entrance to Joshua Tree. I just had to go a little farther down a lumpy dirt trail, and the campsite wasn’t as level as I would’ve liked, but it was fine. And free. And quiet.

It got down to the 40s during the night, with considerable (and inconsiderate) wind. The park is about 1,500 feet higher, therefore chillier. I was in no rush to head in. Sleep in a little, make some breakfast, go online for a while, let the sun do its warming thing… Okay, time to go.

Traffic was light, although there were plenty of cars parked at various trailheads and pullouts. And the campgrounds were full (but they usually are, even during the week).

Live Oak Picnic Area doesn’t get a lot of use—because, yawn, it’s just a picnic area, right? But it’s right next to a large rock formation. Sort of a mini mountain. A loop around the formation is approximately three-quarters of a mile, longer if you investigate various nooks and crannies and alternate footpaths. If you’re in the mood for more you can include the very popular Jumbo Rocks and Skull Rock area next door, or cross the road for the Split Rock Trail. I spent about three hours at Live Oak and saw only a handful of other people, most of which were just picnicking.

It was a different matter when I left via the road to Twentynine Palms. Inbound vehicles were backed way up at the entrance station. But it was clear sailing (or rolling) for those of us exiting. My mellow was not harshed.