During COVID19, I have stayed close to home. In Fall of 2021, I went on a road trip to Death Valley. Although I have traveled to over 100 countries and 6 continents, it was my first visit to this epic National Park. I went with a friend from my cruise ship days and her two teens. They were shocked that even though we both grew up in California, neither of us had ever been. After that awesome experience, we decided to travel to Joshua Tree in February 2022 again all of our first experience of this incredible area.
Lisa Niver at 49 Palms Oasis, Joshua Tree, Feb 18, 2022
Joshua Tree was established as a National Monument in 1936 when President Franklin Roosevelt signed a proclamation protecting this part of the desert. In 1994, under the California Desert Protection Act, the monument became a National Park. Joshua Tree National Park contains about 800,000 acres of unspoiled desert including the Mojave or high desert and the Colorado or low desert. Humans have lived in this area for about 10,000 years. In order to plan our trip, I read several guide books, talked to friends who had been and most importantly we stopped at the Visitor’s Center to learn from the Rangers.
“Fortynine Palms Oasis is one of Joshua Tree National Park’s desert oases. Located in the northern portion of the park, this oasis provides a refuge among the desert mountains. By providing a reliable source of water, this little oasis allows life to thrive in this seemingly harsh environment. The oasis is reachable by the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail, a three mile out and back hike with 300 feet elevation gain in each direction. The trail is on compact dirt with an average grade of 8% and max grade of 27%.” We loved this trail and did not find it too challenging. Bring plenty of water and look for the lizards! I took so many videos, our hike is in three parts!
One of the Park Rangers told us NOT to miss Heart Rock. They have newly added signs to point you in the right direction from the Arch Rock Trail. We loved it! Teenager approved!
“Approximately 12 miles (20 km) south of the park’s north entrance is the 0.25 mile (0.4 km) Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail; this flat loop leads hikers through nearly 10 acres (4 hectares) of landscape dominated by the teddybear cholla. This unusual stand of cacti is located in the Pinto Basin, a large expanse of alluvial fans covered with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and burrobush (Ambrosia dumosa) for as far as the eye can see. There are very few teddybear cholla stands in the park.”
We were surprised by how many cactus were here. I would love to go back when they have more flowers.
Many people go to Keys View for sunset but we were told to go to Quail Springs for sunset and Keys view earlier in the day to see the San Andreas Fault! You can also see the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and on a clear day Signal Mountain in Mexico.
“Barker Dam Trail is an easy 1.1 mile loop. Wander through Joshua Tree’s iconic monzogranite boulders, namesake Joshua trees, and past the historic Barker Dam. Visit a rock art site and experience human history from a respectful distance.
REMEMBER: It is HOT In the DESERT especially during summer months. Temperatures in the desert can reach over 100°F (38°C). This trail has minimal shade. Park staff recommend wearing sun protection and drinking at least one liter of water. Wear footwear for rock scrambling and climbing.
The Joshua Trees made me think of something out of a Dr. Seuss book. They are actually tree-sized Yuccas plants. I absolutely LOVED my first visit to this spectacular National Park and will definitely visit again.
Enjoy all THIRTY VIDEOS from our road trip in February 2022:
Thank you to Julia, Eva and Alessio for the AMAZING road trip adventure! Thank you so much to Genesis 2022 GV70! We loved our road trip! Want to see our trip to Death Valley? CLICK HERE For that trip we had a 2021 Genesis G80! Coming soon–Pioneertown, Outdoor Art Museum and Palm Springs Art and Escape Room!
In the face of growing anti-Israel and antisemitic conduct in public schools, the L.A. Unified School District has delivered an important victory for our community.
In the face of growing anti-Israel and antisemitic conduct in public schools, the Los Angeles Unified School District has delivered an important victory for our community.
The site is now home to Milken’s Upper School, serving students in grades 9 through 12, and expands the school’s footprint across its three campuses to 28 acres.
A well-designed Israel experience cannot resolve every question. But it can give young people context, relationships, language, and a sense that they belong to a people and a story larger than themselves.
Some have accused me of anti-Muslim bias. Let me answer that plainly: I have none. My issues with El-Sayed would be the same whether he were Jewish, Christian, Hindu or Baha’i.
I write to you, all you first and second generations, and I assure you from generations five, six and seven that if we keep doing what we need to do, if we stand together, keep our traditions, educate ourselves in our ancient wisdom, keep Hebrew spoken and sung in our midst, we will not only endure. We Jews will thrive.
Kwall, the Raymond P. Niro Law Professor at DePaul University College of Law, argues for a center defined by enough common commitments to make communal life possible.
Joshua Tree National Park: My First Visit!
Lisa Ellen Niver
During COVID19, I have stayed close to home. In Fall of 2021, I went on a road trip to Death Valley. Although I have traveled to over 100 countries and 6 continents, it was my first visit to this epic National Park. I went with a friend from my cruise ship days and her two teens. They were shocked that even though we both grew up in California, neither of us had ever been. After that awesome experience, we decided to travel to Joshua Tree in February 2022 again all of our first experience of this incredible area.
Joshua Tree was established as a National Monument in 1936 when President Franklin Roosevelt signed a proclamation protecting this part of the desert. In 1994, under the California Desert Protection Act, the monument became a National Park. Joshua Tree National Park contains about 800,000 acres of unspoiled desert including the Mojave or high desert and the Colorado or low desert. Humans have lived in this area for about 10,000 years. In order to plan our trip, I read several guide books, talked to friends who had been and most importantly we stopped at the Visitor’s Center to learn from the Rangers.
DAY ONE in Joshua Tree:
Our first adventure was to 49 Palms Oasis.
“Fortynine Palms Oasis is one of Joshua Tree National Park’s desert oases. Located in the northern portion of the park, this oasis provides a refuge among the desert mountains. By providing a reliable source of water, this little oasis allows life to thrive in this seemingly harsh environment. The oasis is reachable by the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail, a three mile out and back hike with 300 feet elevation gain in each direction. The trail is on compact dirt with an average grade of 8% and max grade of 27%.” We loved this trail and did not find it too challenging. Bring plenty of water and look for the lizards! I took so many videos, our hike is in three parts!
Split Rock to Skull Rock
Driving in Joshua Tree
Watching the climbers at Quail Springs
Sunset at Joshua Tree Day 1
We traveled in a 2022 Genesis GV70 which we LOVED!
We ate at The Rib Co
DAY TWO: Joshua Tree Hiking
Arch Rock:
Arch Rock is a short 1.4 mile hike to 100 feet elevation gain to an arch!
Heart Rock
One of the Park Rangers told us NOT to miss Heart Rock. They have newly added signs to point you in the right direction from the Arch Rock Trail. We loved it! Teenager approved!
Cholla Cactus Garden
“Approximately 12 miles (20 km) south of the park’s north entrance is the 0.25 mile (0.4 km) Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail; this flat loop leads hikers through nearly 10 acres (4 hectares) of landscape dominated by the teddybear cholla. This unusual stand of cacti is located in the Pinto Basin, a large expanse of alluvial fans covered with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and burrobush (Ambrosia dumosa) for as far as the eye can see. There are very few teddybear cholla stands in the park.”
We were surprised by how many cactus were here. I would love to go back when they have more flowers.
Keys View
Many people go to Keys View for sunset but we were told to go to Quail Springs for sunset and Keys view earlier in the day to see the San Andreas Fault! You can also see the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and on a clear day Signal Mountain in Mexico.
Barker Dam Trail
“Barker Dam Trail is an easy 1.1 mile loop. Wander through Joshua Tree’s iconic monzogranite boulders, namesake Joshua trees, and past the historic Barker Dam. Visit a rock art site and experience human history from a respectful distance.
REMEMBER: It is HOT In the DESERT especially during summer months. Temperatures in the desert can reach over 100°F (38°C). This trail has minimal shade. Park staff recommend wearing sun protection and drinking at least one liter of water. Wear footwear for rock scrambling and climbing.
The Joshua Trees made me think of something out of a Dr. Seuss book. They are actually tree-sized Yuccas plants. I absolutely LOVED my first visit to this spectacular National Park and will definitely visit again.
Enjoy all THIRTY VIDEOS from our road trip in February 2022:
Thank you to Julia, Eva and Alessio for the AMAZING road trip adventure! Thank you so much to Genesis 2022 GV70! We loved our road trip! Want to see our trip to Death Valley? CLICK HERE For that trip we had a 2021 Genesis G80! Coming soon–Pioneertown, Outdoor Art Museum and Palm Springs Art and Escape Room!
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.
Editor's Picks
Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review
The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC
What Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Latest Articles
Columbia College Votes on Anti-Israel Referendum – But School Has Yet to Reveal Results
Anatomy of an Apartheid State
A Table in Portugal: Your Guide to an Immersive Culinary (and yes Kosher) Journey.
In Defense of Israel
Welcoming Guests and the Destiny of Nations
Table for Five: Vayera
Route 66 Turns 100: Fall in Chicago, the Mother Road and the Great American Road Trip
Israel Bonds Ceremony, CCFP’s ‘Ambassadors of Peace,’ ‘Letters, Light and Love’
Notable people and events in the Jewish LA community.
“Art Over Hate”
A two-part spotlight of Craig Dershowitz, CEO of the Art Over Hate Collective.
Everyone by Name – A poem for Parsha Vayera
We want the best for our children –
Hagar’s Oppression is the Source of the Hegira
Print Issue: A Jewish Victory | October 30, 2026
In the face of growing anti-Israel and antisemitic conduct in public schools, the L.A. Unified School District has delivered an important victory for our community.
A Bisl Torah ~ Are You Paying Attention?
Why are we less likely to notice those who are most important?
A Moment in Time: The Israeli Election – Counting Votes, Building Bridges
Rabbis of LA | Rabbi Rembaum on Life Without Fredi
First of two parts
‘You Can See Everything’: Holmes on the Range
In 2026, you don’t expect an American movie – even a documentary – to include an almost Talmudic discussion focusing on the meaning of the word “can.”
Ruby Red Beet Kubbah
If you can’t get to Jerusalem, make a pot of this incredible red kubbah.
A Jewish Victory
In the face of growing anti-Israel and antisemitic conduct in public schools, the Los Angeles Unified School District has delivered an important victory for our community.
Trusting G-d’s Plan ft. Elaine Chaya
Zion Ozeri’s Photographs Reveal the Many Faces of Jewish Identity
His photographs portray Jews shaped by different cultures, histories and traditions while revealing the connections that unite them.
Milken School Opens Jan Koum Campus in Bel Air
The site is now home to Milken’s Upper School, serving students in grades 9 through 12, and expands the school’s footprint across its three campuses to 28 acres.
For Teens, Israel Travel Is Not the End Goal. Jewish Peoplehood Is.
A well-designed Israel experience cannot resolve every question. But it can give young people context, relationships, language, and a sense that they belong to a people and a story larger than themselves.
El-Sayed, Mélenchon, and the Future They Portend
Some have accused me of anti-Muslim bias. Let me answer that plainly: I have none. My issues with El-Sayed would be the same whether he were Jewish, Christian, Hindu or Baha’i.
Unbreakable Blue Thread: Reclaiming Our Past and Our Future
I write to you, all you first and second generations, and I assure you from generations five, six and seven that if we keep doing what we need to do, if we stand together, keep our traditions, educate ourselves in our ancient wisdom, keep Hebrew spoken and sung in our midst, we will not only endure. We Jews will thrive.
Unstuck in the Middle with You
Kwall, the Raymond P. Niro Law Professor at DePaul University College of Law, argues for a center defined by enough common commitments to make communal life possible.
Sewage Without Borders
Israel’s water security depends on what flows into the sea on the other side of all of them, and our water policy should start from that reality.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.