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!
Kupershtein endured extreme hunger, inhumane conditions and constant psychological torment. Yet even in those depths, he fought daily to preserve his humanity.
Kudrow’s connection to comedy runs deeper than her Hollywood career. As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, she grew up in a family where humor wasn’t just entertainment — it was a way to cope.
While the documentary succeeds in showing the band’s power and chemistry, and is full of energy, one is left wondering what would have happened if Slovak lived.
The war against two stubborn enemies, such as Iran and Hezbollah, has an interesting lesson to teach on obstacles created by regimes that are polar opposites.
There is something deeply cyclical about Judaism and our holidays. We return to the same story—the same words, the same questions—but we are not the same people telling it. And that changes everything.
Emma’s diary represents testimony of an America, and an American Jewish community, torn asunder during America’s strenuous effort to manifest its founding ideal of the equality of all people who were created in the image of God.
On Yom HaShoah, we speak of six million who were murdered. But I also remember the nine million who lived. Nine million Jews who got up every morning, took their children to school, and strove every day to survive, because they believed in life.
Gratitude is greatly emphasized in much of Jewish observance, from blessings before and after meals, the celebration of holidays such as Passover, a festival that celebrates liberation from slavery, and in the psalms.
The seder table itself is a model of radical welcome: we are told explicitly to invite the stranger, to make room for those who ask questions and for those who do not yet know how to ask.
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
Trump’s Tantrums
Rabbis of LA | Rabbi Guzik’s Healthy Choice
L.A. Jewish Symphony Concert, Open Temple Seder Crawl
Rationales of the Passover
A Moment in Time: “Chol HaMoed – When the Ordinary Reveals Holiness”
A Bisl Torah — Reconsideration
Print Issue: How Do We Regain Our Mojo? | April 10, 2026
How a Mark Twain passage at our Passover seder led me to reflect on the themes of envy and Jewish self-esteem.
‘Unbroken’: Bar Kupershtein Recounts 738 Days in Hamas’ Hands
Kupershtein endured extreme hunger, inhumane conditions and constant psychological torment. Yet even in those depths, he fought daily to preserve his humanity.
‘The Comeback’: Lisa Kudrow Returns to Stage 24, Where It All Began
Kudrow’s connection to comedy runs deeper than her Hollywood career. As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, she grew up in a family where humor wasn’t just entertainment — it was a way to cope.
Israeli Guitarist Nili Brosh Releases Signature Ibanez Guitar
Brosh, 37, was born in Rishon LeZion, Israel, a city that also produced the late singer Shoshana Damari, “the Queen of Hebrew Music.”
Netflix Doc Shows Hillel Slovak Sparking the Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers
While the documentary succeeds in showing the band’s power and chemistry, and is full of energy, one is left wondering what would have happened if Slovak lived.
A Semester to Remember: de Toledo High School Students Study in Israel Under Fire
Shortly after arriving for the exchange program, the war with Iran began on Feb. 28.
NASA’s Jewish Administrator and Jewish Astronauts Reflect on Artemis II’s Historic Moon Flyby
By some measures, 16 Jews have been to space.
Noa Tishby Brings Clarity, Courage and a Call to Action to Beth Jacob
“The Jewish people are patient zero in a worldwide war on truth.”
Golden Memories – a Great Challah Recipe
This challah has a soft, fluffy, airy texture, with a wonderful chewy crumb, a hint of sweetness and an enticing golden crust.
Post-Passover Pasta and Pizza
What carbs do you miss the most during Passover? Do you go for the sweet stuff, like cookies and cakes, or heartier items like breads and pasta?
Table for Five: Shemini
Kosher Fish
Rosner’s Domain | The Too Strong and Too Weak Challenge
The war against two stubborn enemies, such as Iran and Hezbollah, has an interesting lesson to teach on obstacles created by regimes that are polar opposites.
Fake Until Proven Real: As AI Images Spread, Skepticism May Be the Best Safeguard
When it comes to images and video online, the safest starting point is the presumption that what we see is not authentic until it is verified.
Freedom, This Year
There is something deeply cyclical about Judaism and our holidays. We return to the same story—the same words, the same questions—but we are not the same people telling it. And that changes everything.
A Diary Amidst Division and the Fight for Freedom
Emma’s diary represents testimony of an America, and an American Jewish community, torn asunder during America’s strenuous effort to manifest its founding ideal of the equality of all people who were created in the image of God.
When Criticism of Israel Becomes a Test for Jews Everywhere
Judge Israel as you would judge any state: rigorously, truthfully and proportionately.
More than Names
On Yom HaShoah, we speak of six million who were murdered. But I also remember the nine million who lived. Nine million Jews who got up every morning, took their children to school, and strove every day to survive, because they believed in life.
Gratitude
Gratitude is greatly emphasized in much of Jewish observance, from blessings before and after meals, the celebration of holidays such as Passover, a festival that celebrates liberation from slavery, and in the psalms.
Freedom’s Unfinished Journey
The seder table itself is a model of radical welcome: we are told explicitly to invite the stranger, to make room for those who ask questions and for those who do not yet know how to ask.
Thoughts on Security
For students at Jewish schools, armed guards, security gates, and ID checks are now woven into the rhythm of daily life.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.