California Day 2: Joshua Tree North Loop

I woke up early this morning to go explore Joshua Tree National Park. What a treat it was!

But, first … sunrise!

northeast of Joshua Tree, California

east of Joshua Tree, California

The park ranger who sold me my entrance ticket said it was good that I was here early in the morning. “Things could get busy later in the day.”

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Now here was a fun road sign …

Joshua Tree National Park, California

… which told me two things:

1. Going up this road was going to be so very worth it.
2. It was, as the park ranger said, good that I was here early. (I passed this sign at 8am.)

Herewith, split rock. No idea how it got that name shrug 🤷🏻‍♂️:

Split Rock Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California

There was a good bit of hiking behind the namesake rock, though.

Split Rock Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Split Rock Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Split Rock Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Split Rock Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Split Rock Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Split Rock Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Split Rock Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Split Rock Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Split Rock Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Split Rock Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Split Rock Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Split Rock Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park, California

A few miles farther up the road I found Skull Rock …

Skull Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, California

… and then the oddly-named but picturesque Hall of Horrors Area.

Hall of Horrors Area, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Hall of Horrors Area, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Hall of Horrors Area, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Keys View offered the opportunity to look down into the Salton Valley towards Palm Springs.

Keys View, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Keys View, Joshua Tree National Park, California

And, with that, the park did indeed start to get busier. I retreated back to where I’m staying for this weekend. The street signs are … a bit informal here:

northeast of Joshua Tree, California

Sunset comes early this time of year (4:40pm).

northeast of Joshua Tree, California

Looking forward to exploring more of the park tomorrow!