DWTH Day 47: Into Joshua Tree National Park

Daily Miles: 17.0, Total Miles: 729.1

A still, quiet night and I was up early to take advantage of cooler temperatures – didn’t think that would be much of an issue in February.

A lot of walking up and down washes today through the Pinto Mountains. I found another guzzler and enjoyed lunch while filtering water in the shade of a large creosote bush.

Late in the afternoon, a climb up an old mining road got me to a ridge and the eastern boundary of Joshua Tree National Park with good views westward into the Park. I took advantage of the elevation and phone signal to check-in with Mrs Haze. She informed me a JTNP ranger had contacted her after not being able to reach me. The ranger told her they couldn’t approve my backcountry reservations because I had to watch a video and be told of the dangers and dos and don’ts. Mrs Haze explained I was a seasoned hiker at the end of hiking through the Sonoran and Mohave deserts and wouldn’t start any fires within the park. Must have worked because the ranger approved my permit – thanks Mrs Haze and Ranger Diana!

I worked my way down another old mining road into the Park and then into a wash. I found a good campsite at dusk far from any park trails or roads.

New bird today: Black-throated Sparrow.