Looking for a way to shed some of those Turkey Day pounds? Want to #OptOutside instead of shopping the day away? Want to check another National Park off your bucket list? You can do it all! 

Join the 20s & 30s Section of the Angeles Chapter Sierra Club on a two-night post-Thanksgiving car camping trip to explore the south-end of Joshua Tree National Park! Joshua Tree National Park is known for its rock formations, ocotillo, cacti, wildflowers, and even a palm oasis in the middle of the desert! Participants can arrive to the campground any time after 3pm on Friday, November 29^th, 2019. Potable water and flush toilets are available at the campground. We will spend Friday evening relaxing in camp around a campfire (with s’mores!), exploring the area on your own, or even attending a ranger program! Participants are responsible for their own dinner Friday evening although the section will provide hot water. 

Saturday morning, we will eat breakfast (provided) and venture to Lost Palms Oasis, the largest stand of fan palms in Joshua Tree National Park. The hike is 7.2 miles roundtrip with 1,200’ of elevation gain. The trail does have its share of ups and downs and there are a few moderately strenuous areas. We’ll eat lunch (provided) near the overlook/canyon/oasis before heading back to camp. In the spirit of THANKSgiving, we will practice a short gratitude exercise at our destination. Perhaps you want to walk the short Bajada Trail (.25 mile) near the campground before a potluck style dinner. Bring your Turkey Day leftovers for our Thanksgiving-themed potluck. S’mores will be provided at our Saturday evening campfire. 

The plan for Sunday is to pack up and explore the park on your own/head back to Los Angeles. Participants are responsible for their own breakfast/lunch on Sunday. The section will provide hot water for breakfast. Please note that the outing will conclude when we are finished with breakfast (by 10am). After that, participants are on their own to explore the park, without Sierra Club leaders. 

What’s Included in the Trip Fee: Campsite(s), breakfast and lunch on Saturday, materials for s’mores, warm dish water with dish soap, hand soap, a few other basic amenities, and almost-guaranteed fun! Breakfast will include coffee and juice, amazing bagel station, oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit. BYOT: bring your own toaster. Lunch will include the makings for peanut butter and jelly in addition to fruit, chips, and juice boxes. 

What to Bring: Your own tent, sleeping bag, and whatever else you need to comfortably survive a two-night camping trip in Joshua Tree National Park. Each car will need to bring a bundle of firewood. Please also bring your own dinner for Friday night in addition to breakfast/lunch on Sunday and a potluck item for dinner on Saturday night. The section will provide breakfast (you do not want to miss this!) and lunch on Saturday. Participants are responsible for their own libations (BYOB or beverage of choice). You may want to bring your own ice chest/ice to keep perishables cool. For the hike: though we are hiking in “winter,” there is still the possibility of extreme temperatures. Please bring a minimum of 2 liters of water, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a comfortable backpack. You may also want to bring long sleeve shirts and pants. Due to the rocky terrain, comfortable hiking boots are strongly recommended. Bring a camera to help capture the memories! 

Logistics: Campsites will be emailed to participants at least one-week prior to the outing. We ask that each participant help out around camp and mealtimes. Tasks will include helping to prepare the meals, helping to clean dishes, and taking trash from our campsite to the dump area. Each participant will be able to sign up for their preferred task(s). Additionally, we have limited parking available at the campground, averaging three people per parking spot. Parking spots will be allocated to carpools of three or more per vehicle, then, space permitting two or more per vehicle. Overflow parking is available. Indicate whether you are interested in carpooling when signing up. A carpool list will be available to participants at least one-week prior to the outing. Please note: as with all Sierra Club outings, carpooling is at the risk and responsibility of those who partake in a carpool. For more information on the Sierra Club's policy regarding carpooling, click here. 

Registration: Sound good? Complete the following questionnaireto register (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FLS6CJJ). After completion of the registration form, Krista will email you within 5 business days to collect your payment and finalize your reservation. Fees can be paid via PayPal or check. The cost is $50 for Sierra Club members and non-members. Not a member yet? Sign up here for the introductory price of $15 for the first year!

To comply with National Park Service regulations, fees charged are only used to cover direct expenses (campsite fees, food, entrance fees, etc.) There will be no financial profit from this activity.

CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. 

Weather:Average high temperature at the end of November: 70 deg. F; Average low temperature at the end of November: 45 deg. F; Average rainfall: 0.68 inches/month (it’s the desert). Trip leaders are not responsible unusual weather conditions.