48 hours in Joshua Tree, CA
While pouring over organic produce at the Joshua Tree Farmer's Market I overheard a young man from out of town ask a local "so what IS there to do in the desert?". The woman's reply "listen to your heart".
48 hours in Joshua Tree will rekindle your soul and slow your ever-moving-mind to desert tortoise pace. It's a unique feeling of surrender you get from being 2,700 feet above sea level and surrounded by 300 year old Joshua Trees with views for miles.
The tiny town of Joshua Tree stretches less than a mile and its looks are deceiving. It is a one mile stretch of artistic and delicious delights. Let's get started exploring.
Begin by booking your stay at www.thesukhaliferetreat.com . Ideally located a 5 minute drive from town and less than a mile from the national park entrance. Situated on 1 1/4 acres of unobstructed views with Joshua Trees and boulders. The 2 bed/2 bath house has a private yoga studio and separate game room. At night you can stargaze from the salt water spa under a 400 year old Joshua Tree.
Match your vibe to the slow desert pace by booking a private sound bath, yoga/meditation session or a reiki healing session with Lisa (www.thesukhalife.com) energy guide and certified healing arts practitioner. Clear any negative or blocked energy in a one hour session at your place.
Saturday morning the farmer's market opens and is stacked with local, organic produce, vegan cheese, small batch soup and fresh eggs. You can also find a few of the local artists selling their wares from handmade postcards to ceramics.
After the market step on over to Natural Sisters cafe for a crunchy veggie sandwich piled sky high with sprouts. Meander next door to the Mincing Mockingbird for witty gifts and stuff you didn't even know you need, but somehow can't live without. Right next door is Boo's organic oven. If you get there early enough on Saturday grab a loaf of their twice baked sourdough and a seasonal vegan fruit pie.
The Joshua Tree rock shop, just a few doors down from Boo's, is every crystal lover's dream. It's easy to get lost in the hundreds of crystals and their meanings. You'll feel the crystal energy radiating as you walk through the door. Be sure to visit the back room for local made crystal jewelry.
Ricochet, an easy stroll down the street, hand selects the coolest vintage pieces with a JT vibe. Laid back and friendly. Ask them about the Mojave Art Mart once a month on Saturday evening.
Top off your afternoon with a visit to the Joshua Tree Saloon. Grab a brew and a late afternoon meal. They have a little something for everyone.
Ready to connect to nature? The Joshua Tree National Park known for it's otherworldly terrain of cartoon like Joshua Trees and rounded boulders that look like giant drops of water is waiting to be explored. There is a small admission fee to enter the park and explore by car. Pack a picnic and stop along the way watching rock climbers scale the straight sided boulders. Or grab your water bottle and explore on foot with hikes that are easy to advanced. Stop at the visitors center inside the park to talk with a ranger about guided hikes and tours they have in the park.
I've heard people say they want to do all of these things when they visit JT, but they usually end up slowing down and listening to their hearts.