Joshua Tree & Mohave Desert
Day 1 – San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park, California Adventure Challenge – Meet at pre-determined departure point and board our vehicle. We set off to the east into the Laguna Mountains and then down into California’s low dessert, where we will continue up to Joshua Tree National Park and set up our base camp and then have lunch. We will check in at the visitor’s centre and get orientation from the Park Rangers on the important dangers and regulations of the park. After lunch, we will participate in various activities in the outdoors that build confidence, strengthen interpersonal relationships, friendships, and provide ways to increase our communication skills! Snacks, L, D
Day 2 – Hiking/ Natural History – Joshua Tree National Park, California – Today, we will set out to explore the desert first-hand, with a morning hike through the 49 Palms region. Along the way, we learn about the desert ecosystem and the fragility of life in this extreme ecosystem. In this desert wilderness, we come face-to-face with this incredible geography and the host of life that it supports. After lunch, we will learn about the natural history of the land with our personal course provided by seasoned park rangers. B, L, Snacks, D
Day 3 – Service Project - Today, we will help to curtail the spread of invasive species as we participate in activities to lessen the species and work to maintain native species and their continued growth. A morning session pulling these plants by their roots, will be enhanced by personal, expert instruction about the local native and invasive plant species, along with the perils facing the park today. After lunch, we will continue our work in another area of the park to further rid the park of the Sahara Mustard plant. B, L, Snacks, D
Day 4 – Lost Palms Oasis and Ecology Lesson – In the morning, we hike to explore Lost Palms Oasis, located about 7 miles away from camp. Staggered with numerous palm stands, this moderate hike takes a side trip to Victory Palms and Munsen Canyon, involving scrambling. In the afternoon, we receive a lesson in ecology, in which the students construct and test hypotheses; collect, evaluate and employ information from multiple primary and secondary sources; and apply it in oral and written presentations. Then, they will participate in Historical Interpretation, where students analyze human modifications of landscapes, and examine the resulting environmental policy issues. B, L, Snacks, D
Day 5 – Joshua Tree – Mojave Desert National Park – Nipton Campground – After our early morning breakfast, we make the 90 mile drive from Joshua Tree to Mojave National Park, located northwest of Joshua Tree, near Nevada. After arriving in Mojave, we will set up camp, take showers, partake in a nearby hike, orient ourselves, and prepare for another great night sleeping under the stars. B, L, Snacks, D.
Day 6 – Mojave NP/Nipton – Spring Wildflower Hike – We set out after breakfast on an amazing walk through the park’s rugged trails to explore the landscape and blooming wildflowers. With enough moisture, spring wildflowers carpet the desert with vivid colors. Along the way, we will discover the fine balance between the natural environment and its numerous inhabitants. B,L, Snack, D.
Day 7 – Mojave to San Diego – We depart the desert environment in the morning and head back home. Our 5 hour return takes us back over the mountains and into the city. B, L, Snacks
