But, before they left we visited Joshua Tree National Park.
Known of course for the Joshua Trees, this place is a haven for hiking, climbing and camping.
There are trails for everyone from wheel-chair-accessible trails to strenuous trails.
First stop along the way was Hidden Valley Trail. Upon arriving we were witness to some very experienced climbers....
Hidden Valley is a one-mile loop trail. It starts in the picnic area and winds among massive boulders through this legendary cattle rustlers' hideout.
Joshua Tree's boulders may look like layers of sandstone, but they are actually a kind of granite.
Across the way from Hidden Valley is Barker Dam, another one-mile loop trail, built around 1900 to hold water for cattle and mining use.
Cattle ranching was short-lived in this area. When rainfall decreased in the early part of the century, grasses and springs dried up.
Today the dam is a reminder of the past. It forms a small rain-fed reservoir used by park wildlife.
Native Americans travelling through here in their search for food and water left behind evidence of their activities. Petroglyphs have been found carved into the canyon walls and boulders.
Keys View is the last of our stop today, although there was still very much more to see and explore. It was nice to end on that note.
From an elevation of 5,185 feet you can overlook a stunning expanse of valley, mountain and desert.
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