California, USA
Lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored, and breathable clothing is appropriate. Long sleeves and pants offer sun protection.
These seasons feature comfortable daytime temperatures but can have cool mornings and evenings. Layers help adapt to daily changes.
Sturdy Hiking boots with ankle support are for rocky, uneven, and sandy trails.
Trail running shoes are for shorter, less technical hikes, but offer less protection.
Comfortable sandals or athletic shoes are for use around camp or visitor centers.
Keeping your documents organized and secure is important for any trip to Joshua Tree National Park.
The U.S. uses Type A and Type B plugs (120 V at 60 Hz). International travelers may need a Plug adapter and/or a Voltage converter.
A DSLR or Mirrorless camera with wide-angle and telephoto lenses is suitable. A Tripod helps with astrophotography.
NPS App, AllTrails / Gaia GPS for offline maps. Google Maps for general navigation.
SkyView Lite / Star Walk for identifying celestial objects.
Cloud storage or an External hard drive for photos and documents.
Prepare a comprehensive First aid kit for the desert environment. Adventure Medical Kits offer supplies.
The high desert sun is intense. Protection from the sun and insects is important. LifeStraw is for water filtration.
A Daypack for water, snacks, layers, and first-aid is appropriate. Hiking poles provide stability.
Climbing shoes, harness, belay device, quickdraws, rope, and a Helmet are useful. Beginners should rent gear and hire a certified guide.
A tent suitable for your group and weather. A Sleeping bag rated for cold desert nights (e.g., 15-20°F).
A Neck pillow and Eye mask can make long drives more comfortable. An RFID-blocking wallet helps secure credit cards.
Bring plenty of water (consider 5-gallon water jugs). Pack high-energy, non-perishable snacks for hikes. Amazon has a wide selection of supplies.
For camping, select a sleeping bag with a lower temperature rating than you expect. Desert nights can get surprisingly cold.
