Joshua Tree Day Hikes
Located at the west side of the Indian Cove campground is a half-mile loop trail, the Indian Cove Nature trail. This trail provides for a self-guided learning experience via unobtrusive signs describing the flora, fauna, and native american people that once inhabited the cove. The trail is fairly flat, and suitable for children, though there is one section that is a steepish decline of about 20 feet. A wheel chair wouldn’t be suited for the trail, unless, perhaps, the occupant is an experienced X-Games competitor. The overall elevation change is about 70 feet and goes through a sandy wash for a portion.
Taking in the sites and the signs is a wonderful way to become more acquainted with the mojave desert. Animals you might spot on the trail, as well as learn about from the placards, include jackrabbits, cotton tails, packrats and tortoises. On very rare occasion, you may even spot a jackalope! Among the plants you are likely to come across include silver chollas, pencil chollas and creosote bushes. Many of these plants and animals were used by native americans for food and medicine. These too are described on the placards. For example, Native Americans used creosote bush for stomach aches, a general pain killer, a diuretic, sore joints and more.
Another nice feature of this hike is the proximity of boulder piles and a desert wash. The trail is a nice transition from open desert to the boulder piles making up the northern face of the Wonderland of Rocks, a world renowned climbing mecca. Let me tell you, some of these rock piles are huge – and quite bold indeed! With hundreds of climbing routes you might see some climbers clinging to the rock walls like oversized spiders. For the adventurous, it’s an excellent entry point to a good scramble.
Like all of Joshua Tree, use caution in hotter months and bring plenty of water. Even though this is a short flat hike, there isn’t much shade so you’ll likely want to bring a hat along too!
