Joshua Tree

ON THE ROAD: JOSHUA TREE.

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I've made the trek out to Joshua Tree a handful of times since the summer of 2014 and every trip has outshined the one preceding it. My most recent jaunt was last week for the 2nd Annual Desert & Denim Trade Show put on by Juniper Ridge. 

Located at the Mojave Sands Motel, Desert & Denim brought a plethora of colorful brands together to showcase their wares. As assortments of intriguing individuals from all walks of life toured the vendors booths, it produced an atmosphere unlike anything I've ever been a part of. The combination of music, art, clothing, and creative humans commingling together with the Mojave Desert as the background made for an eventful two days. 

Juniper Ridge has coined Desert & Denim as "The World's Premier Renegade Trade Show" and I couldn't agree more. It surpassed my expectations and it was the most fulfilling experience I've had at a trade show. I can't wait to head out again next year. 

For more about Desert & Denim visit: www.desertanddenim.com. 

ON THE ROAD: JOSHUA TREE.

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Prior to last summer, I had never visited Joshua Tree. After a fun weekend camping trip in the mid-summer heat I made it a priority to get back out there as soon as possible. Last month, I headed back with a few friends from college for another three-day stint. Having grown up in a coastal community I never understood the allure of the desert or why so many people flocked to such a barren landscape. 

From my two trips to Joshua Tree I've realized that the seemingly sparse landscape is actually the perfect place to go when things get stressful or overwhelming. In a time where people are consumed by technology and forced to be a part of "the grid", Joshua Tree offers a great deal of solitude. Being disconnected from the outside world is surprisingly satisfying and the perfect way to spend time re-evaluating priorities. 

Joshua Tree has an amazing variety of places to climb, hike, and explore all within close proximity to each other. Camping at Jumbo Rocks is a must, due to the site's surroundings, especially at sunset. I highly recommend visiting Keys View in order to gain a better perspective of where the park is situated within the desert.