Yucca Valley CA to Parker AZ

Once again we drove through very arid, uninhabited desert — nearly 170 miles of not much. Just north of Joshua Tree NP are the towns of Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. After that is a lot of emptiness. We could see the road stretching for miles ahead with an occasional turn as it went around a mountain or hill.

The road is paralleled by a railroad and canal for much of the way. Very few people until we got to Parker AZ. Then along the river are lots of RV campgrounds for winter visitors.

We ended up just north of Parker in Buckskin Mountain State Park in a nice spot about 50 feet from the river. The rock formations on the CA side of the river are beautiful and the shore is occupied by lots of birds. There is also a hike up into the hills above the campground. Unfortunately it is raining. Fortunately we have good AT&T data and park WiFi so we can keep busy until it stops.

Fortunately, around 3:30 the rain stopped, the sun came out, and we hiked the Buckskin Trail. Great 2 mile walk. Most of the hike is a loop on the east side of route 95. A bit rugged and steep at times, but what gorgeous views. Because we started so late, we couldn’t take the spur that goes to interruption point and the old mines. Next year.

Upon returning to the van we sat on the side of the Colorado watching the coots and sea gulls and staring at the cliffs on the California side. So peaceful.

-- Janet (text) and David (photos)