Joshua Tree National Park

Driving distance from Phoenix is 270 miles (4 1/2 hours – about the same as it takes to get to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon!).

Group campsite has Chemical toilets, tables & fireplaces; no water or showers. Tent camping only; no RVs. No pets.

Activities will include day hikes, boulder climbing, photography, wildflowers and stargazing (Comet Hale-Bopp is expected to be a spectacular sight in the evening sky).

Cost is $5 per car park entrance fee, plus about $4 per person camping fee. Group size is limited to 20 people and 5 cars, so sign up early (car pooling is strongly suggested).

• Best Time of Year to Hike: Spring
• Difficulty: Easy - Moderate

Mt. Whitney

11 miles one way, 6300 foot elevation gain to the 14,495 foot summit. Camp at 6 mile mark, 12,000 feet, both on the way up and down. Permits are extremely difficult to obtain. There are currently no extra overnight permits. However, I still have five 1-day permits (midnight to midnight) for Friday July 24. If you would like to hike in with us the first day and then back out that afternoon, or if you think you can do the whole 22 miles in one day, please contact Jeff Cook ASAP.

Moderate exposure. Extremely strenuous; moderate risk of altitude sickness, though the camp out at 12k should minimize the risk.

Visit John Perry's page to see a description of his hike. - OR - Take a Whitney photo hike. Hike to the top without the blisters!

• Best Time of Year to Hike: Summer
• Difficulty: Tough