Itinerary advice

Question

Flying in from East Coast late Tues Nov 11. Plan to go to Indian Canyon in morning and tram in afternoon, then drive to Airbnb at Joshua tree. Thursday do hidden valley, Barker Dam, skull rock loop and Ryan mountain for sunset. Friday, 48 palms oasis, arch rock, jumbo rock with split Rock and key view for sunset. Sat see the farmers market then panorama Mt to avoid crowds. Will want to do a night sky or two. If we do Indian canyon should we skip 49 ossis and go to Cholla Cactus? Fly home Sunday morning. Welcome any thoughts. We are in our 60s and usually do 3-4 mile hikes but hiked several 5-7 miles hikes at Yosemite last year.

Answer

Your proposed itinerary for Joshua Tree National Park looks well-balanced, especially considering your usual hiking range and experience with longer hikes in Yosemite. Here’s some detailed feedback and suggestions to help optimize your trip:

Tuesday:

Arriving late from the East Coast, starting the next morning at Indian Canyon is a good choice. This area is scenic and not too strenuous, making it a comfortable start after travel.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tram in the afternoon is excellent for a relaxed activity and to take in cooler mountain views. Make sure to check tram operating hours for November and weather conditions.
Driving to your Airbnb in Joshua Tree afterward is practical; consider stopping for an early dinner along the way if needed.

Thursday:

Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and Skull Rock Loop are perfect for moderate hikes and iconic Joshua Tree scenery. These are mostly short to moderate hikes that won’t be too tiring.
Ryan Mountain for sunset is ambitious but doable. It’s a moderate 3-mile round trip hike with a steady climb. Starting in the late afternoon may make it slightly rushed, so plan to have enough daylight or carry a headlamp if necessary.

Friday:

48 Palms Oasis is a bit more strenuous with some elevation gain. Since you are used to 3-4 mile hikes, it should be manageable but may take a couple of hours round trip.
Arch Rock and Jumbo Rock are short walks or scrambles, great for photography and exploring rock formations.
Key View for sunset is ideal; it offers panoramic vistas and is very accessible, perfect for an easier end-of-day activity.

Saturday:

Visiting the Joshua Tree farmers market is a nice, relaxed start to the day.
Panorama Mountain hike to avoid crowds is a good choice; it gives a quieter experience. Ensure you have enough water and layers, as temperatures can fluctuate in November.
Consider scheduling at least one night sky observation on this day or Friday night. Popular spots include Hidden Valley or Jumbo Rock, both accessible for stargazing.

Regarding your question about Indian Canyon vs. 49 Palms Oasis vs. Cholla Cactus:

If you visit Indian Canyon in the morning on Tuesday, you might skip 49 Palms Oasis to avoid too much repetition. Indian Canyon and 49 Palms both have palms and water features, so one suffices.
Cholla Cactus Garden is unique and easy to access, so if you want a different landscape, it’s worth including. It can be combined with Jumbo Rock or Key View without much extra driving.

Overall, your itinerary balances moderate hiking, scenic drives, and iconic viewpoints. Make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and layers, as November temperatures can be cool in the morning and evening, and warmer during midday. Since you enjoy 3-4 mile hikes, you’ll find this plan quite manageable while still seeing most of the park highlights.

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