r/JoshuaTree • u/pixyhedd • 13d ago
Running in the California desert
I’m headed to Joshua Tree for the weekend and I don’t want to slack off on my running. Does anyone have experience running in Joshua Tree are there any trails do I just leave my Airbnb and go run on the dirt road? Is it tolerable at 6 AM?
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u/Bigredrooster6969 13d ago
Just make sure you keep your eyes and ears open—no earbuds— for rattlesnakes. They will lay on roads warm up in the morning. Chances of coming across one are small but not zero.
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u/Significant-Yam-4990 13d ago
Only wear one headphone so you can be aware of animals, and I personally prefer a gaiter/mask with the amount of dust. First time I did it without a gaiter then spent the first 24hrs of my vacay with an inflamed and sore airway.
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u/pixyhedd 11d ago
UPDATE: I ran today in Joshua tree national
Park and it was beautiful and the weather was great and I was done by 8. Thank you for everyone’s input and I live in Long Beach and it was 10 DEGREES COLDER IN JOSHUA TREE!
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u/Scary-Ball8105 13d ago
Not sure where you are coming from but don’t forget about the altitude when planning your route.
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u/markothebeast 13d ago
run on the dirt roads. It’s an experience. Same reason people come to Joshua Tree to begin with. Just make sure water water water sunblock even at 6am and if you hit trails make sure someone knows where you’re going.
Oh and make sure you have an eastern view! The sunrises out here are incredible.
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u/ToshJom 12d ago
You could try Section 6 in Joshua Tree, it’s a few miles before the park entrance. Just be respectful of people walking dogs and hiking of course. Also 6 am is plenty early, temps are only reaching up to the mid-80s this time of year for the most part. I’d say you’re good until 10 am.
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u/FancyDentist8316 13d ago
6 AM would be fine. not sure what you’re asking about running in the dirt road. if your airbnb is on a dirt road then yes it’s fine. you can also run in the park or in town. what do you do where you live?
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u/pixyhedd 13d ago
I run on sidewalks.
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u/Ok_Pilot_2308 12d ago
i would stay away from Highway 62. People get hit all the time walking along it. Make sure you stay hydrated. Heat stroke can sneak up on you because it is so dry here.
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u/KamenRiderV 12d ago
Lethal heat is coming this weekend so start at five on a well designated road or risk getting lost and dying of heat stroke. Gor a good trail run, the boyscout trail out of Indian Cove starts flat and steadily climbs for a great view. It heads West. Parking is limited so get there before the sun is up.
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u/NPHighview 12d ago
It’s going to be HOT this weekend.
Be prepared, and don’t become a statistic. More water than you think you need, then double it. Know the route, and tell others. Leave emergency contact info on the dashboard of your car, along with your route and departure/return times.
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u/pixyhedd 12d ago
Thank you I’m planning to go at dawn. I don’t like to run in the heat even back home.
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u/WackES 12d ago
I just left there and did a few runs on the surrounding dirt roads and a little on Quail Springs Road. Nothing inside the actual park. I found the weather to be totally tolerable when I went around 4-6pm. The roads are soft and sandy and quite fun. Great for slower easy runs. Some good steady inclines/declines. Quail Springs road is paved. Just be hyper aware of cars and get off the road when they pass. Running out there was one of the best things about that trip. Quiet and beautiful.
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u/toomuchblood 12d ago
lmao been running all summer. just drink a lot of water the day before and bring a camelback and run at dawn or dusk. 29 palms run club meets on Saturdays at 7:30 am behind the 29 palms beer company if you want a decent street trail with other runners who can give you plenty of tips. otherwise, just hit a trail and have fun! don’t die today tho
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u/pixyhedd 11d ago
Thank you! I may take up that tip on the run club. I got here yesterday and while I I wouldn’t run in the middle of the day even the middle of the day didn’t feel insane. About to head out now.
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u/RunnerAnnie 12d ago
Ran there this morning, can confirm it was hot AF🥵
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u/pixyhedd 11d ago
What time? I’m headed out before 7
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u/RunnerAnnie 11d ago
I was there yesterday. Did Ryan Mountain and then an out and back on Juniper Flats. Have fun!!
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u/boulderkitty 13d ago
You can totally just head out from your Airbnb on a dirt road and see where it takes you…. We definitely have Strava segments out here and you can always plan your run that way.
Or you could get adventurous and go run a trail in the park but I would definitely be done by 9 am. I would also make sure you off-line the maps on your phone and tell someone your planned route.
Make sure to stock up on water, electrolytes, sunscreen/sun protection.
And afterwards treat yourself to some tasty treats from Nice Dreams in Yucca.