Joshua Tree Camping - SBC
Join the CSUSB Adventure and enjoy a weekend of desert camping and star gazing! Named after the prickly Yucca, Joshua Tree National Park is home to some of the most fascinating geologic features and desert species in Southern California; the California tree frogs and a host of cacti reside exclusively in this exquisite national park. Joshua Tree NP combines two neighboring and yet distinct desert ecosystems of the Mojave and the Colorado, where the intense interactions of Earth’s crust and geothermal energy created the unique rock formations called the monzogranite, which comprise some of the park’s most iconic landscapes. Venture into the wild with the CSUSB Adventure on this unique opportunity to be one with nature.
Trip Cost
SRWC Member: $100
Faculty, Staff, Non-Enrolled CSUSB Student, and Alumni Association: $130
Affiliate: $145
Sponsored Guest: $160
Pre-Trip Meeting / Sign-Up Deadline
September 30, 2025 @ 6pm
Activity Level
2 – Active
Trip Departs From
CSUSB Adventure Center (Student Union South room 114)
Itinerary
Day 1: We will meet in Saturday morning at 8am at the Adventure Center, where we pack the van and begin the 2 hours (103 miles) drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Upon arrival, we shall check out the visitor center and enjoy a short hike before eating lunch and setting up camp. We will depart for Barker Dam, where we hike in the desert terrain and observe the geologic formations of the national park. The mini tour will be followed by a hike to Ryan Mountain and Keys view, which stretch 3 miles long and provide 360 degree viewpoints of the park; we will stick around and watch the sunset at Keys View before heading back to the camp, where we prepare the dinner and embark on a night exploration near the vicinity of the camp. The day’s adventure will conclude with some bonfire and s’mores.
Day 2: We will begin our Sunday morning by having a hearty breakfast at 8am. After we pack the camp, the group will depart for the Forty-nine Palms Oasis and take on the first hike of the day (3 miles, 300 ft elevation gain). The hike will be followed by a short visit to the Skull Rock, which features a 1.7 miles loop trail perfect for a casual stroll in the heart of Mojave/Colorado desert.
Packing List
Food
4 meals are included, starting with lunch on day 1 (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner)
1 meal is not included (1 dinner). Bring money.
Hygiene and Comfort
We will be carrying our all our food, clothing, water, and equipment in a pack weighing up to 10lbs. We will be staying on reserved campsites. The campsites are within proximity to vault toilets and there are NO showers. We will bring enough water from CSUSB. You will have the option to share a tent with one or two people or sleep out under the cover of the stars. Light weight tents, warm synthetic sleeping bags, foam pads and ground tarps will be provided to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. The ground consists of soft and hard soil.
Registration Opens 8/4/25 @ 8:00am