On our way back from Tucson after Thanksgiving, Julia, Trevor, and I made a quick stop in Joshua Tree for the evening. It wasn’t a long visit, but even a short stay in the desert has a way of resetting the mind and offering up some incredible sights.
We arrived in the late afternoon, just in time to catch the golden hour light washing over the otherworldly landscape. The iconic Joshua trees, with their twisted limbs, stood like sentinels against the open sky, while massive rock formations cast long shadows as the sun dipped lower. The crisp desert air was a refreshing change after hours on the road.
As soon as we checked into our place, we wasted no time heading into the park. We chose to explore Hidden Valley, an easy loop but one packed with dramatic scenery. The golden hues of the setting sun painted the boulders in warm tones, and the entire landscape seemed to glow. It was quiet, peaceful, and exactly what we needed.











