Three Nights in Joshua Tree - Day 3

Day three started much better than day two after a very peaceful night and a new appreciation of redneck camping (I hate to admit just how enjoyable it was to sleep in the 4Runner). Bucci and I set out in the morning to hike up Ryan Mountain. The signpost at the trailhead announces the Ryan mountain trail as a "reaffirmation of life". I'm not sure it was quite that amazing but it is a good hike. Ascending over 1,500 feet in 1.8 miles the hike is steep, and being in the desert very dry. There is a nice spot three quarters of the way up which must catch a little rain as the bushes provide a refreshingly green resting spot. The top of Ryan Mountain (5,457 ft) affords a very good view of the mountains and basins that make up Joshua Tree. It was warm enough again to be hiking in shorts so a very enjoyable hike to start the day.

After a quick run into town to pick up more firewood we headed off to Geology Tour road. We dutifully read the sign at the start of the road warning that it is a non maintained road requiring four wheel drive. Somehow we missed picking up the booklet explaining the geology features so mostly we just enjoyed the view. What a view it is! The road winds down into the Pleasant Valley. A very flat valley floor, the mountains rising up around us. The sun was warm on our backs as we made many stops to take loads of pictures and videos of the beauty around us. As the sun sank below the mountains we headed back toward the Belle campground. Where on this night it wasn't windy or terribly cold. But we slept in the truck again anyway!