March 10, 2021 Mastodon Peak Trail

Cottonwood Springs Campground Joshua Tree National Park Indio, California

I was surprised that I felt strong and ready to walk after yesterday’s big hike.  The Indian Waters Campground really was lovely.  The landscaping and the amenities are very nice.  Too bad that we really didn’t get to enjoy the pool, the pickle ball courts, Taco Tuesdays, and the community fire rings.  Maybe another time. This morning, the air smelled like freshly mown grass and orange blossoms…two of my very favorite fragrances!

We traveled for a short distance on 10 to Joshua Tree National Park.  From Indio at -20 sea level to the park at 3,079 feet we noticed a big difference, particularly in the temperature!  But Joshua trees only grow above 3,000 feet.  They actually are not trees at all but a kind of yucca plant.  They can grow 40 feet tall at the rate of 1 inch per year.  The tallest trees are hundreds of years old.  We were able to get a campsite in the National Park but only for tonight. 

We parked the RV and found a three-mile moderate hike, the Mastodon Mine Trail.

The rock formations here, huge globular boulders piled on one another, look like they have been haphazardly dumped from trucks. 

Our hike took us up to Mastodon Peak.  As we climbed in elevation, I noticed a slight shortness of breath due to the altitude.  Near the top, there was an optional rock scramble to navigate.  I stayed below to take Tim’s picture.

Tim’s view from the top and if you look carefully, you can see me far below!

We passed an old abandoned gold mine. 

We climbed down to the wash and out to the Jeep.

We took a very short ride on the Pinkham Canyon Road.

We are guessing that the larger lighter mountains in the distance are the Sierra Nevada Mountains about 180 miles away and with the tallest peak standing at about 14,000 feet. 

Another great hike, another great day!