Fitpacking

Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California features a desert landscape who's signature plant is the rare and beautiful Joshua Tree. The park boasts unique geological formations such as granite monoliths and rugged canyons, plus a variety of wildlife including bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, and coyotes. March is a great time to escape from your frigid climate, explore the Mojave desert, and lose weight (or more accurately, improve body composition).

This trip will run from March 10-18, 2012. Here is the proposed itinerary.

Our route will begin near Quail Springs on the Boy Scout Trail. We'll head over to Big Pine, cross the Park Road (where we'll pick up cached water) and get on the Panorama Trail. From there, we'll hike on the California Riding & Hiking Trail to the frontcountry Blackrock Campground. We'll pick up more water, summit Eureka Peak and then head down Smith Water Canyon a true highlight of the trip, eventually ending our hike at Quail Springs Picnic area.

Much of the trail will be rugged, exposed to the sun, and poorly marked, requring off trail navigation with a map, compass, and GPS. Expect this to be a true adventure!

Important! Water is scarce in this region and we must cache it ahead of time. Be prepared to carry as much as 2 gallons (16 pounds) of water in your pack. Even if we find surface water, the park prohibits us from using it, as it is to be left for the animals and plants.

Steve Silberberg, lives in Hull, MA and has many years of backpacking experience over a variety of terrains and guides most Fitpacking trips. He is a SOLO certified Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and Certified Food Handler.

Jesse Hardie is a Wilderness First Responder originally from Alpharetta, GA and has led Fitpacking trips to the Florida National Scenic Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, Redwood National Park, Crater Lake National Park and Yosemite National Park.

Here is a list of equipment we suggest you bring. The list is extensive and can seem daunting, but please don't let this deter you from the trip. You can rent top notch quality gear for reasonable prices from Lower Gear. It may also be possible for us to provide some gear for you at a nominal fee if you let us know far ahead of the trip. Unfortunately, we're not in the gear business so the selection of our available inventory is unpredictable. Please feel free to discuss any gear with us before the trip.

We don't believe in austere eating regimens. Backpacking is a rigorous, rewarding activity. You must feed your body in order for it perform. Your body will dictate that you eat often. It's important to have fuel to feed it. See what we have planned to eat. Note that this is not necessarily a comprehensive list. If you want to bring a 5 pound chocolate cake, go for it. After carrying it 50 miles through the desert, your body will reject the empty calories and prefer nutritious food.

Weather is always an important concern when backpacking. Expect a warm respite from your end-of-winter blues. Historical March weather averages 60s and 70s during the day, which is perfect for backpacking, although we might also experience blazing heat during the day. or frost at night. Expect 30s and 40s at night although on the 2009 trip, it did get down to the low 20s so be prepared.

$1250 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Palm Springs, CA (PSP) as well as personal equipment, and any restaurant meals.

Covered expenses include 2 nights in a hotel, 7 days of trail meals, ground transportation, permits, fees and awesome guides.