While many people were venturing into the stores in search of after Christmas specials, I was heading out in the great outdoors for a hike with friends. What better way to work off those holiday calories than an 8 mile hike.
Our destination was Willow Hole.
Willow Hole Trail can be found around mile marker 1.25 as you make you way along the Boy Scout Trail within the Joshua Tree National Park. From there, its another 2.25 miles to Willow Hole which is just West of the Wonderland of Rocks. As we traveled along the trail, we had a wonderful view of the snow capped San Bernardino Mountains off to the West.
After a while, the trail got rather muddy (due to the recent rains here in California) and considering that this trail follows a sandy wash. And thanks to the recent rains, there was actually a waterfall coming off the rocks there in Willow Hole. I could hear it but could not make my way up the rocks safely with my camera gear to capture this rare sight in the desert.
Overall it was a pleasant day until the early afternoon when the winds decided to pick up. The temperatures were only in the upper 40’s but once that wind begins to whip through, it can get downright cold. But knowing this desert as I do, I was prepared for whatever Mother Nature wanted to throw at me.