Saturday, April 29, 2023

Joshua Tree National Park

Day 3: The (2nd) Highest Mountain

There was one goal for the 3rd day of our trip: hike Ryan Mountain before heading back to Las Vegas.

Having learned valuable lessons from the previous afternoon, we were atop Ryan Mountain by 7:30am. Although no oasis greeted us at the peak, we did see Satan… or just a rattlesnake. To end our trip at this 2nd highest peak in the park felt victorious. What a beautiful day!

On our drive back to Las Vegas, we passed acres and acres of Joshua Trees. A last symbol of this spiritual journey, the tree is rumored to be named by Mormon missionaries after the biblical figure, Joshua. Whether the upward branches of the tree were seen as his prayerful arms lifted towards heaven, or the sword-like leaves were reminiscent of the biblical war leader, Bono was not the first to find this land spiritually inspiring. Joshua Tree, with its mysterious ways, is a place of surprise and fascination. Come meander its dusty ground and just maybe you’ll find what you’re looking for.

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