Sunday, 08 March 2009 12:03
Seriously, if you've never been... its time. Its one of those places that is only about 2hrs away and really worth seeing. Unique doesn't describe it, its surreal. Convinced yet? Check out some of my pictures,2. They do very little justice to the real thing, but they'll give you an idea of how sweet this place really is.
Ok, now that you're intrigued, I'll get into some details for all the noobs.
You'll need very little in the way of gear. A sleeping bag, some warmer clothes and a tent (I'm guessing there are extras around that can be borrowed from friends). High end versions of these essentials are not needed, its "car" camping after all. You're only limited by what you can fit in the car, not what you carry. Everything can be supplemented with extra blankets. But it doesn't get all that cold really. I've got a temperature chart that shows averages lows and highs based on time of year. Lows obviously reflect temps at like 3am, so the evenings are very pleasant next to the fire. Prime season in the desert is spring and fall, but even winter is still great (see chart). In the desert, its the heat that's the problem. 100+ degrees is not fun. Other gear is extra for the most part, beach chairs, speakers, food/drinks, headlamp/flashlight, etc, etc. Here's a link to one of my gear lists.
Food could get complex, but it sure doesn't have to be. There's an quaint little cafe in town (15minutes) that has ridiculously good food and an amazing selection of beers (yes, they have 22's of Rogue Hazelnut brown ale)
If you're interested in trying, the rock climbing is EPIC. Its something of a mecca, for climbers all over the US (or world for that matter). I'll very likely be setting up top rope anchors (climbing jargon) so that newbies can VERY safely try out the sport. Guiding like I offer for free would run you a couple hundred a day, take advantage if you're the least bit intrigued. Other than maybe renting a pair of climbing shoes in town you don't need any gear. There is everything from very easy to advanced climbs, so experience is not necessary.
Even if you're not into climbing, there's plenty of amazing hikes, photography, drinking and relaxing to be had for all. You could spend hours just checking out the stars, there's something about clear desert air.
Typically I tend to camp at the Hidden Valley Campground... because its the best. However depending on the season, it gets full, and unless you get there on a Thursday you aren't getting a spot for the weekend. There are no reservations for this particular campsite, its first come first serve. Fortunately there are eight other campsites at the park as backup, I've never had a problem, but weekends can fill up so its still possible that you might not get a spot. Here's a link to a map showing the park. The Hidden Valley campground is across the main road from the hidden valley area labeled on the map. Its where there is a triangular shaped campsite symbol (confusing I know). There's a ranger on duty at the West Entrance where you'd enter the park, and he can answer an questions an supply info/map.
View Larger Map of driving directions (SD to Jtree west entrance)