Adventures
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Lost Horse Mine Loop
This 6.9 miles loop was definitely among our favourites. When we stopped at the Joshua Tree info centre on the first day the ranger told us that it was a quite popular trek, but unfortunately there were only around ten spots in the parking lot at the trailhead. To beat the crowd it’s best to be there around 8.30 maximum. Depending of where you are coming from it can be quite an early wake up, that’s the down side, the good part though is that the trail is always peaceful and quite because of the limited number of parking spots.
The mine was once owned by Pioneer Johnny Lang who had lost his horse to a gang of thieves, hence the name.
Follow the directions for Keys View and you will find on the left the sign for “Lost horse mine loop”. Drive down the unpaved road for a couple of miles and at the end you’ll find the parking lot. The trail is well indicated all throughout and we definitely suggest you do it clockwise.
The first part hikes the side of a mountain and after a little more than a mile you’ll reach the old mine. The vegetation here is not too exciting, we even thought there must have been a fire recently, since most of the trees were burnt. The old mine it’s the perfect spot for a snack, but we personally didn’t love it, it is surrounded by old and rusty aluminum sheets and it has a quite desolated look overall.
Most of the people once they reach the mine they will head back and don’t continue the loop. If you do, like we did, you’ll actually see the best part of it.
Past the mine you’ll reach the top of one of the Lost Horse Mountains, and get an amazing view of the valley. You’ll then hike down a steep ridge and then up again the side of another mountain. Here the vegetation is more lively and the Joshua Trees constellate the trail. Going constantly up and down makes the hike very exciting. Once you reach the top of the second mountain you are done, it’s all downhill until it actually reaches a flat area.
This last part can be a bit boring, but you still have amazing views in front of you and are surrounded by Joshua Tree. If lucky you can find some shade under one of the big ones and enjoy a snack and a peaceful break.
During these last few miles F. announced “No wonder the Pioneer lost his horse here!”
Here is a map of the trail.
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Joshua Tree National Park
Boulders and buttresses, rugged mountains, gold mining ruins, desert plains dotted with the oddball trees—this is one weird place. Joshua Tree National Park lies at an ecological crossroads, where the high Mojave Desert meets the low Colorado Desert.
The Colorado, the western reach of the vast Sonoran Desert, thrives below 3000 feet on the park’s gently declining eastern flank, where temperatures are usually higher. Considered “low desert” compared to the loftier, wetter and more vegetated Mojave “high desert”, the Colorado seems sparse and forbidding. It begins at the park’s midsection, sweeping east across empy basins stubbled with creosote bushes. Occasionally decorated by “gardens” of flowering ocotillo and cholla cactus, it runs across arid Pinto Basin into a parched wilderness of broken rock in the Eagle and Coxcomb Mountains.
Above 3,000 feet, the Mojave section claims the park’s western half, where giant branching yuccas thrive on sandy plains studded by massive granite monoliths and rock piles. These are among the most intriguing and photogenic geological phenomena found in California’s many desert regions.
The result of this encounter of two different ecosystems is amazing desert flora, including those wacky namesake trees (actually a type of yucca). The Joshua Tree was revered by American Indian tribes because its leaves provided durable materials for baskets and footwear, while the buds and seeds made a healthy addition to their food supply.Joshua Tree’s beauty shines around the clock, with vibrant sunsets melting into nights filled with uncountable stars.
Crafted over millions of years by torrential rain, battering wind, and extreme temperatures, Joshua Tree National Park stretches over nearly 800,000 acres of rugged terrain. These landscapes, which can seem deceptively barren, are home to several ecosystems. Despite the harsh conditions, Joshua Tree teems with plant and animal life that has adapted and thrived in the area’s fierce climate. Joshua Tree National Park is home to large herds of desert bighorn sheep, black tailed jack rabbits, coyotes and kangaroo rats as well as a number of smaller mammals. Since it lies along the Pacific migratory bird flyway, many large groups of migrating birds can be spotted overhead or stopping to rest in the park during the winter months.
The park’s premier attractions, forests of giant branching yuccas known as Joshua trees, massive rock formations, fan palm oases, and seasonal gardens of cholla and ocotillo, can be enjoyed on a leisurely half-day auto tour that includes both “high” and “low” desert zones— although most of your time will be spent in your car. Scenic paved roads lead to viewpoints, all campgrounds, and trailheads. Roadside interpretive exhibits have pull-outs and parking areas, and offer insights into the region’s complex desert ecology, wildlife, and human history.
Start out by climbing up to Keys View, where you can get a great panoramic vista of Mount San Jacinto and Mount Gorgonio, with the Salton Sea stretching out in the distance. Then pay a visit to Keys Ranch, where you can take a guided walking tour to get a glimpse into what it was like to be an early 20th-century pioneer on this unforgiving terrain. Close by but standing in contrast is 49 Palm Oasis, where fan palms tower over a crystal-clear spring, and also nearby is Lost Horse Mine, one of the few mines in the area that proved to be a good investment. Today you can see what remains of the once booming operation with an easy 4-mile round-trip hike.
If you’re looking to do some rock climbing, Joshua Tree has more than 8,000 established climbing routes, from easy beginner scrambles to extreme vertical cracks, and camping options are plentiful with nine campgrounds. Or, head out on foot or horseback to set up camp nearly anywhere; there are only a few restrictions. Take a break from roughing it to check out Pioneertown, a, 1880s-style false-front Old West “town” where more than 50 films and television shows were made in the ‘40s and ‘50s; today, you can still see mock gunfights and see top-notch live music at Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. Read on to learn more about these and more things to do at Joshua Tree National Park below.
If visiting the park by car, keep in mind that there are north (at Twentynine Palms) and south (at the intersection of Box Canyon Road and Interstate 10) entrances in addition to the most commonly used west entrance. There is also an all-inclusive (i.e. no entrance fee) shuttle bus service that makes multiple stops within the park. Avoid the biggest crowds by visiting midweek.
For a review and description of the various available hikes, click on the corresponding links on the hiking trailheads map.
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Warren Peak and Panorama Loop
During those busy spring days when the Joshua Tree National Park is swirling with tourists, backpackers and rock climbers, you may want to consider spending the day in the Black Rock Camp area. To reach it from L.A. while driving on Highway 62, do not go as far as the main Tourist Center and Park entrance; instead turn right when in Yucca Valley and follow the sighs for the Camp. You will not need to purchase a Park pass to go there.
Park your car in front of the Black Rock Visitor Center and spend some time exploring it. It is the only place in the whole Park where you can buy some memorabilia (fridge magnets, backpack patches, etc) and postcard to send home, it has a water fountain to fill your bottles, and very helpful rangers that will give you all the information you may need to explore the area.
The map that the rangers provide is unfortunately not super detailed but their explanations are clear and the trails are very well indicated. If you feel full of energy and want to fill the day with a good 15-20 km hike, we suggest going for Warren Peak and Panorama Loop trail as we did. The West Side Loop trail and the Short Loop are easier hikes.
Warren Peak
From the Black Rock Camp follow the site camp number till you reach number 30: from there make a left pointing towards a big water tank and you will see the trail departing on your left. The first km is an easy walk, all flat and surrounded by cacti and Joshua trees. On your right you will see the trail head for the easiest West Side Loop: continue straight and the main trail for Warren Peak and Panorama Loop will open on your right after 500 m. The main trail is large and mainly flat, graveled, it traverse the Black Rock canyon and will get you used to the typical Park vegetation. It may be a bit monotonous (especially on the way beck…) but it is certainly worth what is expecting you after 5 km. Here the trail forks and on your left departs the Panorama Loop: our advise is, keep this one for later. You may want to continue on the right trail towards Warren Peak and Warren View.
The trails starts a gentle climb in between higher rocks, the vegetation becomes thicker, with bigger trees and bushes. After 5 km of this beautiful but gentle hike, assess your strengths and make a wise decision: you will find on your left the trail head for Warren View, a gentler ascension that will take you to 1500 m of heights but not to the top of the Peak. If you feel courageous and full of energy, continue to your right and start the strenuous 4.5 km climb towards the top.
The vegetation changes as you get higher, less trees and less shadow, so make the most of the sparse resting spots that you may find. Drink plenty of water and electrolytes and continue the climb at your pace.
It took us more or less 30 minutes to make it to the 1600 m top of the Peak, where only rocks welcome you to a breathtaking view that spans 360 degrees to all the Park.
Sit on top of the mountain and enjoy this well deserved panorama. To the far south the snowed peaks of the San Bernardino mountains make a nice frame to the valleys of Joshua trees and cacti.
Rest for some time, eat a granola bar or a banana and breath the fresh air. Take a lot of pictures and get ready for a steep descent. The trail is, of course, the same but much faster going down. Be very mindful of the unstable small rock under your feet and give way to people climbing up.
Once you passed the fork for the Warren View, this time on your right, you may want to pay attention to the trail for the Panorama Loop.
Panorama Loop
Still feeling energetic after the climb of the Peak? Invigorated and exhilarated by the heights? Then the Panorama Loop trail is exactly what you need to go back to base camp exhausted but happy.
Coming down from the Warren Peak, and after the right-hand trail for Warren View, you want to find the trail that departs on your right for Panorama Loop. If your sight is more acute than ours, you will be able to find the smaller trail that will allow you to make the Loop counter clock-wise; if you miss it, like we did, no big deal: continue for 3 more km and you will find the trail sharply forking to the right and see the sign for Panorama Loop.
Take this trail and you will be making the Loop clock-wise. Don’t be fooled by the easier ground at the beginning of the trail, with the plush vegetation and trees all around: the road will soon start a gradual but strenuous climb, the trees will change to small bushes and the to sparse sprouts of grass as you ascend for 1.5 km towards the top at 1600 m. Once you reach it, the trails lies on the ridge of the mountain and you will walk for 1 km with a view that spans to the underneath valleys both on your left and right.
Once the trail start descending to the side of the mountain, you will find yourself back into the plush vegetation of the lower heights. And soon you will close this 6 km Loop and find the way back to the main trail. Take a right and continue back the way you came from the Black Rock Camp, cutting the canyon and retracing your steps. As we said before, the final part an be a bit monotonous and boring, but water, food and a tent are waiting for you at the end of it!
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COTOPAXI BACKPACK REVIEW: MEET THE ALLPA 35L TRAVEL PACK
It’s official: My first Cotopaxi backpack has replaced my decade-old carry-on suitcase. You know, the kind of luggage that rolls not-so-gracefully over bumpy surfaces, won’t properly stand up because one of the feet is broken off, and is annoying to pack because of that metal bar in the bottom.
As wonderful as it felt to say goodbye to that old thing and embrace the functionality of a backpack-meets-suitcase “travel pack,” I needed something that I could use for longer trips–a durable backpack that would be versatile enough for international flights, road trips, and camping adventures.
Enter the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack. This is the stuff Type A dreams are made of, my friends.
I was pretty stoked when I learnt about Cotopaxi and I’ve quickly become obsessed with these Cotopaxi bags. The Allpa backpack was launched through an Indiegogo campaign, and Cotopaxi managed to smash their goal of $50K–raising over $1.3 million to kick off production. Crazy!
I’m excited to finally have my hands on one, and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you after having road tested it. In this Cotopaxi Allpa 35L review, I’m sharing a breakdown of the features, a sneak peek inside with my unboxing, what I like, and what I might change.
About Cotopaxi Gear
Cotopaxi goes beyond making great travel and adventure gear with their Gear for Good philosophy. In addition to funding sustainable poverty alleviation with a portion of their profits, they also ensure fairness, sustainability, and quality in every step of the manufacturing process.
The travel philosophy we embrace here in the GolbETrotters community aligns well with Cotopaxi’s core values:
- To get outside and see the world
- To inspire people to give back to others
This video gives a good background about how they got started and what they’re all about (and it makes me think we should all head to a cabin in the mountains every once in awhile).
Allpa 35L Travel Pack Features
Here’s a quick rundown of the Allpa 35L features:
- Weight-distributing, low-profile harness system
- Carry-on-compatible 35L capacity
- TPU-coated 1000D polyester
- 1680D ballistic nylon paneling
- Suitcase-style, full-wrap zipper opening on the main compartment
- Large zippered mesh compartment on the right side
- Subdivided zippered mesh compartment on the left side (makes my Type A heart swoon)
- Padded laptop and tablet sleeve
- Shortcut zipper to main compartment
- Top zippered pocket
- Security YKK zippers
- Carabiner lash loops
- Tuck-away straps
- 4 reinforced grab handles
- Included rain cover
There are also optional accessories you can purchase as a bundle:
- Collapsible mesh laundry bags
- Nylon shoe bag
- Mesh water bottle sleeve
- Batac Del Día Backpack
What I Love About the Allpa 35L
Okay…so let’s get to the good stuff already. What do I think of Cotopaxi’s Allpa pack? I have flown with it and I’ve taken it on a road trip and so far, I’m enjoying it.
The suitcase/backpack convertible design has me hooked! Here are the features I love:
Solid, sturdy design: The material is really durable and I know it’s ready for adventures. And…it’s not cat-hair-attracting–for the win! The zippers are hefty, too. Of course, time will be the test in terms of quality, but the build and quality feel rugged. Plus, Cotopaxi guarantees their products for 61 years (the average lifespan of a person living in the developing world), and they offer a replacement, repair, or exchange if anything goes wrong with the product.
Spacious: the main suitcase side is really roomy and deep, as is the front pocket (it’s DEEP). And it’s got compression straps to help you fit even more inside.
Theft-prevention zippers: I don’t know if that’s the official term for this zipper design, but that’s what I’m calling them. The laptop sleeve, main compartment, and back access have a loop that the zipper has to pass through, which helps prevent easy access.
Organized and convertible design: I love the organization factor with various zippered compartments. There’s a zippered access from the back of the pack that lets you get into one side of the main compartment without having to open the entire pack. This could come in handy as long as you packed intentionally… The convertible design that lets you carry it like a backpack OR a suitcase (with backpack straps that tuck away), and the fact that it’s not top-loading like a traditional backpack, make it really flexible and convenient.
Extras: I love the accessories that you can get with it, especially the size of the Batac Del Día daypack. It’s such a perfect size for day trips and short adventures–I’ve even been using it to take to the gym while I’m home. The water bottle sleeve is really nice as well, and it comfortably fits my 32-ounce bottle. I’ve also found the shoe bag and mesh laundry bag to be handy (because I’m always searching around for plastic bags for this stuff, but trying to stop using them as much as possible).
Padded laptop and tablet sleeve: Always helpful when you need to minimize the number of bags you’re taking on a trip.
What I Might Change About the Allpa 35L
There’s not much I would change, but here are a couple things to think about:
Rain cover: Technically, this is mostly a “pro,” given that having a rain cover while traveling is so helpful, and the Allpa comes with one automatically. However, I’m curious about whether Cotopaxi considered making this built in, as that is something I could see making it even more convenient. The major benefit of having it built in is that you can’t lose it or forget it. It also wouldn’t take up space in one of the compartments.
And, you don’t have to remember how to fold it. On the other hand, not having it built into the bag itself could be convenient if you’re trying to save every last bit of space and weight possible and don’t need to take it with you.
Waist strap is bulky to tuck away: I found that the straps (mainly the waist straps) don’t tuck away as easily as they should.
As a little bonus tip/”don’t do what I did”: I had a bit of trouble when packing because I packed the big compartment full of clothes, tightened up the compression straps, added a couple other things…then tried to put my laptop in the sleeve, and it wouldn’t zip. I think it’s not so much of a design “con,” but just make sure to watch how you’re packing if you use the compression straps in the main compartment.
Recommended For
Depending on weather, clothing size, and packing style, the Allpa 35L can be easily used for weekend trips or longer, and is spacious enough for a week or more if you’re a light packer in warm weather. Overall, I highly recommend the Allpa 35L Travel Pack for anyone looking for a spacious travel backpack with an organized design that fits carry-on restrictions. Check out the latest prices and more details here.
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
Del Día Dopp Kit // I just picked one of these up recently, and I love how nicely it keeps all my toiletries snugly organized. It fits perfectly in the front pocket of the Allpa 35L.
Agua Bottle // A reusable water bottle is SO handy for traveling and an easy way to cut down on plastic.
There are several options for add-on accessories with the Allpa 35L that include: mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and water bottle holder that clips onto the outside of the pack. Plus one of the day backpacks below. While I haven’t used the water bottle holder much so far, I love the laundry bag and shoe bag!
Batac 16L Backpack or Luzon 18L Daypack // These are great to roll up and pack in your suitcase so you have a smaller pack for day trips or hikes on a weekend camping trip. I have both and find the Batac 16L to be a great size for my needs.
(Want something even smaller than a daypack? Grab the Bataan Del Día fanny pack!)
