I’ve been daydreaming of Joshua Tree for quite some time now and I am so happy I finally got to experience the magic of the desert. We headed out around 8 am from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree which was just a short 2 hour drive. Joshua Tree National Park is located where the Mojave and Colorado deserts collide. The desert is full of zig zagged spiky Joshua Trees and many other variations of cacti and plants. The rare Joshua tree or Yucca brevifolia is part of the Agave family and can also be found in western Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. Joshua trees thrive on well-timed rainfalls and a crisp winter freeze, growing anywhere from one-half inch to three inches a year. Years ago Joshua trees were recognized by American Indians for their useful properties like using its tough leaves for making sandals and baskets. The colors of the trees against the desert sand was unbelievable!

By mid-afternoon we checked in to our amazing boutique retreat, Lazy Sky in Yucca Valley, just outside the National Park. Lazy Sky Retreat consists of 5 unique canvas tents, the ultimate glamping experience. On site they offered a shared bathroom, full kitchen area and picnic tables for dining. Each tent was structured differently and decorated beautifully with western flare. The space was so quiet and peaceful, surrounded by mountains, sunshine and hammocks of course.

Later that day we had our sound bath at the Integration which we scheduled about two months in advance. A sound bath is a multi-wave sound chamber where a sequence of quartz crystal singing bowls are played, each one corresponding with the energy centers or chakras in the body. The integration promotes balance, peace, heightened awareness and relaxation of the body and mind. I personally experienced total relaxation as I was in a deep meditative state. I felt like I was somewhere between awake and dreaming. My mind was still conscious and aware, but at peace. A couple times I felt sensations, once in my abdomen and once in my heart. I was able to achieve deep rest, allowing the vibrations to normalize imbalances in my body and mind. It is important to not expect to feel anything, but if you do, not to give to much focus to these feelings and just remain in the meditation. The integration was an amazing experience and I highly recommend it if you are in Joshua Tree.

The next day we explored the National Park which cost $30 per vehicle. We started early to hike Mt. Ryan while the weather was still cool. Mt. Ryan was a moderately strenuous hike, 3 miles round trip, with 5,457 ft of elevation making views from the top breathtaking. If you’re lucky you can spot a few big horn sheep! After our hike, we continued to drive throughout the park which was absolutely stunning, exploring large rock formations, including Skull Rock and strolled throughout the amazing Cholla Cactus Garden.

Joshua Tree was such a beautiful, quaint place to visit. Being away from the a big city and lights allowed ample time for reflecting and taking in the scenery. The colors of the sky, sand and trees will forever be ingrained in my memory.

Food suggestions: Crossroads cafe (vegan options), Joshua Tree Coffee Company, Natural Sisters (post hike smoothie, more vegan options), Crazy Coyote (on the way to/ from JT, cheap good Mexican food)

Anayat ❤