Desert Explorer 101 for Youth & Families

Desert Explorer 101 for Youth & Families

Join us on Skull Rock Discovery trail for a fun and educational journey through time!

By Desert Institute

Date and time

Sunday, April 28 · 9 - 11am PDT

Location

Discovery Trail

Park Boulevard Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

About this event

Join us on Skull Rock Discovery trail for a fun and educational journey through time. We will learn about the igneous rock formations, desert plants and wildlife, and adaptations that help living things survive in this environment. The one mile hike will be mostly flat and easy for most hikers. There will be many places to stop and explore. We will play a couple of games and tell stories about the park. Content and activities will be accessible to elementary, middle, and high school students. All youth participants must be accompanied by an adult. 

Activity level: EASY

All levels are welcome. Please contact us if you have questions about your ability to participate desertintitute@joshuatree.org


Program Agenda:

9:00 - 9:20 AM - Meet at the trailhead for an icebreaker and safety talk.

9:20-11:00 AM - Short guided hike with plenty of stops for learning


Please note: There is no cell service in the park! Please allow ample time to arrive at the meeting location; park entrances may be very busy on weekends (see FAQs). Please make sure you check weather conditions and dress accordingly.

Get to know your instructor:

Dr. Justin Lenzi is the Director of Education at Joshua Tree National Park Association. He has been teaching in elementary and middle school for 15 years and has a passion for science education. In collaboration with Desert Institute Manager Benazir Erdahl, they are excited to facilitate a fun, practical, and memorable class.

What's included?

  • First aid and emergency supplies for the group


What's Not included?

  • Admission to Joshua Tree National Park
  • Meals, Snacks, Lodging, or Transportation


What to Bring:

The essentials for all field courses:

  • Water, between 3 and 4 liters per person for a full day outing
  • Food and snacks, easily packed and eaten in the field (please leave no trace)
  • Close-toed athletic shoes or hiking boots; no sandals, not even hiking sandals!
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen; light-colored long-sleeved shirts are recommended and very effective on hot days
  • Warm layers for cooler mornings/evenings (it can be surprisingly cold!)
  • Backpack to carry food, water, and any personal items you need for the day


A detailed packing list and additional details about this activity can be found on our website. Upon registration, you will receive a digital park pass and paperwork to complete before the event start date. If you have questions, give us a call at 760-819-4714 or email us at desertinstitute@joshuatree.org


Photo credit: NPS/Hannah Schwalbe

Frequently asked questions

ARE THERE ANY THINGS I NEED TO DO TO PREPARE?

Waiver: All participants must complete the participation waiver at least 24 hours before a class begins. Failure to do so may forfeit your right to participate.

DO I HAVE TO PAY TO GET INTO THE NATIONAL PARK?

For classes inside Joshua Tree National Park, participants are now required to purchase a park pass. A day pass is $30 per vehicle, $55 for a year pass, $25 for a motorcycle pass, and $15 for a bicycle/pedestrian pass.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL? WILL I GET A REFUND?

Desert Institute will provide a full refund if we are notified 14 days in advance. If we are notified less than 14 days in advance, we are unable to process refunds for any reason. (But we would like you to notify us if you are unable to attend.)

DOES DESERT INSTITUTE CANCEL EVENTS FOR WEATHER?

Desert Institute runs classes rain or shine. If we do not meet our minimum of 4 registered participants for any given activity, we will cancel the activity with 48+ hours notice. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance to protect expenses we cannot reimburse, such as airfare and hotel.

CAN I BRING MY KIDS? MY PARTNER? PETS?

Only registered participants may attend Desert Institute activities unless noted in the activity description. If this is a kid-friendly activity, please make sure your child(ren) meets the age requirements. As much as we love our pets, we don’t allow them in the field with any of our activities.

Organized by

Desert Institute

Exploring Nature through Education

The Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park is an adult education program offering an in-depth exploration of the park’s natural wonders. Learn from highly qualified instructors who are passionate about sharing their expertise, and committed to providing a personal and fun learning experience. The Desert Institute is sponsored by the Joshua Tree National Park Association, and operates with the full endorsement of the National Park Service. Join us this season for an educational adventure.

 

Cancelled