Backpacking the California Riding and Hiking Trail in Joshua Tree National Park

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Nice job Rev really enjoyed hiking with you on this one. Good luck on the Pinhoti!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks my friend. I thoroughly enjoyed hiking with you and the others.

[@douglasconrad8969]

Ah! I wondered what was next... the pinhoti! Yea!

[@michaelb1761]

Watching your PCT videos now and thoroughly enjoying it. They have revived my plans to hike the PCT when I retire at 63. I just started bacpacking in 2014 and hiked the JMT ( my longest hike so far) in 2015 in 14 days. You are inspiring me to continue pushing myself with the goal of being in good enough condition in 2033 to take on my biggest challenge, the PCT.

[@chili1593]

The Rev is incredibly inspiring to those of us old enough to have grown up in the 50s!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Michael. I’m glad that I could be somewhat of an inspiration.

[@jerrystanley1026]

Enjoy all your videos. I'm a 61 year old and I want to keep going like you! Thanks...

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Jerry.

[@johnhawkins473]

That's the best part of the hike....the burgers afterwards! Thanks Rev for another great and inspiring video.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome John. Ain’t that the truth.

[@ParallelCamper]

I love Joshua Tree and first visited some 50 years ago with numerous return trips. Thanks for this video!

[@TheHikingRev]

I bet it has changed somewhat in the last 50 years.

[@coalfieldbeelovergerald3687]

Appreciate the share of the unique Joshua Trees n some nice rock formations.. I’m armchair hiking with ya brother. ( Actually just got my Sweetheart up n moving so saw the posting came up so layed on Vera’s bunk n travelled along with you n the gang. Thankz again. Hoping my double carpal tunnel surgery wrist surgery give me agility to lift Vera soon without my daughters help. Thank God for our kids ! Papa J

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Papa J. I’m honored that you’re able to come along with me! All my best to you, your daughter and your precious Sweetheart.

[@portia0217]

I love Joshua tree and used to live near there in Morongo Valley and did my shopping in Yucca. I still have friends there and in Pioneertown. If you can go, grab some grub at Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown. P &H were my good friends. Pappy died, Harriet sold the restaurant but Harriet is still up there. Pappy used to take visitors out on those trails for a few days and would make an oven out of boulders and bake bread for them. I love your video and smiled when I saw the little horny toad lizard, but not the rattlesnake so much! Spring is bad for rattlers! Enjoy the rest of your hike!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Portia. We did go to a restaurant in Joshua tree but I forget the name of it.

[@randyladue8563]

another great video - wow 9.6K subscribers now - Congrats!!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Randy.

[@peterbedford2610]

Very nice work. Thanks

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Peter.

[@rrichardson53]

You are so blessed to have friends to hike with- looked like a nice group- even a gal along to keep you guys in line 🙂 I love Joshua Tree (have never been there but from all the videos I’ve seen would love to go). Looked dry and crunchy- good you had water caches along the way. Perfect/ comfortable temps to be out there. That snake was loud 🐍 cool to see the lizard- it sure did blend i in. I’d go crazy there with my camera. Bravo to be out hiking again!! You broke it up in nice sections. BTW: I really liked the way you illuminated your face at night in the darkness- I’ll have to try that with Emory. 🔦

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Emory. Our trip to Joshua tree was a fantastic hike.

[@tammieflemal7871]

Brings back memories. While stationed at 29 Palms friends and I would venture into Joshua Tree It was my introduction to the desert. Found it beautiful and so different from the forests and swamps of Florida where I grew up. Want to go back and visit the area again

[@TheHikingRev]

Great area for hiking Tammie. Just not in the summer!

[@hoytstill3955]

Same age as you Rev and I finish 5k's around 26 minutes or 8 1/2 minute miles. Saw tips video and saw how many hours you hike in a day. Because of arthritis, mostly lower back, I would be down for 3 days after a day of hiking that long. So, I do canoe trips and my hiking is mostly portages. I miss doing the mountains and the switchbacks and fishing the mountain lakes. I do the BWCA and Isle Royale....hike on and thanks for the videos. BTW, I get told all the time that people hope they can still do it at my age.

[@TheHikingRev]

That’s great! Just do what you can.

[@stephenrrose]

Looked like a great hike, and great video! Thank you for sharing! Beautiful views! Take care.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Stephen. It was a great hike.

[@charmaines7302]

I hiked there 40 years ago. We boulder hopped. And watched for scorpions and mountain lions. Gets very hot in the summer. Looks the same!

[@TheHikingRev]

Wow that’s great! It was cool at the time but a couple of weeks after that it started getting very very hot.

[@JayFAdventures]

Another great video, my friend! Beautiful scenery and it was nice to see you and your group having a good time together. All my best!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Jay. It was great to get back on the trail again.

[@anniestrauss793]

Wow, you're hiking strong, Rev.! Really enjoying your videos! Music, scenery....awesome.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Annie. I’m doing better, just not 100%.

[@RickandAndreaGetOutside]

Great video Rev. Andrea and I really enjoyed our time on the CRHT with you!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Rick and Andrea. I thoroughly enjoyed hiking with you guys too.

[@ianhall702]

Fantastic trip Rev! Always wanted to come and hike in Cali! Never experienced desert.

[@TheHikingRev]

It’s definitely a different experience Ian.

[@fredvencill7639]

I ventured to JT a couple years ago to do that same hike. Coming down from Alaska I thought it would be warm & sunny in Jan....I got snow & fierce winds! So...I headed for lower elevation & hiked around Death Valley for a few days. I want to return perhaps in March 👍 Great video!

[@TheHikingRev]

That’s a great month to do Joshua tree.

[@cheryl_the_horsechick]

so glad you are hiking again! you inspire me. say hi to marmalade.

[@TheHikingRev]

I sure will Cheryl. Thanks.

[@Heretic10001]

Nice video Rev. It was a fun trip. Really enjoyed hiking with you all. See you in WA sometime.

[@TheHikingRev]

Sounds great Dave. I thoroughly enjoyed hiking with you as well.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Nice tent! Have you seen the new DupleXL? Thank you for sharing this as I am planning a trip out west soon and would love to check this place out. Now following!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. The Duplex XL is for taller people. I’m only 5’8”

[@NoBagsChecked]

Thanks for taking us along for the hike

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Dan and Mary Anne.

[@ervinslens]

Gorgeous view along the hiking trail, the whole video has some special vibe.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks.

[@adventureawaits5003]

Looks awesome would definitely want to do that trail thanks for sharing

[@TheHikingRev]

It’s a great trail. But you definitely cannot do it when it’s hot.

[@helpfulcommenter]

Looks like clear skies, what did you think of the nocturne celestial performance of the heavenly bodies out there in the dark sky country?

[@TheHikingRev]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@kpday22]

Enjoy your videos. Would like to see a more detailed video on footwear. I'm curious about your thinking and experiences with various hiking shoes and/or boots. It looks like you mostly hike in low top trail shoes. Just curious why you choose that type of hiking shoe. Thanks!

[@TheHikingRev]

Most long distance hikers use trail runners. They are lighter than boots and dry faster. I got blisters with boots.

[@ronaldhoppus9015]

You're looking good Rev. What happens when someone gets to the water cache before you do? Nice to see you again.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Ronald. Well, I guess we’d be in some serious trouble. 🤪

[@Beyond2020]

Fantastic video and hike! I wish I could join you !

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. You are!

[@wandacraig8286]

Hey Rev! Was this a current hike? If so you must be feeling better and gotten the official okie dokie from your doctor to do this! Say, I was noticing your shoes. Are those what they call a barefoot zero drop shoes? I first noticed the wide toe box and then on the last morning when you were breaking down your camp, it looked like they were even from heel to toe. I've just recently gotten into zero drop shoes and am really liking them. If yours are barefoot shoes, how do you feel they compare to regular athletic shoes? I loved seeing Joshua Tree Monument. I lived in 29 Palms three times in my life and we use to go to Joshua Tree and play on those massive boulders. I loved it there and it was super great to see it again! Thanks for taking us along!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Wanda. The shoes are Altra Lone Peaks. They are zero drop trail runners. I love them!

[@markfletcher8084]

Great video, I almost felt the heat.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Mark. It was very dry but also very cool.

[@esthershankula6760]

I'm so excited! I just watched this video two times in a row and took notes. I have been looking for a short backpacking trip to do with a friend who recently had knee replacement surgery. This looks doable. The elevation gain and loss does not seem to be very severe or technical. I see that you started at Black Rock Canyon Campground and ended at the North Entrance. So, I have a long list of questions. 1. Do you need permits to do this backpacking trip? 2. How many water caches did you set up and where? 3. Am I correct that the trail is fairly gentle and has limited technical areas? 4. Where are you allowed to camp along the trail? Is it dispersed camping? Anywhere or specific sites that need to be set up or reserved ahead of time? Thank you ahead of time for your help. Any other information or suggestions are welcome. We are looking at October or November. We live in San Diego county so we are close. Thank you!!!

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Esther! Whatever you do, don’t do this hike in the late Spring, Summer, or early Fall. 120 degrees+. 1. No you don’t need a permit. 2. The couple I was hiking with set up the caches. But I know there were two. Look at a map and divide the distance out. 3. There is a steep climb/elevation gain at the first (starting at BRC Campground) but then it’s all downhill and flat. 4. You can camp anywhere. If I can think of anything else, I’ll let you know. Enjoy!

[@esthershankula6760]

Hi Rev, thank you so much for the information. I am excited to plan this trip with a couple of girlfriends in November. Should be nice and cool by then. After I left your KZbin site I went and googled CRHT Joshua Tree and found some good information there. Especially by HikingGuy. He gave detailed information about how to plan the trip and also a video of it. I think we have all the information we need. Thank you again so much!

[@wolfeadventures]

Great video Rev. How are you liking the new tent?

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. I love it.

[@jerrystanley1026]

Hello Rev, Got a question. You mentioned one time that you had to take two weeks off to address a back problem. How did you strengthen your lower back to keep going? Thanks...

[@TheHikingRev]

It was actually my upper back that was giving me a problem. I switched to a sturdier backpack that carried the weight better and did a lot of stretching.

[@helpfulcommenter]

Where did ya go for burgers? I always hit JT Saloon when I finish that trail

[@TheHikingRev]

That’s exactly where we went. Very crowded though.

[@martinbrown4940]

thanks for the video, I really enjoy your adventures. how do you like your new tent?

[@TheHikingRev]

I love my new tent Martin.

[@filmic1]

Thanks HikingRev. Was there ever any discussion of those ancient cryptobiotic soils, or did you ever see any self guiding nature posts about that along your route. Intriguing stuff that.

[@TheHikingRev]

There are some informational post in other areas of the park but not along this trail.

[@filmic1]

@@TheHikingRev Probably deliberately keeping the popular trails out of those areas. Thanks.

[@tangenttrails]

Nice trek there, Sir! What’s the red and black camp chair you have on this trip?

[@TheHikingRev]

It’s an old REI camp chair. I forget the name of it. I only take it on short trips.

[@KirkF]

Great hike Rev. How is the new Z-packs tent working out for you?

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Kirk. I love it. Not as much room as the Duplex of course but I love it.

[@KirkF]

@@TheHikingRev I just bought the Big Agnes Copper spur UL1. Unfortunately, the Z-packs was a little out of my price range for now.

[@20Hikecdt23]

Hey Rev, ever use a handerchiefunder your hat to cover your ears?

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Dave. I use sunscreen on my face, ears, hands and legs.

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

Rev, would you hike this trail June - September - too hot? I am not hiking the PCT because of the snow this year and PCTA has denied my SoCal section app due to summer heat. Campo to Kennedy

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Stephanie. I used to live across the freeway from Joshua Tree in Palm Desert and in the summer it would get up to 120 degrees during the day and 100 at night. To answer your question…NO!!! It gets very hot and dry in the desert. 😁

[@suecox8355]

🦋❤

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Sue.

[@markg3025]

Great trail Rev. for safety do you carry a Satellite communication device like a Bivy stick?

[@chili1593]

His companion appears to have a Garmin on his shoulder strap

[@TheHikingRev]

I carry a Garmin InReach mini.

[@helpfulcommenter]

Gram Parsons country by golly

[@TheHikingRev]

👍

[@nas8929]

I was afraid of a rattle snake crawling into your tent at night

[@TheHikingRev]

😬

[@Jagueyes1]

You have a nice following, wouldn't it be nice to share tid bits of your experiences with God through your lifetime with your audience? You have a platform, what an opportunity! There's nothing more wonderful to be shared..!

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes. Thank you.

[@helpfulcommenter]

Watching this, I wonder if folks might get the impression this trail is crowded. It would stand to reason, given how insanely over-the-top the attendance at this national park has grown in the recent past. The front country of this park is a total lost cause. Way too many people. The traffic is insane. Eventually they'll have to limit traffic similar to Yosemite Valley. However, I've hiked this trail before and seen one, maybe two other people in the backcountry. As soon as I get close to one of the roads the trail intersects, I start seeing people, but once you're in the wilderness you're functionally alone.

[@TheHikingRev]

That is the truth. The trail is very desolate but some “attractions” in the park are way too crowded.