Sheep Pass Car Camp Joshua Tree National Monument Xerox Mountaineering & Backpacking Club -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern Mojave Desert Friday - Sunday, December 2-4, 1994 Brief: A weekend car-camp in the southern Mojave Desert with optional day hikes, rock climbing practice, or just plain relaxation. Elevation at the campground is 4,500 feet. Description: This promises to be a relaxing weekend of camping in the desert. Traditionally an unstructured weekend, rock climbing is always on the agenda, with instruction available for beginners. Easy to moderate dayhikes can be arranged for those so inclined. A hike up Ryan Mountain (3 miles round trip) is practically guaranteed. The campsite can accommodate up to 30 people and nine vehicles, tents only - RVs are not permitted. Water is not available at the campsite but can be obtained at the Ranger Station at the entrance to the monument. There are tables, fireplaces, and toilets (vault) at the campground, but no firewood. If you have firewood around the house, and can find room, please bring some. Dogs are welcome, but Park regulations require that they be kept on a leash during the day and in a tent or vehicle at night. There is a five dollar per vehicle entrance fee to the National Monument, and this permit is valid for five days. In addition, there will be a campsite fee of approximately $2.00 per person. Where: Joshua Tree National Monument is located northeast of Palm Springs and approximately 140 miles east of Los Angeles. We will be at the Sheep Pass Group Campground, Site #6. When: Arrive anytime after noon on Friday December 2nd, and break camp by early afternoon on Sunday the 4th. Stay the entire weekend or just visit for a day. Special Event: We will have a community barbecue dinner at the campsite Saturday evening. The main course of Tri-Tip will be provided (cost to be shared), and cooked to perfection by Grill-meister Richard. Participants are asked to bring their own side dish and beverage. Weather: Weather in the desert can vary dramatically, conditions ranging from shirt sleeve weather to rain, cold, wind, and even snow are possible. Nighttime temperatures can justify winter clothing - even around the campfire. Based on past experience at this time of year, we should expect overnight lows just below freezing and daytime temps in the low 70s, but be prepared for anything. Topo Maps: Malapai Hill, Keys View, Queen Mtn, and Indian Cove all in the 7.5' series (USGS), Lost Horse Mtn and Twentynine Palms in the 15' series (USGS). Also available is an excellent map published by Tom Harrison: Recreation Map of Joshua Tree National Monument, scale is 1:125,000. Directions: From the LA area take either the 91 freeway or I-10 east to the 60 freeway. From the San Diego area take I-15 and then 215 north to the eastbound 60. The 60 freeway and I-10 merge at Beaumont, follow I-10 east to highway 62 and turn north. In the town of Joshua Tree turn south on Park Blvd., also known as Quail Springs Road. After about 5 miles you reach the West Entrance Station, stop here for water if you need to fill up. Continue for approximately 16 miles to the Sheep Pass Campground which will be on your right (do not follow the turn-off to Keys View). We will be in site #6. Reservations/Info: Since capacity is limited reservations are required. To make reservations, coordinate car-pool arrangements, or if you need more info, contact the leader, Randy Ortland at 214/985-6441, or e-mail at 71620.2666@compuserve.com. Jack Cook will be the assistant leader for this outing and he can be reached at 310/333-5214 or JCook:El Segundo.