Black Rock Nature Center — Attraction in Yucca Valley

We stopped at the visitor center to get directions for our hike. Park Ranger Rebecca was so kind and helpful. My friend chatted with her longer and found that she was saddened by the abrupt termination of some of her co-workers with the recent federal changes. However, she was still so helpful and was truly focused on customer service and ensuring that we had the best time at Joshua Tree National Park. The shop is small but had plenty of souvenirs and a clean bathroom that we could use before our hike. There was an area with some art to enjoy also. The Black Rock Canyon area is especially beautiful with the diverse plants along the hikes. We did the Panorama Loop Trail. The signage was better than what we were led to believe by other reviews online. We went left at the fork, which was recommended to us, and I think this was definitely the right decision. Still, don't forget to stop and turn around occasionally as the view this way is gorgeous also. It gets steep towards the top, but the view is worth it! We packed a lunch to eat at the top and enjoyed it while sitting looking out towards Mount San Gorgonio and Mount San Jacinto (2 of the tallest peaks in southern California). We did not go down the Warren Peak Trail, but it is another trail off the Panorama Loop Trail. This is definitely an area I recommend visiting when at Joshua Tree...

We had 4 nights at the campsite. It was pretty chilly and mostly deserted and yet there was only 1 site available when we booked. The toilets were far away from our site. The ground very rutted and we were concerned at first about negotiating the entry to our site. The so called Nature Center was nothing more that a small NP shop and a small art exhibit. I would not drive up here specially to visit. We have camped at many NP sites and this one is low on...

Got done with the West Side Loop the morning of Memorial Day, then went to the Nature Center to get some souvenirs. The staff were both very friendly and informed us there was some work going on, so sections of the shop were closed. They redirected us to the Joshua Tree National Park Association shop which is on the 62 freeway in Yucca Valley that was on our way back home to Orange County, and recommended...