After my first solo trip to Mammoth Lakes in October 2023, I thought I’d had enough of solo traveling. I told myself, “That’s it, no more.”
But of course, nature had other plans for me. The quiet beauty of the open road started calling again, and before I knew it, I was planning my second solo trip: Joshua Tree National Park.
I’ll be honest: I almost didn’t go. My Grandma had to encourage me once again. She’s my biggest supporter, always reminding me that I’ve done harder things before. Sometimes, we all need that little push, like having a trainer at the gym who won’t let you give up.
So on January 25, 2024, I packed up my car and went. Just one night, one full day of exploring. But that short trip changed something in me. It gave me courage, joy, and confidence that I could really do this: on my own.
Leaving Home
I left home around 12:30 p.m. (left late again because, honestly, I was hesitating and nervous). My grandma kept saying: “You’ll be fine, you’ve done this before.” And she was right: my first trip to Mammoth Lake was much farther than this one.
This time, I was better prepared: snacks, an air mattress already set up, and a cozy blanket. No more inflating it at night like last first trip! What Happened On My First Day of Solo Travel?
Read My Story: Here
My first stop was Target in Moreno Valley for a quick break.
By 1:45pm, I was cruising down the highway, turning music on, windows down, feeling that mix of excitement and little nervousness.
Finding the Visitor Center
Around 3:30 pm, I arrived near Joshua Tree. GPS was sending me one way, but I decided to double-check and good thing I did. I looked up the official park website and saw there were two visitor centers. One was 25 minutes away, the other just 10. So I chose the nearest one. I kept driving on Twentynine Palms Highway, then turn right on Park Blvd.
At 4 pm, I walked into the visitor center and met Maria, a park ranger who truly made my day. She helped me buy my first Annual National Park Pass, marked must-see spots on my map, and showed me how to use the NPS app.
I’d visited many parks before with my friends, they always handled everything: buying the pass, navigating, planning. That day, I had to do it all myself. It felt strange but empowering. I realized I was paying more attention, learning faster, and depending on my own judgment.
That’s one of the biggest gifts of solo travel: you become stronger, more independent, and surprisingly capable.
After talking with Maria, I sat in my car and booked a campsite online for the first time. I checked reviews and photos carefully: making sure it was flat and easy to park. Finally, I booked Jumbo Rocks Campground (Site #18). Once I secured my spot, I was ready for my next goal: catching the sunset.
Racing the Sunset at Quail Springs
I drove toward the West Entrance. The ranger checked my pass, and I headed straight for Quail Springs, one of the best sunset spots.
The drive took about 20 minutes. The wind was strong, but the view: breathtaking. I set up my tripod, filmed myself climbing rocks, laughing, and just soaking it all in. That golden light made everything feel alive.
The Moonrise in Joshua Tree
On my way to camp, I saw the moon rise behind the giant boulders: glowing and full. It was surprising and magical. I slowed down, filmed it, and couldn’t stop smiling. It was the best feeling I have had, I didn’t feel nervous or alone at all. I enjoyed every moment that evening.
When I reached Jumbo Rocks, I easily found my campsite. There was no signal at all, so I couldn’t text my family. For a few minutes, I panicked, but then I told myself, “They know I’m safe inside the park.”
Still, I learned an important lesson from this trip for my next trips: always share your live location or download safety apps like Life360 or even consider a Garmin GPS device if you’re going off-grid. It’s a small thing that brings peace of mind.
My First Camp Night
The campground felt calm and safe. I saw a few tent lights nearby but focused on making my own little car home. I set up my blanket, pillow, and laid down.
Before sleeping, I moved my car slightly to face the moon. I played soft yoga music and just sat there, breathing in the desert stillness.
It was cold that night. I didn’t want to walk to the restroom at night, so I drove there instead (lesson learned: bring a portable toilet next time!).
It wasn’t perfectly comfortable, but it was safe, peaceful, and mine. That night, I slept alone in my car under a bright full moon. It was amazing!
Sunrise at Cholla Cactus Garden
I woke up at 5 AM to a pink sky and started driving east. Following a map, I arrived at Cholla Cactus Garden, where the sunrise was magical. Beautiful cacti were bathed in golden light, turning them into glowing lanterns. That morning still feels like one of the happiest moments of my life. I took many photos and felt deeply grateful.
Arch Rock & Heart Rock in Joshua Tree
After sunrise, I almost skipped Arch Rock because I was tired. But something told me to go and I’m so glad I did. The short trail led me to a beautiful stone arch, one of the park’s most famous views.
Then I found Heart Rock, perfectly shaped like a heart against the desert sky. I smiled, it felt like the desert was sending me a love note for showing up.
Exploring More Highlights
Here’s where I explored next:
- Jumbo Rocks Campground (in daylight) – Stunning views. I’ll camp here again for sure.
- Skull Rock Trail – A fun, easy walk with unique rock shapes everywhere.
- Hall of Horrors – Great for climbing and taking photos.
- Cap Rock Trail – Short and peaceful, perfect for a picnic
- Keys View – Windy but worth it for the wide-open desert view.
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Keys View in Joshua Tree
- Hidden Valley – My favorite short trail; so much charm in one mile.
- Quail Springs – Beautiful to revisit after seeing it at sunset yesterday.
Each stop added something new, little moments of joy and confidence that built up throughout the day.
Food on the Road
I kept it simple: snacks, fruit, trail mix, and a gallon of water. Enough to keep me going. Remember to bring a lot of water, at least drink 1 gallon of water a day to keep you dehydrated.
On the drive home, I treated myself to Steak ’n Shake. That burger never tasted so good and I felt like I deserve a small celebration.
Turning Point
That one night in Joshua Tree wasn’t just another trip. It was a turning point.
I proved to myself that I could drive, sleep alone in my car, make decisions, hike and truly enjoy my own company. I doubted myself, I made mistakes, I felt nervous, but I did it anyway. And I was rewarded with unforgettable moments:
- Seeing a giant moonrise behind the rocks.
- Enjoying a golden sunrise over the cactus fields.
- Hugging a heart-shaped rock that reminded me to keep following my path.
That’s the real magic of solo travel: it’s not about being fearless. It’s about going anyway, even when you’re scared.
So if you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to take your first solo trip, this is your sign when you are reading my blog. Start small, trust yourself, and let nature show you what you’re capable of.
A Little Inspiration for You
If you’re reading this and wondering whether you could ever travel solo: I want to tell you, you absolutely can.
You don’t have to be fearless, rich, or have the perfect car. You just need a little courage and little push from someone to take that first small step.
I was nervous, made mistakes, and second-guessed myself many times, but I still made it happen. And once you do, something shifts inside you. You start to see how strong, capable, and brave you already are. Every mile teaches you something new about yourself. Every sunrise reminds you that life is too short to keep waiting for “someday.”
You’ll realize that independence feels beautiful, not lonely. And you’ll come home proud, knowing you did something for you. So pack your courage, trust your heart, and go. Remember, I am inspiring and encouraging you to enjoy your life.
Let’s Keep Inspiring Each Other
I hope my story make you smile or feel inspired, please share it with another woman who needs a little courage today, we’re all in this together. If you’ve found comfort, courage, or ideas here, I’d love for you to come back often, stay connected, and support me on PATREON. Or simply, BUY ME A COFFEE while you enjoy the contents on my website. Your support helps me create more interesting content, travel guides, and stories that empower solo female travelers, and maintain my ad-free website for a quality experience.
If you’ve already traveled solo, what’s your story? I’d love to hear about your first solo trip or any fun travel experiences. Please share below.
