Should I visit Death Valley NP/Joshua Tree over Christmas?

Hi!

I%26#39;m thinking of heading on a road trip and was thinking of spending some time in Death Valley and Joshua Tree NP over Christmas. What will the weather be like? Would it be safe as a single traveler?

The tentative itinerary has me fly into San Diego or Vegas, go to the two parks, stay in Yuma later, and check out Organ Pipe Cactus and Tucson, leaving from there.

ACG

Should I visit Death Valley NP/Joshua Tree over Christmas?

The weather in these areas will be cool to moderate in December. It won%26#39;t often be below freezing, except at higher elevations in Death Valley National Park, where the highest point is over 11,000%26#39; above sea level and you need the same stuff for climbing that you would for Mt. Whitney.

Safety in the parks can mean a couple of things. Safety from crime is usually a matter of common sense and prudence, like in Boston or San Francisco. More remote national parks often tend to have less urban type crime than places like Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Lake Mead, Santa Monica Mountains, or Rock Creek simply because those parks are near metro areas and the people who go there often bring their urban ethics, habits, attitudes, and issues with them.

Your safety as a hiker or explorer is another matter. The usual advice is ';don%26#39;t hike alone,'; but if we followed that to the letter, some of us would never get to go anywhere. Solo hiking means being aware that if you get hurt, you%26#39;re on your own, be sure to have water and food so you don%26#39;t get sick, and other common sense things. With more than one hiker, someone can carry the binoculars, another the camera, and another the cooking or eating utensils if you take those; with one hiker, you are your own pack mule. Most of my DV exploring has been solo, and there%26#39;s something special about enjoying a wonderful natural retreat with just the birds or the sun for company. :)

Should I visit Death Valley NP/Joshua Tree over Christmas?

Just to follow up FRR. As I am retired %26amp; my DW still works I often camp/hike/fish alone. I always let someone know my schedule so if I have a problem i know someone will respond eventually. I do carry my cell phone but often I am out of range.

Nights at both places will be cold....but realize we are from California...so that means in the high 20%26#39;s and 30%26#39;s. Palm Springs/Joshua Trees area is delightful in December. Days are warm...dressing in layers is best...

Do plan for an early start to your day as it gets dark by 5:00 (and these areas do get dark.).

I would feel fine as a single traveler to go to these areas. (Note: I am not sure where you are staying but if motels, etc. fine. If plan to camp out (which can be downright miserable if its raining and it can be), then I%26#39;d be a little bit concerned if single.

Tucson area is fine. Its about an hour drive to Organ Pipe Area (and is different than the other desert areas.).

This would be a fun way to see the desert area.