California Baptist University’s Outdoor Adventure program hosted a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park on Feb. 29, offering a wide variety of outdoor activities to students in one of California’s most-visited national parks.
Jake Hartt, senior psychology major and Outdoor Adventure lead, elaborated on the activities of the day and the landmarks that students were able to visit.
“While we were in Joshua Tree, we did one hike of moderate difficulty called Ryan Mountain that took us up some steps to the summit of the aforementioned mountain with some amazing views along the way,” Hartt said. “We walked around Cholla Cactus gardens, then finished off with some informal bouldering near Jumbo Rocks.”
Hartt said most students who attended had never been to Joshua Tree before, which made for a great experience.
“The majority of people on this trip hadn’t yet been to Joshua Tree,” Hartt said. “It was fun showing them around an underrated gem that’s right in CBU’s backyard.”
Hartt also reflected on a favorite memory from the trip.
“Something that I will remember from this trip is sitting down and eating lunch in the Cactus Garden, enjoying my trail-compacted sandwich and taking in the desert greenery around me,” Hartt said.
Many students were also able to share their favorite moments of the Joshua Tree day trip that they remember fondly. Dylan Carmona, sophomore mechanical engineering major, participated in the trip and said he thoroughly enjoyed his experience.
“The views were spectacular — a nice desert area,” Carmona said. “I’m a big hiking guy, so it was great to enjoy a nice hike.”
Carmona pointed out a highlight of the trip: bouldering on Joshua Tree’s rock range.
“There were a bunch of slick rocks we were able to climb,” Carmona said. “We climbed a bunch and took some really good photos.”
Carissa Rivette, junior communication studies major, said that her experience was positive and she enjoyed the community of students on the trip.
“Because it was Feb. 29, we convinced some of the group to play leapfrog while we were there,” Rivette said. “Recreation provided great breakfast, lunch and snacks options for the ride. If you have not gone on an Outdoor Adventure trip since being at CBU, go on one.”
Natalie Codding, junior graphic design major and Outdoor Adventure lead, also spoke highly of the experience.
“I was super thankful for the group of students that came out who I was able to experience that day with,” Codding said.
Codding also explained that the Outdoor Adventure Program still has Outdoor Adventure trips that students can sign up for this semester.
“The next outdoor trip that students can sign up for is beach camping in Carpinteria near Santa Barbara,” Codding said. “It’s going to be from April 3–5 and I’m super excited to hang out on the beach, play games and meet some more people.”
