CALIFORNIA – JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK – Hidden Valley Picnic Area

Photo Experience:  Massive boulders form the backdrop for this area and provide numerous opportunities to photograph shadow and substance among the heavily-eroded joints, cracks, and rounded granite surfaces. I was there in the morning and found that light to work well. In addition, the parking spots can fill up quickly in this area, which is another reason to get out early. I found uses for both wide angle and short telephoto lenses here.

Other Info:   Hidden Valley Picnic Area is about 20 miles from the Oasis Visitor Center, on a spur road to the southwest. The nearby town of Twentynine Palms has a number of restaurants and accommodation options. As its name suggests, Hidden Valley is a good place for a picnic – there are some tables in the shade. There are also pit toilets here. Hat, sunscreen, and water are worthwhile considerations here.