Bouldering Paradise

Some of the best adventures in life aren’t planned—they just happen. One moment you’re on a hike with friends, casually chatting about camping sites, carpool plans, and gear. The next thing you know, you're in the middle of Joshua Tree National Park, watching the sun melt into the desert horizon, belly full of free Chipotle, and your heart full of gratitude.

That’s exactly how my first-ever camping trip unfolded. And let me tell you—it was fantastic.

The Spontaneous Plan That Took Off

It all started during a hike. We were just vibing, talking about the stars, fresh air, and how cool it would be to camp together. Before we knew it, the planning gears kicked in:

• “Okay, who’s driving who?”

• “What part of Joshua Tree should we camp in?”

• “Do we even have tents?”

It was chaotic. It was exciting. And it was so us. We didn’t have a detailed itinerary or a fancy campsite reserved a year in advance. What we had was curiosity, a group chat buzzing with last-minute logistics, and a whole lot of adventurous spirit. That’s all you need sometimes.

My First Night Under the Stars

This was my first time camping—ever. And what better place to start than Joshua Tree, a desert wonderland where massive boulders look like sculptures, and the night sky feels closer than ever? I’ll admit I was a little nervous at first, but the moment I zipped up my sleeping bag and looked up at that ocean of stars, I got it. This was peace. This was freedom.

The Chipotle Hero

Now here comes the funny part. One of my friends—let’s call him the MVP—had been running miles every day for weeks. Why? Chipotle was offering a reward for those who completed a certain running challenge. The prize? Free catering. Guess who cashed in just in time for our trip? So here we were, in the middle of the desert, devouring burritos and bowls like it was some five-star outdoor feast. No freeze-dried camping food here. Just Chipotle, desert air, and the kind of laughter that makes your cheeks hurt.

Exploring Joshua Tree

We didn’t just camp—we explored. Some of the highlights:

• 🪨 Bouldering: Scrambling over the park’s iconic rock formations like little desert goats.

• 💀 Skull Rock: A giant rock shaped like a skull? Creepy cool.

• 🌄 Chasing Sunsets: We hiked up to the high points just to watch the sun dip below the mountains. That kind of view hits different after a long day in the wild.

And all of this with my amazing crew—The Trekking Strix Crew (yes, we have a name and yes, we’re awesome).

A Trip to Remember

Joshua Tree wasn’t just a location. It was a feeling. A reminder that nature doesn’t have to be distant or difficult to enjoy. That some of the best stories come from unplanned trips. That free Chipotle tastes even better under desert stars. And most of all, that adventures are always better when shared with good people.

So here’s to more spontaneous plans, more camping firsts, and more memories with my Trekking Strix Crew. Can’t wait to see where we go next.