Indian Cove Car Camp                  
Joshua Tree National Monument      Xerox Mountaineering & Backpacking Club
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Southern Mojave Desert                 Friday - Sunday, December 4-6, 1992 


Brief: A weekend car-camp in the southern Mojave Desert with optional day
hikes, rock climbing practice, or just plain relaxation. Elevation at the
campground is 3,200 feet.

What: This promises to be a relaxing weekend of camping in the desert.
Traditionally an unstructured weekend, rock climbing is always on the
agenda, with instruction available for beginners. Easy to moderate
dayhikes can be arranged for those so inclined. We will be staying at
Indian Cove Group Camp #6, which can accommodate up to 20 people and
seven vehicles, tents only - RVs are not permitted. There is a five dollar
entrance fee to the National Monument, the charge is per vehicle and the
permit is valid for five days. In addition, there will be a campsite fee
of approximately $3.00 per person. Water is not available at the campsite
but can be obtained at the Ranger Station at the entrance to the monument.
There are tables, fireplaces, and toilets (vault) at the campground, but
no firewood. If you have firewood around the house, and can find room,
please bring some. Dogs are welcome, but Park regulations require that
they be kept on a leash during the day and in a tent or vehicle at night.

Where: Joshua Tree National Monument is located northeast of Palm Springs
and approximately 140 miles east of Los Angeles. We will be at the Indian
Cove Group Campground, Site #6.
 
When: Arrive anytime after noon on Friday December 4th, and break camp
by early afternoon on Sunday the 6th. Stay the entire weekend or just come
for a day.
 
Weather: Weather in the desert can vary dramatically, conditions ranging
from shirt sleeve weather to rain, cold, wind, and even snow are possible.
Nighttime temperatures can justify winter clothing - even around the
campfire.

Topo Maps: Indian Cove 7.5' series (USGS), Twentynine Palms 15' series
(USGS). Also available is an excellent map published by Tom Harrison: 
Recreation Map of Joshua Tree National Monument, scale is 1:125,000.

Directions: From the LA area take either the 91 freeway or I-10 east to
the 60 freeway. From the San Diego area take I-15 and then 215 north to
the eastbound 60. The 60 freeway and I-10 merge at Beaumont, follow
I-10 east to highway 62 and turn north. Enter the National Monument at
the Indian Cove entrance - turn right on Indian Cove Road nine miles
east of the town of Joshua Tree. The group campground is about 2.5
miles south on Indian Cove Road.

Reservations/Info: Since capacity is limited reservations are required. To
make reservations, or if you need more info, contact Randy Ortland at
805/966-9422 (home), 805/962-6332 (work) or e-mail 
71620.2666@compuserve.com