Experience sitting atop a towering boulder as the golden glow of sunset lights up the desert before the stars take over the sky. These formations become even more fantastic when light from flickering campfires illuminates them against the dark night sky. Add twisted Joshua Trees, howling coyotes and a billion stars overhead, and you’ll start to understand why so many people love Joshua Tree camping. Ryan campground is nestled among the iconic rock formations and centrally located in the park. Mid November is prime time to visit our desert paradise and we have reserved some of the prime sites.
Registration Note: In order to register for this event, you must be a Great Outdoors (GO) member. If not currently a member - click here - to join and then return to this page.
Schedule of Events*
Monday, Nov 15
- Noon - Check-in
- 3:30 pm - Sunset hike nearby location*
- 5:30 pm - Tea Time meet and greet BYOB
- 6:00 pm - Dinner on your own
- 7:00 pm - Group camp activities*
Tuesday, Nov 16
- 6:30 am - Coffee and continental breakfast provided
- 9:00 am - Hike
- 2:00 pm - Geology Road tour - high clearance vehicle
- 6:00 pm - Potluck bring a main dish, appetizer, salad, or side dish to share
- 7:30 pm - Group campfire activities*
Wednesday, Nov 17
- 6:30 am - Coffee and continental breakfast provided
- 9:00 am - Hike*
- 2:00 pm - Other events posted on camp whiteboard*
- 6:00 pm - Dinner on your own
- 7:30 pm - Group campfire activities*
Thursday, Nov 18
* Check campground whiteboard for activities updates
What to Bring: Water for 3 days - no water available onsite; Ten Essentials, camping/cooking gear, camp chair, name tag, food, potluck item.
Campground: Elevation 4300', pit toilets, tables, fire grates. No water. Your vehicle/RV must fit in the designated parking space for the campsite.
Directions: From the Joshua Tree Visitor Center West Entrance at Hwy. 62, drive 16.4 mi on Park Blvd. Ryan Camp entrance is on the right. Map - click here.
Climate: Average High 69°F and lows 46°F.
Current weather: NOAA - click here
Contact Trip Leaders: Scott Connelly email click here, Dennis Curran email click here
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund, minus a service charge ($15 for RV, $10 for tent), must be received by Nov. 1, 2021.
Pets: Dogs are welcomed. Must be kept on leash. Please clean up after your pet. No pets on trails.
Nearby Hikes:
- Wonderland of Rocks - Garret's arch 5 mi 500' boulders
- Ryan Mountain 4 mi 1000'
- Samuelson's Rocks 4 mi 400'
- Lang Canyon Loop 6.1 mi 700' (Quail Spring Trailhead)
- Lost Horse Loop 6.2 mi 1,000'
- Barker Dam, Hidden Valley 3 mi each
Special COVID Related Requirements
This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated, submit proof of vaccination and abide by the GOPS COVID policy - CLICK HERE. Send proof of vaccination to: GOPSCOVID@gmail.com or text it to: 760-902-1850
Health Problems/Allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete the trip.
Campsites are nestled on a flat, sandy surface between large boulders that tower in unique shapes over the campground.
