PS - Hi-Desert Nature Museum and Outdoor Sculpture Gardens

We'll spend most of our time viewing the Hi-Desert Museum exhibits. Followed by a short drive and walk among the Desert Christ Garden's unique concrete biblical figures.  And finally a drive to the extensive outdoor sculpture garden of works by Noah Purifoy.  About a quarter mile of the Purifoy route is an unpaved dirt road. 

Yucca Valley Hi-Desert Nature Museum  Website click here  Address:  57090 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA 

"Mojave Desert biodiversity is featured at this museum presenting native snakes, lizards, arachnids and insects.  The desert fauna dioramas show native animals in their natural habitat.  Also see paleontology specimens of fauna and flora; and gems and minerals. Native American exhibits show the daily life of the Morongo Basin’s original residents.  Also see early settler items used by cattlemen and pioneers and mining tools of the trade and treasures found." (highdesertnaturemuseum.org)

Desert Christ Sculpture Garden  Website click here  Address:  56200 Sunnyslope Dr, Yucca Valley, CA 92284 

"Desert Christ Park was established in 1951 by the Reverend Eddie Garver.  Known as the Desert Parson, his vision was to establish a christian-themed park.  Eddie Garver was introduced to (Frank) Antone Martin, a sculptor-poet from Inglewood CA, an engineer by trade, who came up with the idea to create statues out of steel-reinforced concrete."  (desertchristpark.org)

Noah Purifoy Outdoor Art Museum  Website click here  Address:  63030 Blair Lane, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 

"Noah S. Purifoy (August 17, 1917 – March 5, 2004) was an African-American visual artist and sculptor, co-founder of the Watts Towers Art Center, and creator of the outdoor desert art museum.  Purifoy was the first African American to enroll in Chouinard Art Institute as a full-time student and earned his BFA in 1956, just before his fortieth birthday. He is best known for his assemblage sculpture, including a body of work made from charred debris and wreckage collected after the Watts Riots of August 1965."  ~ noahpurifoy.com

Optional post-event lunch on your own.  Crossroads Cafe, 61715 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA.   No reservations, take a seat and order when you arrive. Popular fresh made sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and salads.

Meeting Location:  9 AM at Carl's Jr parking lot Palm Canyon and Racquet Club.  Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation or ride share. Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.  Arrive a few minutes early for briefing and carpooling. 

What to Bring:  Please have comfortable walking shoes, water and a snack.  Extended standing and indoor/outdoor walking expected with full sun exposure at the sculptures' sites.

Event Leader: Pat M email click here

Cancellations: If you cannot make an event for which you have registered please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the hike leader.

Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels.

Unless otherwise noted, registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors members. To sign up as a member, click here 

Health Problems/allergies:   Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete this hike.