Desert Ecology After Dark: A Guided Moonlight Hike

Experience the spectacular ecology of Joshua Tree National Park under the stars! This narrative hike covers the geology, plants, climate, and history of the park. The hike starts at golden hour and continues through sunset into the moonlight.

• This sunset/nighttime hike takes place on Split Rock loop trail in Joshua Tree National Park (2.5 miles).
• Anyone may attend! No expertise or experience is required.
• Entry to Joshua Tree National Park is included in the cost of enrollment.
• No meals or equipment are provided.

This class is moderate. It requires less than 5 miles of walking with limited elevation gain on somewhat variable terrain and/or more than one hour outdoors in the elements.

Instructor Mike Medina: Mike Medina has 40 years of experience as a field biologist, natural resource specialist, and instructor/lecturer. In 2022, he retired from the Navy and began volunteering and teaching with the Desert Institute. Mike is also a Joshua Tree National Park volunteer field and nursery / herbarium technician for the Vegetation Management branch and Preventative Search and Rescue team member.

Photo credit: NPS/Hannah Schwalbe