Discovering Samuelson's Rocks

Step back in time to discover Samuelson's Rocks and their thought-provoking inscriptions. Found throughout the park, these pieces of modern rock art feature quotes and messages chiseled by John Samuelson, a contemporary of Bill Keys, in the early 1900s. The class includes exploring to view the rocks and opportunities to uncover the meaning behind the messages.

• This class travels to view several Samuelson's Rocks in Joshua Tree National Park.

• Anyone may attend! No experience is required.

• Entry to Joshua Tree National Park is included in the cost of enrollment.

• Clipboards, paper, and pencils are provided.

• No meals are provided.

• Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Carpooling is encouraged.

• This class is held in Joshua Tree National Park. 

• Caravanning is required from one location to another. Carpooling is suggested but not required. 

• Entry to Joshua Tree National Park is included in the cost of enrollment.

• Clipboards, paper, and pencils will be provided.

• Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Carpooling is encouraged. 

Activity level: The outdoor portion is moderate. It requires 3.5 miles of walking on uneven terrain with some elevation gain. Participants will be exposed to the elements for the full duration of the class.

Required items for participants: 

• Day pack

• Water

• Snacks/lunch

• Trekking poles (optional)

• Dress in layers for colder weather

Meet your instructor: Thomas Crochetiere works with the National Park Service at Joshua Tree National Park as a docent. After retiring from a career in public service, he began working with the NPS in 2013. From the more than 302,000 eligible volunteers, Thomas was recognized for his contributions during the NPS National Volunteer Week in April 2019 and was featured in an article titled “NPS Meet Our Volunteers: Tom Crochetiere.” In February 2024, after volunteering more than 5,000 hours at JTNP, he was honored with the President’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Thomas also volunteers at the California Welcome Center in Yucca Valley as a Welcome Ambassador. He is a member of the Morongo Basin Historical Museum and the Twentynine Palms Historical Society. Thomas gives lectures and teaches classes for Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park Association. As a local historian, he spends countless hours researching area history. While identifying and promoting historical records, he enjoys putting together the pieces of the puzzle to offer a unique perspective on events that helped shape the communities and places around us. He has done extensive research on the history of Joshua Tree National Park and has written and published five books about the park: The History of Joshua Tree National Park, Keys Desert Queen Ranch: A Visual & Historical Tour, The Trail Guide to Joshua Tree National Park, William F. Keys of Joshua Tree National Park, and Samuelson’s Rocks: The Legend Chiseled in Stone. Thomas is an avid traveler, having visited all 50 states, and is in the process of doing it all again. In 2024, he and his wife completed their dream trip, exploring the state of Alaska over a 72-day period by RV. A devoted park visitor, he is passionate not only about Joshua Tree National Park but about all our National Park units and enjoys sharing them with others.

Photo credit: Tom Crochetiere