DESERT INSTITUTE
at Joshua Tree National Park
Fall Session
2014
74485 National Park Dr. Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Phone: 760-367-5535; e-mail: desertinstitute@joshuatree.org
Explore Stubbe Springs
Information
Date/ Time:
Meet at:
Instructor:
Sunday, October 19, 8:00AM – Late Afternoon
Joshua Tree Visitor Center
6554 Park Blvd., Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Mark Wheeler, M.S., Education, Desert Naturalist, Outdoor Guide
Overview
For those seeking an omnibus hiking experience in Joshua Tree National Park, Stubbe Springs is it. Over
the 12-mile round-trip, trailed loop, hikers encounter numerous types of terrain, from woodland to
wash to canyon to high, rocky plateau. The plant and animal diversity ranges from highland and
riparian species to those that prefer a less densely vegetated and more arid habitat.
Springs are few and far between in the park, and those that do operate year-round are important
ecosystem hubs. Although Stubbe Springs doesn’t have a surface flow, except after heavy rains,
animals can use it as a water source, and its population of riparian plants provides habitat and forage
for many species.
On top of everything else, the Stubbe Springs hike offers an almost continuous panorama of
stupendous views, any and all of them providing geographical and breathtaking perspective to the
educational content presented by the hike leader along the way. Nothing more than satisfactory hiking
fitness is required.
Itinerary
Sunday, October 19, 8:00AM – Late Afternoon
Joshua Tree Visitor Center
 Introduction
 Field class
 Lunch/snack break, bring your own food
 Field class
What to Bring to the Course
Optional Class Materials
 7.5” USGS Keys View Quad – available at the Visitor Centers or through the Desert Institute
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Compass
Camera
Binoculars
Field guides
Hiking poles
The 10 Essentials: Everyday in the Desert
 Day pack
 4 quarts of water
 Hiking boots with traction soles
 Lunch and snacks
 Clothing layers
 Hat
 Sunglasses
 Sunscreen
 Notebook and pencil/pen
 Whistle
Fitness Requirements
Participants must be in good physical condition for courses/activities in a desert that may be hot, dry,
windy, and sometimes surprisingly cold
Hike Level
Strenuous, approximately twelve miles.
Desert Institute Definitions of Hike Levels:
EASY - Leisurely to moderate pace up to 3 miles per day through relatively flat terrain with frequent stops.
MODERATE - Moderate steady pace up to 6 miles per day with some elevation gain and loss through some
loose, rocky or uneven terrain.
STRENUOUS - Longer rigorous hikes at a moderate to brisk pace up to 12 miles per day with significant
elevation gain and loss up to 3,000 ft through steep terrain, with possible rock scrambling.
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EXTREME - Course includes rock scrambling throughout a significant portion of route. Good balance, full range
of motion, and three points of contact while scrambling are necessary.
Guidelines
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You are responsible for your safety.
Park your car in designated areas only. Parking along the side of the road is dangerous to
you and the environment.
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Rattlesnakes are present in the desert. Avoid contact with wildlife. Put your hands and feet
only where you can see them.
Only you know your limits, please let the instructor or Desert Institute Representative know
if you do not want to continue. This is a long hike; only go if you are confident in your
balance and scrambling skills.
Stay with the group. If you get lost, stay put.
Drink plenty of water. If you run out, notify the instructor or the Desert Institute
Representative.
Before leaving the class, check out with the Desert Institute Representative.
Instructor Biography
Mark Wheeler has a M.S. in Education and a journeyman's degree in natural history, having spent
most of forty years hiking and studying the mountain and desert landscapes of the west coast. Mr.
Wheeler has worked extensively with wilderness-adventure programming groups such as Outward
Bound, training both students and instructors in wilderness travel skills and group dynamics. A working
writer, he has focused on subjects about the natural world.
Suggested Readings
Desert Ecology, University of Utah Press, 2001, by John Sowell
The California Deserts, University of California Press, 2008, by Bruce Pavlik
* The Desert Institute staff/instructors will attempt to accommodate participant’s needs, however
we reserve the right to deny a student participation in the course due to concerns regarding health
and safety issues.
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