Last month, we talked about the start of snake season, and how to stay safe should you encounter a snake while hiking.
Well, we are now in the midst of snake season. (Yes, it is a “season” here in the desert.) Snakes usually emerge from brumation (a low-energy dormant state that reptiles go into during the winter to survive cold temperatures) in March or April, depending on rising temperatures; I have seen them as early as late February during warmer days. When it becomes warm and sunny, usually around 70 to 80 degrees, snakes will be out and on the move, through at least October.
Did you know that there are more than 20 different snake species that live with us here in the Coachella Valley? Of those, seven are venomous!
Those are two of the facts I recently learned at a very informative class about the diverse snake species found throughout Joshua Tree National Park. Here are some more interesting facts I learned from the class, put on by the Desert Institute and Paisley Ramstead:
• Most snakes are nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night, especially as temperatures rise to 90-plus degrees. During the springtime, you may see them more during the day (when it’s cool at night). You most likely won’t see snakes at all when it’s 115 degrees during the day, but they might be out at night.
• Snakes don’t have eyelids, so it’s not a good idea to engage in a staring contest with a snake. You will always lose.
• Snakes don’t have ears; they cannot hear you, but they can smell you and feel you coming from ground vibrations.
Ramstead also busted some rattlesnake myths. For example, have you heard that baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous? False! All rattlesnakes are born with the ability to control the amount of venom they deliver during a bite. Also: It’s never safe to pick up a dead rattlesnake. Fangs may retain venom for hours after death, and the snake can still bite (reflexively). Never pick up a snake.
In other snake-event news: The Desert Care Network hosted a “Desert Survival Seminar” to bring public awareness to snake season, snakebite prevention and snakebite treatment. The meeting was held at the Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree, where local doctors and park rangers came together to help prepare people for possible snake encounters. With the abundance of snakes and people out on the trails, I suspect there will be more desert-awareness seminars held locally.
If you plan to go hiking and bouldering around in Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll need to watch where you step and where you place your hands. It might be in your best interest to seek more visible areas for hiking, and leave the bouldering for cooler seasons.
That said, it is a perfect time to visit, hike and/or camp at JTNP. The wildflowers are peaking, and it’s generally eight to 10 degrees cooler there than in Palm Springs.
Prior to your trip, you can learn what flowers are blooming, and where they are, thanks to the Joshua Tree National Park Wildflower Watch site, at www.inaturalist.org/projects/joshua-tree-national-park-wildflower-watch.
Some years back, before the signage was installed, I spent countless trips and hours trying to find Heart Rock; it was very hard to find. Those were the days when you could visit Heart Rock and be the only person there. That won’t happen today!
One of my favorite short and easy hikes in the heart of JTNP is the historic Barker Dam Trail. It is a 1-mile loop trail that only takes about 30 minutes to complete, but you can make it longer or shorter if you want. This trail is mostly flat, with an elevation gain of less than 60 feet, and it does have some optional rock-scrambling. There are some iconic boulders on this trail, and large granite rock formations where you may see rock-climbers. Don’t miss the rock art site, where you’ll find petroglyphs. If you go during the rainy season or just after it rains, you may find water; however, it is mostly dry. I have seen bighorn sheep in the dam area before—and I’ve come across rattlesnakes, so be careful, and remember to watch your step.
Another short and easy hike—30 to 45 minutes, less than 2 miles—that is dear to my soul is the famous Heart Rock (and Arch Rock) Trail. This trail is located deeper in the park at White Tank Campground; you may find parking at the Arch Rock Trailhead parking lot in White Tank. Today, this is a marked trail with excellent signage that will take you right to Heart Rock, and then on a short loop to Arch Rock.
Some years back, before the signage was installed, I spent countless trips and hours trying to find Heart Rock; it was very hard to find. I made it my mission to find it, and I eventually did after a couple of years of searching. Those were the days when you could visit Heart Rock and be the only person there. That won’t happen today! Still, it really is worth seeing. It stands 10 feet tall and is surrounded by a stunning backdrop of boulders. You’ll love it! It is a scenic place for pictures at sunrise, at sunset, or any time throughout the day.
JTNP charges a moderate entrance fee; currently, a private vehicle pass, valid for seven days, is $30. You can also purchase an annual National Parks “America the Beautiful” pass for $80. There is little to no shade inside the park, so it’s a good idea to get an early start, and wear a hat along with appropriate clothing and gear. Stay hydrated; bring snacks and extra sunscreen; and always bring more water than you will need. There is no cell service in much of the park, so it’s a good idea to grab a map at the park entrance kiosk.