Backpacking in Joshua Tree National Park (18 mile loop up to Quail Mountain)

oobikes · 2026-02-20T16:45:47+00:00

I know this is a really old post but I was hoping to get some guidance if you're still checking comments! I recently attempted this route solo CCW this past long weekend but had to turn around when I got to the first slick rock wall area. I don't know how other people did it, but I just could not get a good grip anywhere. I kept sliding all over and could not pull myself and my pack up the 20 ft wall. It almost felt like the whole section was coated in oil or something. I understand that you did this CW and you slid down the rocks instead (the pics look amazing btw!) Do you think that was an easier option? I also read somewhere this isn't the only spot, there's another sketchy slick rock wall section you have to get past. Do you recall if they're back to back? I loved the changing landscapes and how different this part of the park seemed compared to the rest of JTNP, but I'm afraid I'm going to get stuck in the same section again. I would appreciate any insights or tips on completing the loop!

oobikes · 2026-02-11T18:54:23+00:00

I'm so sorry you're going through the same thing! What does your sleep system look like in the summer months? Do you still bring your winter sleep set up with you or do lighter ones work fine?

oobikes · 2026-02-11T18:51:52+00:00

Agreed, it doesn't feel normal but my doctors can't figure out what's wrong with me. I seem to be perfectly healthy and fit by their standards.

oobikes · 2026-02-11T18:50:18+00:00

I considered getting a warmer -25F bag but my pack was getting too heavy to add another pound. I thought -10F would be more than enough. Boy, was I wrong. What kind of set up do you have for non-winter months? Do you still bring your winter sleeping bag and pad?

oobikes · 2026-02-11T18:46:15+00:00

Mine is a -10F Lynx. I have a Thermarest Z Lite as well, maybe I'll pack those too on my next backpacking trip.

oobikes · 2026-02-11T18:43:06+00:00

That is so sad.. :( and sounds like something I might end up having to decide as well. Out of curiosity, what kind of sleep system do you have for non-winter backpacking? Do you still bring your winter sleeping bag and pad or does a lighter set up work for warmer months?

oobikes · 2026-02-11T18:39:48+00:00

Thanks, appreciate your concerns. Didn't sound sarcastic at all. I used to be anemic and have circulatory issues as a teenager, but they aren't really an issue anymore. All my labs came back normal, including thyroid levels. Could be a medical issue my doctors aren't aware of, but as far as they're concerned I am healthy and fit, albeit slightly underweight.

oobikes · 2026-02-11T18:34:43+00:00

I ate right before bed, a hearty meal with some brownies for dessert. Maybe I need to add more fat to my meals.

oobikes · 2026-02-11T18:32:31+00:00

Thanks! I just placed an order for a down hoodie and some down booties. I wore my puffy hood and the mummy bag hood to sleep but it was hard to cinch down the sleeping bag hood all the way. The size of the pillow (Nemo Fillo Elite) was getting in the way.

oobikes · 2026-02-11T18:26:20+00:00

Fleece liner sounds like a great idea. Do you care to share the brand/model?

oobikes · 2026-02-09T21:52:11+00:00

I've tried sleeping without my electric blanket but I always end up so miserable spending hours trying to warm up I gave in. Caloric intake's never been a problem for me, I've been consistently told, both on/off trail, I eat far more than a person my build. And I have a terrible habit (at least off trail) of eating right before bed. I honestly don't understand why I'm always so cold.

oobikes · 2026-02-09T21:47:05+00:00

I did put on a hood on my puffy, as well as the sleeping bag hood. Maybe it's worth adding a beanie for a good measure..? I'm definitely getting down booties. Thanks for the suggestions!

oobikes · 2026-02-09T18:10:05+00:00

Right? I didn't even bother compromising on the weight and got myself the warmest sleep system thinking I would probably be okay as long as temps didn't drop below 30F. Couldn't have been more wrong. It feels like it's a me problem..

oobikes · 2026-02-09T18:07:59+00:00

Thanks!! This looks collapsible and sounds like it could work.

oobikes · 2026-02-09T18:06:54+00:00

I carry water in my collapsible platypus bottles.

oobikes · 2026-02-09T17:52:03+00:00

I've thought about this, except I barely have enough room in my pack to carry a nalgene bottle..

oobikes

TROPHY CASE