Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park - The Mastodon Trail

In this video, I chronicle my hike of the Mastodon Trail in the Joshua Tree National Park. Here, I visit the Fan Palm Oasis, Morteros (round holes in rocks used by the Cahuilla Indians to crush grains), and the ruins of an abandoned gold mine, Mastodon Mine. From the top of Mastodon Peak (3,440 ft.) are views of Salton Sea to the south, Cottonwood Mountain to the west, and Eagle Mountain to the northeast. I hope you enjoy this video.
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* I DO NOT accept anything from gear companies. I do not do paid reviews. I do not have any sponsors. All opinions are my own, based on my experiences. I do not plan to ever incorporate sponsorships on this channel in an effort to remain 100% impartial. If I were to accept gear in exchange for a review I would disclose it per FTC regulations.
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Pinhoti Trail Thruhike Gear List:
lighterpack.com/r/z69hum
PCT Sierra Section Hike Gear List:
lighterpack.com/r/ccsuhg
Pacific Crest Trail Thruhike Gear List:
Desert Section - lighterpack.com/r/mekl3i
Sierra Section - lighterpack.com/r/a891cc
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[@georgecuster527]

Best video ever .

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you George. 😁

[@erniepyer8701]

Great camera work, Reverend! Thank you so much much for the hike. I felt like I was there.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Ernie. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😁

[@sharrison3974]

What a great video - so beautifully filmed and edited. Thank you so much for sharing a wonderful trail.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you very much. I’m delighted that you enjoyed it. 😁

[@RonaldBrock-qs1uf]

Luv the Joshua Tree.
Taught my kids how to bolder and rock climb there.
So many memories of hiking and camping for weeks at a time.
Thanks for bringing back so many memories!!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re quite welcome Ronald. Glad you enjoyed it. 😁

[@Agratefulman]

WOW! just WOW!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. I agree! 😁

[@danmolnar9751]

Beautiful videography. I enjoyed the silence. It allowed me the opportunity to focus on your natural surroundings. Thank you for sharing your hike.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re quite welcome Dan. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😁

[@rrrevered]

Well done, Rev. :)
This video has kept me company this morning.
I have it on loop. Natural sounds and light piano. Very tasteful audio.
Thank you!
Rev, you are an inspiration to me.
I want to get out and backpack.
I am overweight. I got the equipment.
I will practice before making a leap --
Rucking (Backpacking) with gallons of water. :)
Lord bless you and keep you!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you. I’m glad I can be an inspiration to you. We all need encouragement and inspiration. 😁

[@stephenrrose]

Looking at Gods Handiwork! It doesn't get much better than that! Thanks for bringing us along! Loved the hike, the nature and just the right music! Thank you!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re quite welcome Stephen. Glad you enjoyed it. 😁

[@Mikehastohike]

Absolutely amazing video! No words needed, but you’re one of the few I like hearing speak.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Mike. You’re very kind.😁

[@MaryTravels53]

Sometimes words are not necessary..visual communication today. I like it! You are looking healthy and fit!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Mary. Too healthy. I got to lose some weight. 😁

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Great to see you back - and on a lovely trail! When I lived in LA, I used to love going out to J Tree. My favorite hike was an evening cross country walk to the northeast from Pinto Basin parking area to a ridge about 3/4 of a mile away. It’s silent out there with just the sound of the wind.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Michael. I’m going to try and do that hike while I’m here. 😁

[@jimbray5882]

Thanks Rev!!! Beautiful….

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Jim. Hope you’re doing well. 😁

[@rrichardson53]

Really nice to see you on the trail! Gorgeous scenery. I enjoyed taking in the beauty of the landscape. My poor hubby had a trip to ER today and will stay overnight. Not sure yet what’s wrong with him. Watching this calmed down my nerves. Life is short and we never know when we will be called home❤

[@TheHikingRev]

Bless your heart Rebecca. We’ll be praying for him. 👏🏻

[@danidaskam1027]

Great video! The landscape and filming needed no narration. Just awesome!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks 😁

[@garyblack2858]

So much said with not a single word spoken! Great photography Rev. Hope to hike there soon.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Gary. It’s a great place to hike. 😁

[@Thedagoneman]

Just beautiful

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. 😁

[@jisungrocks5871]

Nice video! I moved there because i visited almost every season for over 30 years. I love it there!

[@TheHikingRev]

It’s a beautiful place. 😁

[@ruthgoebel723]

Beautiful video. Thanks for taking us along!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks for coming Ruth. 😁

[@lynetetreault3799]

It is zen! Nice video 😉

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Lyne. I’m going to go meditate now. 😁

[@Awomaninthewilderness]

Beautiful video Rev, sometimes silence is golden, thank you for sharing!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you. I have to be reminded of that often. 😁

[@mariojsworld]

Great hike of the Mastodon Trail.

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes. It was a great hike. 😁

[@barbaramitchell7917]

Very nice! I myself enjoy this special place

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Barbara. It is a very special place. 😁

[@sloanbooks]

Your camera work is inspirational. Thank you.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you. 😁

[@markfletcher8084]

Beautiful! And great music.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Mark. 😁

[@deborahhill3105]

Finding beauty. Excellent work. ❤️

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Deborah. 😁

[@ajaynangalia334]

So great to see you back on trail!! 😃

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. 😁

[@thomasheaney2087]

Nice to see you out on the trail again.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Thomas. It’s good to be back out. 😁

[@derekhanson2151]

Another great video as always, you never dissappoint and I know you never will. That area looks so beautiful, I would love to make it out there someday. God Bless and keep the great videos coming

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Derek. I’ll try. 😁

[@chrisdominguez7485]

Great Video!! Been there, triggered fond memories of that hike and several others nearby. Thank you!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Chris. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😁

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

It's good to see you out on the trail thanks for sharing! Its a great time of year to be in the desert.

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Mike. It’s beautiful here in the desert. I got to do a hike this past weekend from Barrel Springs to Scissors Crossing SOBO on the PCT. Great hike. Was kinda cold but not bad. 😁

[@ervinslens]

Brilliant camera composition my friend, such a beautiful and enjoyable episode!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Ervin. 😁

[@lukeflynn7025]

❤ from 🇮🇪

[@TheHikingRev]

Sláinte 😁

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

Very, very nice!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. 😁

[@ianhall702]

Great work, thank you!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Ian. 😁

[@behindenemylines9033]

Always enjoyable videos Rev! Hope to see you out there sometime. Good day sir.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks.😁

[@tammieflemal7871]

Was stationed at 29 Palms back in ‘78-79. First time I’d ever seen landscape like that. Found it beautiful even considering I grew up in Florida

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Tammie. Yeah. It’s a little different than Florida. 😁

[@hikinganddrone]

Nice sharing my friend 👍👍👍

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😁

[@TeaParty45]

Great video, thanks!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re quite welcome. 😁

[@gabriele1975]

Oh such beauty!!! Truly amazing!

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes it is, Gabriele. 😁

[@robertdesrosiers4743]

hey rev good too see you be well be blessed

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Robert. 😁

[@gregburkhart9764]

Nicely done!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Greg. 😁

[@craigbernthal7388]

Ohmmmm.

[@TheHikingRev]

👍

[@wolfeadventures]

Great editing Rev! Looks like a nice day.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Brad. It was beautiful. 😁

[@AdventureAwaits83]

Beautifully done and not a word spoken.... Awesome place for a hike..

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. Yeah. That’s very unusual for a preacher. 🤣

[@AdventureAwaits83]

@@TheHikingRev Nothing wrong with that, sometimes you don't have to say anything and just let the video say it for you..

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

Beautiful hike, Rev!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. 😁

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

You're welcome@@TheHikingRev

[@musingwithreba9667]

Good video and editing work. I don't think I've seen Joshua Tree before.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Reba. It’s very beautiful and desolate. 😁

[@peterjohnson6273]

Nice, Rev! Thanks! :>)

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re quite welcome Peter. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😁

[@jeep4dirt]

Wonderful video. Would love to see u make a video discussing how u make your videos.

[@TheHikingRev]

Great idea. 😁

[@Hikealittle65]

No talking needed God's creation says it all.

[@TheHikingRev]

That’s the truth. 😁

[@danielduesentriebjunior]

Beautiful landscapes. But hey, Rev, you have put on some weight! Reminds me that I should lose about 10 Kilo, so that I will survive some already planned trails in the Alps coming summer.

[@TheHikingRev]

Ha! You noticed! I tried to “suck it in” when I started filming. The Holidays were brutal and in January I got sick. But I’ll be in “hiking shape” when the season gets here. 😁

[@danielduesentriebjunior]

@@TheHikingRev So we are both working on it!

[@cody484848]

Another great video! Thank you so much for sharing this hike. If you don't mine me asking, what do you use to record your videos with? I'm curious to know you setup - thanks.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Cody. I use my Apple iPhone 14 Pro. For the “walk-by” videos, I put my phone on a mini tripod. Then I edit the video on iMovie and upload it to CZcams. 😁

[@davidcallaghan247]

Camera skillage🎉😮

[@TheHikingRev]

Yeah. 😂

[@shirleyhall1924]

What are the temperatures like there now? Great drone footage. That is really a special place.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Shirley. Temps are 40’s - 60’s F. 😁

[@DesertNebula]

How fun! The desert is relaxing and the mountains are getting some snow early mornings
How long was your hike?!

[@TheHikingRev]

4 mile loop. 764 ft. elev.

[@Brandyelyse]

What was that Bible verse u said every morning on the PCT. I have some memory issues and I can't remember ift but I like it.

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Brandy. Psalms 118:24 - “This is the day which the LORD hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

[@Brandyelyse]

@@TheHikingRev thank you

[@rudycharles9013]

Thank you, Rev. I needed this encouragement and inspiration. I like the idea; beautiful and desolate. At times, grief hits me hard.. .I need to do this Joshua Tree trial. I'm in Upland, Indland Empire; not too far from there. I've done the Palm Desert Cross and surrounding trails before. Muchas Gracias, sir.
Blessings, Rudy

[@TheHikingRev]

@@rudycharles9013 It’s a great trail. You’ll enjoy it. 😁