Traveling to the City of 29 Palms and Joshua Tree National Park will look a little different at this time, and will require taking more time to plan safely.
While our hospitality businesses are eager to welcome you back, we kindly ask that you be conscientious of your impact on our small desert community when visiting. To help you do so, Visit 29 Palms has put together a list of 10 tips to travel safely and responsibly this fall. Our staff are here to help answer questions or concerns and to help with trip planning, so give us a call at (760)358-6324 or contact us through our website.
#1 – Plan ahead, call ahead
Take extra time to research and plan your trip, and always call ahead. Many businesses and services in 29 Palms have made changes to their schedules and adopted new protocols to ensure your safety, so we recommend you call ahead and know what to expect. Find out what businesses and attractions are open before you arrive, and if Joshua Tree National Park is on your list of places to visit, please review important safety information in advance.
#2 – Wear your mask and practice healthy hygiene
Wearing a face covering/masks helps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and is encouraged upon entering local businesses in 29 Palms. Wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Remember, washing your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds is best, but if a sink is not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
#3 – Pack the essentials
Be sure to pack enough hand sanitizer, hand soap, gloves, and extra face masks/coverings to last through your trip. Supplies like these are still in limited supply so please be prepared and bring your own. Packing groceries and other essential supplies will also help you reduce your touch points while traveling.
#4 – Travel in small groups
Traveling in small groups with immediate members of your household will make it easier for you to practice social distancing while out in public, and will have less of an impact on the businesses and destinations you are planning to visit our in community.
#5 – Maintain physical distancing
Stay at least 6 feet apart from other people when outside of your home. Keeping a safe space between you and others, combined with wearing a face masks or covering are some of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to COVID-19 and slowing its spread locally, and across the state, country, and world.
#6 – Monitor your health and know how to contact your health care provider
If you’re feeling sick, please do not travel. If you are traveling at this time, be sure to carry your health insurance card with you and know how to contact your health care provider. While traveling, be alert for symptoms and watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, and other known symptoms of COVID-19. If you develop symptoms please contact your health care provider immediately. For general assistance and resources you can also call the San Bernardino County COVID Hotline at (909) 387-3911, available Monday through Friday from 9 AM – 5 PM.
#7 – Remember, your safety is your responsibility
When visiting Joshua Tree National Park in the summer season please take caution and avoid planning strenuous outdoor activities in the daytime when average summer temperatures often surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Carry a minimum of one gallon of water per person, per day, and drink often to avoid dehydration. If you’re out hiking, turn around once you’ve consumed half of your water supply. Bring salty snacks to help your body replace electrolytes lost when sweating, and wear loose-fitting, light colored clothing. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also a must. Review important safety information in advance, and check the park’s guidance to make sure the hike you’re planning is safe to do in the summertime.
#8 – Leave no trace
Small actions can have big impacts. By being conscientious, planning ahead, and making smart choices while enjoying recreational activities outdoors in national parks, preservers, and monuments, we can minimize our individual impact on the environment, and the very natural and cultural resources that make these places so special. When visiting 29 Palms and our our neighboring National Park, National Monument, and National Preserve, please follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles and recreate responsibly while minimizing your impact on the desert landscape.
#9 – Support local businesses
Our hospitality businesses are eager to welcome you back, and your support is more crucial than ever. With travel restrictions and border closures still in place, this is the time for Californian’s to explore their own state.
#10 – Be respectful
Let’s all be patient, kind, and respectful of one another. When visiting 29 Palms this winter please be prepared to find new protocols and measures in place at your favorite shops, restaurants, and hotels. Service might take longer than usual, pools and spas might be closed or have limited access, and shops and restaurants might be at capacity when you arrive. Please be respectful to the business owners and staff who have been working extremely hard to put these new measures, and remember, these changes are in place to help protect your own health and safety.
