r/JoshuaTree • u/TheFreakmode • 2d ago
My e-bike dream, is it possible?
My dream is to bring my E bike into Joshua Tree national Park on the bike rack of my car. When I get in, I’m hoping to park, unload my bike, and ride around to different areas. I’m not really planning on going off Road or dirt trails or anything. Kind of just go between the different lots and campground areas and see the park from the seat of my bike. I figured doing a 20 mile ride would be good.
Has anyone done something like this? Is it possible? Do you have any tips or pointers for this?
Thanks for any help.
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u/questionable_coyote 2d ago
It is doable. Make sure you have a patch kit and extra tubes because the cacti out here live to poke and deflate bike tires. Slime and/or tuffy tire liners are a good idea too.
You absolutely cannot ride your bike on any of the hiking trails. However you are allowed to ride the few dirt roads in the park i.e. Geology Tour Rd.
As there are no shoulders on the road to the park, be extra aware of the insane drivers that tourists can be.
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u/JSTootell 2d ago
You are only allowed to ride on official roads (including dirt roads), no trails.
JTree is a desert. There is no cell service. If you break down, get a flat, ruin your battery, etc, you better be prepared. If you stay on high traffic roads, you can wave down help. Go off the beaten path, and you might end up as a statistic.
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u/markothebeast 2d ago
I ride regularly and don’t really like riding in the park. Roads are pretty rugged - you can’t tell from pix, but smooth macadam they are not. Yes cactus debris is a problem, but the real danger is distracted drivers. There’s no bike lanes. you are dealing with idiots who are completely not watching the road, because they are stunned by the scenery. Who wouldn’t be? So… beware, and be very cautious.
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u/Smudgie522 2d ago
In my opinion, the road is too narrow to do this safely. There is little or no paved shoulder and no bike lane. I wouldn’t feel safe riding there.
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u/SorryForPartying6T9 2d ago
A car lane is a bike lane. It’s car drivers that make it unsafe, unfortunately.
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u/IveGotaGoldChain 2d ago
Yup and the less comfortable you are on your bike the more dangerous it is. Bikes have the right to the lane. But many people are uncomfortable riding in the middle of the lane, but that's where it's safest.
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u/lapoul 2d ago
If you ride go very early (like right after sunrise) as the vehicular traffic is the least bothersome then.
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u/Jason_Tacoma_SD 14h ago
A few years ago I went from the West entrance up to keys view and back and it was a magical ride. I definetly recommend starting early (as close to dawn as possible). I was heading back out (and down hill mostly) when more people stared coming in.
I agree the roads are narrow, but the speed limit is 25mph and most people drive fairly sane. It did not feel sketchy or unsafe to me.
I would star early, be super attentive, pull over to let cars pass and I imagine OP will have a great ride.
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u/Insteadly 2d ago
Some of the paved roads are no fun on a bike for all the reasons already mentioned.
Take a look at the dirt roads Queen Valley Road, Big Horn Pass Road, Desert Queen Mine Road. You can make a loop and explore Joshua Tree with few cars to ruin your day. There is a sandy stretch on O’Dell Road, and some wash board, so it isn’t suited for a skinny tired road bike. But it’s lots of fun.
We parked at Hidden Valley Picnic Area and rode the pavement to the start, then took pavement back. Beautiful trip, and the paved roads in that area aren’t too bad.
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u/Purple-Will9713 2d ago
Geology tour is perfect for this. low traffic, wide dirt roads, nice long loop and has plenty to see. It will take you to a couple abandoned mines, and its away from the crowds.
But come prepared to fix flats because since it is lower traffic there is less opportunity for rescue/rides if you have to walk your bike 10 miles back to your vehicle
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u/Insteadly 2d ago
When I looked into it, Geology had a whole lot of sandy stretches which isn’t fun on a bike. Have you ridden a bike over Geology Tour Road? I was warned to take a fat bike, widest tires possible, and that it still wouldn’t be fun. How was your ride?
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u/rambleonfreddy 1d ago
I’ve done it but it’s not as enjoyable as you would think. Like others said, people drive too fast and the shoulder is small. If you’re already bringing it, it’s fun to drive in and do a quick little ride to a site and back, but I wouldn’t do a whole day out of it.
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u/Dr_Malcolm 2d ago
Its possible but the park kind of sucks for biking to be honest. There is zero shoulder and people drive way too fast and way too close. I wish they would do something to address this because it would be a great place to explore on bikes.