After a week of climbing in Joshua Tree, my hands were shredded, my skin dry, and my energy low—but I wasn’t ready to leave. Packing up felt premature. I wanted one last night under the stars, away from the crowds and climbing routes. So, I grabbed my daypack, stuffed it with the essentials, and hit the trail.

Joshua Tree’s backcountry makes packing light easy. All I needed was a ground sheet, sleeping pad, my Big Agnes Torchlight sleeping bag, some water, and a quick breakfast. I zipped up my pack, slammed the van door shut, and let the desert guide my footsteps.