Men's Journal

From the crystalline waters of Jacksonville to the quartz crystals of Joshua Tree National Park — Men’s Journal will help make this weekend yours. Read on.

By Chase Scheinbaum and Nicholas Ayala

Joshua Tree National Park, April 10-11

Twentynine Palms, California

This week, dig out your cams (and bouldering pad) for a stint in the desert-adventure oasis of Joshua Tree National Park. Named for the Dr. Suess-esque trees, this Mojave Desert destination is known to climbers everywhere for another reason: its stunning quartz monzonite formations. The winds that sweep through the high-desert canyons won’t keep J-Tree cool for much longer, so now’s your chance to have a run of the place before the summer scorch ensues. Make it there now, and you can also witness the evanescent wildflower bloom — the rainstorms that left Southern Californians paddling to their cars this winter has made the desert a color wheel a vibrant hues.

One of J-Tree’s longer lines, the four-pitch Right On (5.5) is a perfect warm-up and will deliver a vista over the park. If your rock technique needs some sprucing, take either of two two-day courses offered this weekend by Vertical Adventures’ experienced, AMGA-certified guides. Hone your traditional climbing skills in a course focusing on anchor-building and lead climbing; $245 or $125 for a single day. Or, perfect your lead climbing techniques and evolve into a smooth, confident crack-climber; $295. Both courses are offered Saturday-Sunday.

For diversion from the cliffs, hike the park’s trails to see its namesake flora, or hop in a Jeep to cover more ground. Try the burly 6-mile Quayle Mountain hike, or a shorter jaunt like the scenic 3-mile Ryan Mountain trail.  Jeep tours of the park and the nearby San Andreas Fault are offered by outfits like this one. Fellow climbers can be found yammering about their day at the crags over pints at Crossroads Café and Tavern in the town of Joshua Tree.

Travel and Accommodation

Good camping for climbers can be had in the park on the fly at Hidden Valley or Ryan Campground. But try to plan ahead and reserve Indian Cove or Black Rock Canyon to sleep amongst the stones. Click here to view all campsites in the park and make reservations. Sacred Sands Bed and Breakfast offers private spas, and king-size beds in a luxury strawbale building. The park is a three hour drive from Los Angeles International Airport and just a tad longer from San Diego International Airport.

Springing the Blues Festival, April 9-11

Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Looking for something other than fairytales and mice in Florida? With twenty years down, George’s Music Springing the Blues Festival at Jacksonville Beach’s Seawalk Plaza has proven itself to be one of Florida’s premier events. Enjoy a weekend of more than 20 musical acts playing the blues on the beachfront — all for the low cost of FREE. Of course, premium seating is available by day or for the entire weekend ($10-$50), landing you in front of the stage with armchairs and a beverage bar. Not a bad setup.

Springing the Blues isn’t the only event happening in Jacksonville Beach this weekend. Get some exercise by entering Performance Running the Blues 5K Run & 2.5K Walk on Saturday. You’ll be able to register at the race site an hour before the race begins at 10:30 AM. Surfing is on the menu, too. Although the deadline for the Surfing the Blues contest has passed, you can still go check out pros and amateurs alike ripping the waves Saturday and Sunday at the Jacksonville Beach Pier.

If you’re gearing to get even more active, the Fort George Island Cultural State Park is just up the road. Kayaking, fishing, and hiking are just a few of the things you can do at this Jacksonville spot.

What’s a weekend trip without great food? Goat cheese crusted chicken at Eleven South Bistro and scaloppini alla moda at Giovanni’s Bar & Grill should do the trick for two out of the three days. Just remember to explore.

Travel and Accommodation

Finding a place to stay in Jacksonville Beach shouldn’t be much of an issue. Choose from a number of hotels here and enjoy that oceanfront. Traveling to Jacksonville Beach will likely consist of a flight and a drive or just the latter. If you’re arriving by air, land via the Jacksonville International Airport. Basic driving directions and map can be found at the bottom of the page here.