During our time in Palm Springs, we blocked off an evening to spend exploring Joshua Tree National Park. I had heard amazing things, and Ryan, being a photographer, was dying to go for a chance at getting to shoot the Milky Way. We both had incredibly high hopes for what lied ahead, and needless to say, we were not let down in the least! Joshua Tree was easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.
We started our drive through the park at the Joshua Tree entrance right around 5:30pm. We wanted to be driving through the park during sunset, and stay long enough to watch the stars come out. I was completely taken by the change in terrain as we drove through – between the giant rocks and the yucca trees, it was like we had transported onto a different planet! It was so fascinating to be surrounded by a place that was so barren yet full of life at the same time.
We pulled over at one point to climb up onto one of the giant rock structures just as the sun was setting. The sky turned every shade of pink and purple possible. As the light dimmed, it was so amazing to watch the nature in front of us become just black silhouettes against the setting sun. Once we lost daylight, we found a spot to pull over, and laid outside, watching the stars come out one by one.
And just like that – the Milky Way appeared. Faintly at first, but with each passing minute grew brighter and brighter. It’s incredible how easy it was to see with my naked eye once I knew what I was looking for. It was breathtaking – the feeling you get seeing something like that is so surreal and hard to describe. It was easily one of the more magical moments I’ve ever experienced.
Photos by Ryan Sides
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DRESS: ANTHROPOLOGIE | NECKLACE: BAUBLEBAR | SANDALS: LOUISE ET CIE (similar) | SUNGLASSES: ANN TAYLOR
This is such a beautiful post. I have been to Joshua Tree with my family before, but I don’t remember it too much! xx Adaleta Avdic