JOSHUA TREE TRAIL CAMP

February 29 - March 3rd 2024

Joshua Tree Trail Running Details

Our four-day trail running camp in Joshua Tree is an exciting adventure in the stunning high desert. We are excited to invite you to this one-of-a-kind landscape for a memorable trail running experience. This camp can accommodate up to 9 athletes and will be led by 3 experienced camp leaders, ensuring the best training camp for you.

This camp is open to all paces but we must say that this is not a hiking camp. The sedona group Gave me grief for saying this since we did hike but the point is that you need to be prepared to run the distances below :)
We ask that you are able to spend 2 to 3 hours running/hiking on trail for both the Friday and Saturday big adventure run days. 
Expect to cover between 17-20 miles over the four days. 
This camp will boost your fitness AND you need to have a solid fitness base to attend. 
If you feel that coming to this camp is a goal you would like to train for, 
we are available for one-on-one coaching or to develop a training plan to get you there. 
We WANT you here!

During our mornings, we'll go on Adventure Runs. In the afternoons and evenings, we'll relax, explore the town, do some shopping, and visit the integratron for a sound bath. We'll also have a few casual workshops and discussions about trail running nutrition, recovery, strength training, and the mental aspect of running.

At camp, we cover all your meals (except for alcohol) and will send you a questionnaire to know your food preferences. You can expect to have some meals at the camp headquarters and others in nearby places to try out the local food.

We aim to provide a motivating space for dedicated women who are serious about their sport to train alongside others who share their passion.

As an adult, I am incredibly fortunate to have made two new friends with my co-leads due to our shared interests 
in trail running and love of the outdoors…and donuts :)
We hope to provide the same kind of environment for you as well.

If this sounds like something you are interested in and you are ready to reserve your spot, 
please click the link below. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

I’ve had a few womxn reach out to me saying they aren’t in shape for this camp but really want to be. I love this so much. I want womxn to want to train for big, physical goals instead of aesthetically based goals meant to keep us small. If you need any help at all, with the running or strength training component, please reach out by filling out the form below. We can set up a time to talk and design a training program that works for you. Whether you need a coach to guide you weekly or just to check in once a month, we have you covered.

Training Plans for Camp

If you are interested in training to come to this camp or are looking for a running coach in general, we have you covered!

Thursday

FEbruary 29th |  3-4 miles | TBD

After a brief introduction when we arrive at the house, we will go for a short run of 3-4 miles to shake off our travel day.

The Trail Runs

At Camp, we offer one guided trail run every day. Each trail lead will accompany a group of three campers. We'll have three pace groups and will regroup at different points on the trail. Our main goal is to work hard, but also to enjoy the stunning landscape as a cohesive group. While we aim to follow the itinerary provided, please understand that unforeseen circumstances may require us to make adjustments.

Friday

March 1st | Maze Loop, window trail and north view loop trail| 7.2 miles | 853 ft of gain

Today’s adventure has us starting near the entrance to the park, but don’t be fooled, it’s a loop that has everything. The quintessential Joshua Trees will surround us as we start climbing on loose rock single track. We are quickly rewarded with gorgeous views in all directions. There are boulders to climb along the trail before we finish in flat loose sand. I enjoyed the variety of this loop immensely.

Saturday

March 2nd  | Long Run Day | Lost palms oasis Trail + optional Mastodon Peak | 7-9 ish miles | 1452 ft of gain

Embark on a thrilling run away from the busy areas of the park, starting at the Cottonwood entrance. This exciting adventure run includes climbing Mastodon Peak to witness stunning views of the Salton Sea and Coachella valley. Afterward, enjoy a scenic run along a winding trail surrounded by Octotillo plants until we reach the beautiful Lost Palms Oasis at the trail's end.

Sunday

March 3rd | optional Goodbye run near the house | 3-4 miles

Choose between running or hiking on nearby trails (3-4 miles), or simply relax at the house. We encourage you to challenge yourself, but ultimately, the choice is yours.

Spin & Margies Desert Hideway

(or something equivalent)

Our headquarters from camp is located just minutes to the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park

Spin & Margies has been a quirky gem since 2000, with mature desert landscaping and a gorgeous community swimming pool. While Joshua Tree boasts unique landscapes and outdoor adventures, this desert chic stay features one-of-kind design filled with vintage furnishings, vibrant colors, and southwestern patterns. This rental includes the entire motel property, which has personality and charm in every detail.

I haven’t attended a running camp before because I’ve either been too intimated to go to coed ones or the female only ones didn’t seem like the right fit. I LOVE the desert so much and I’m thrilled to finally be attending my first camp with Amy, who I’ve trained with for years.

Camden RIchards, sonoma, california

FAQ

  • Trail runners of varying paces and abilities are welcome to camp. That said, this is not a hiking camp. Please look at the planned runs to make sure this is something you will be able to do. If you aren’t sure, reach out to us and we can figure it out together :)

    Our longest run will be 9 trail miles with some rocky terrain and climbing (2 ish hours) and while there is no time limit, out of respect for the other participants, please arrive to camp willing and able to take this on.

    We want to challenge and support each other during this camp. We don’t expect you to be an elite athlete but we do want to make sure you are prepared.

  • There is a non-refundable $600 deposit due at registration.

    Cancel between registration and January 18th, 2024 and receive a full refund minus the non-refundable deposit.

    No refunds will be given for cancellations after January 29, 2024

    Late cancellations make it extremely costly for us to find other participants and we are likely to take a loss. If you are concerned about a potential issue, we strongly encourage purchasing trip insurance.

  • Make sure to pack a variety of running clothing for both hot and cool temperatures as weather in JT is still warm during the day but can be chilly at night. You need a hydration pack that can carry 2 liters of water. Pack your favorite running snacks and of course trail shoes. Don’t forget a bathing suit for the pool and hot tub and also something a little nicer for a few dinners out on the town. And all the hats…

  • There will be a complimentary shuttle leaving Palm Springs Airport at 2pm on Thursday, February 29th. On Sunday morning, we will leave by 9:30 am arriving by 10:20 am. Please plan your flights accordingly. If you can’t make our shuttle, Uber is available for the 50 minute trip to JT but it will definitely be more fun in our vans :) On Sunday, we will leave for the airport by 10 am so plan your flights out for the early afternoon.

  • A healthy breakfast bar will be offered each morning at camp headquarters, gourmet picnic lunches, and evening dinners out on the town are all provided. In addition, headquarters will be stocked with a variety of snacks, waters, and beers.

  • One thing I learned from my own running camp experiences is although I loved spending time doing planned things, I also really wanted a few hours of down time. For those of you who may want to nap, have a second run, go into town or read a book by the pool, we have this time built in for you.