On the verge of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts in the United States, the ruggedly beautiful landscape of Joshua Tree National Park draws many visitors every year. The dagger-like vegetation and smooth geological formations throughout Joshua Tree National Park form a scenic desert wilderness that can be easily enjoyed as a daytrip or a weekend trip or a longer visit.
The park is best reached from Los Angeles or the nearby resort town of Palm Springs. The desert is believed to be one of the prime spots for stargazing in the United States, so do spend at least one night in one of the campgrounds inside the park and enjoy the stars of the bright Milky Way, a rare luxury for those living in cities.
On colder winter nights, you may want to invest in a hotel room in the nearby towns of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, or Yucca Valley. On the other hand, extremely hot summer months can be quite unbearable for many, so the best time for visiting is in winter and spring.
Tip: If you would like to have the desert all for yourself, aim to visit the Park as early in the morning as possible. This is also the best time to hike or climb as temperatures are not too warm yet.
The Ancient Joshua Trees
Joshua Tree was named by Mormon settlers passing through the desert in the 19th century. The shape of the tree reminded them of the biblical story where Joshua raises his hands to the sky in prayer. Although abundant in the western part of the park, there are some particular areas where the trees are particularly large. After turning from Park Boulevard, on the way to Keys View, the valley is sprinkled with some of the oldest Joshua Trees that are likely over 500 years old!
Cholla Gardens
In the middle of Joshua Tree National Park thrives a huge forest of the special, other-worldly Cholla cacti. What makes them unique is the halo that appears when the sun penetrates their thorns (just after sunrise or before sunset) – don’t forget to bring your camera! You can take an easy and short walk through these cacti but don’t be tempted to touch them despite their innocent and fluffy appearance!
Tip: Plan to arrive to the cholla gardens one hour before sunset to enjoy the spectacle of their shining silhouettes.
Ryan Mountain
For spectacular panoramic 360-degree vistas of the park, this is the best place to go. Aim for a very early morning hike to avoid the haze from spoiling your views. The shadows and colours of the rising sun give an additional charm to the desert landscape. The trail is a moderately strenuous and it will take 40-60 minute hike upwards with several steps. Especially during warm days, do make sure to bring plenty of water with you.
Tip: For a more easily accessible sunrise viewpoint, head to Keys View which offers magnificent panoramas of Salton Sea, San Andreas Fault and reaching beyond Palm Springs (on a clear day).
Giant boulders
In addition to unique vegetation and desert views, a highlight for many visitors is the unlimited options for climbing. The park is covered with massive rock formations spiking out of the otherwise relatively flat landscape. Favourite spots (for climbing or just marveling at the round boulders) include the Hidden Valley, the Jumbo Rocks with the famous Skull Rock, and the Hall of Horrors.
very beautiful