joshua tree national park
Southeast California is home to Joshua Tree National Park, a breathtaking and distinctive desert landscape. The Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia), a distinctive and well-known tree with spiky leaves that is indigenous to the Southwest of the United States, is the inspiration behind the park’s name. The park is renowned for its striking geological features, which include enormous boulders and granite outcrops which offers unique rock climbing opportunities for climbers who frequently visit the area. Also, there are many hiking paths in the Park, from easy to strenuous hikes. Plus, the Park is a great place to see stars because it has been recognized as a Dark Sky Park. The sky is full of stars on clear evenings, and the park occasionally holds astronomy activities. Needless to say, nature lovers and those looking for a desert adventure should not miss Joshua Tree National Park, a unique location that provides a variety of natural beauties and outdoor activities.
BASIC FACTS ON JOSHUA TREE
LOCATION: Southeastern California
SIZE: Approximately 790,636 acres (1,235 square miles or 3,199 square kilometers).
FOUNDED: October 31, 1994
BEST TIME TO VISIT: January, February, March/April (for the superbloom), November, and December
HOW MANY DAYS: 1-2 DAYS
ROAD TRIP SUGGESTION: California & Nevada Deserts Road Trip
NOTE: Reservations might be required to enter the park during peak seasons and you might need additional info about the park in order to have a smooth travel. Please VISIT HERE for latest information about the park.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE
Rock Climbing. Joshua Tree is a well-known location for rock climbing. The park has a variety of granite formations that are appropriate for climbers of all ability levels, whether they are novices or experts.
Hiking. Hike along any one of the park’s numerous trails to see the varied landscapes. A few of the popular paths are Hidden Valley, Ryan Mountain and many more.
Cholla Cactus Garden. Explore the relaxing Cholla Cactus Garden, which is stocked with Cholla cacti. It looks especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Arch Rock. Hike to Arch Rock, a natural arch formation. It is especially stunning at dawn and dusk.
Skull Rock. Stop by Skull Rock, an intriguing rock structure like a skull. It is conveniently located near the main road.
Keys Vew. For sweeping views of the San Andreas Fault, the Coachella Valley, and the Salton Sea, take a hike or drive to Keys View. It’s a great location for sunsets.
Stargazing. Take pleasure in some of the nation’s best stargazing. Since the park is an International Dark Sky Park, it’s a great place to see the stars at night especially from March to September (July-August is the best) when Milky Way is visible. The east side of the park is better than the south and west since it is further than any city which cause light pollution that prevents great stargazing experience for visitors.
Drive Geology Tour Road. In Joshua Tree National Park, Geology Tour Road is the most popular 4WD route. As you drive this loop, you can learn about the park’s geology and the formation of the landscapes. It is well-maintained by the National Park Service.
Hike to Hidden Oasis (Fotynine Palms Oasis). The trail takes you through the desert landscape, offering views of Joshua Trees, rock formations, and the surrounding hills. The hike’s high point is arriving at the oasis, home to a verdant grove of Washingtonia filifera, or California fan palms. The neighboring dry desert terrain contrasts sharply with this oasis.
Barker Dam. Discover the historical Barker Dam, a water reservoir that offers chances to see wildlife and petroglyphs.
TOP EXPERIENCE
BERDOO CANYON ROAD.
This difficult, gravel route winds through the San Bernardino Mountains and heads through Berdoo Canyon. This road is approximately 15 miles long, and driving it requires a 4WD vehicle with high clearance and prior 4WD road driving experience. It’s the most hazardous approach to get into Joshua Tree National Park.
