Joshua Tree National Park

The Joshua Tree National Park is located a two and a half hours’ drive from Los Angeles in Southeast California.

The expansive national park area is tucked away between the palm trees of Palm Springs and the uneven terrain of Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree National Park, Things To Do, Hikes, Camping, Entrance Fee, Map

The park is named after the Joshua Tree plant species, which is a unique type of plant that thrives in the desert plains. The tree got its name from Mormon travelers who traveled through the area in the mid-19th century and was because the tree’s peculiar shape reminded them of Joshua’s outstretched arms (from the Bible). The trees are easy to spot with their twisted trunks and rugged tufts.

The national park boasts two notable ecological systems with contrasting geographical features, the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, and is attributed to the differences in elevation of the two ecosystems.

The eastern section of the park is home to the Colorado Desert, which is a relatively flat area that is best loved for its vibrantly colored wildflowers. The blossoming of these flowers in March and April makes it the perfect time to travel to the park. The Colorado Desert is sometimes referred to as the low desert as it tends to have higher temperatures and sparse vegetation, with an abundance of the Cholla cactus.

On the other hand, the Mojave Desert is the ‘high desert’ that is home to the Joshua trees. It is not uncommon to find stone-colored boulders that dot the terrain and make for interesting photography subjects.

There is never a dull moment for visitors who make time to tour the Joshua Tree National Park. Explore the vast desert by enjoying the backcountry hiking options, with trails that include the California Riding and Hiking Trail, as well as the Boy Scout Trail.

Joshua Tree is a world-class destination for extreme sports such as rock climbing, highlining, and slacklining. The park challenges climbers of all abilities, thanks to its many climbing routes and boulders.

Camping sites are available across the park. There is no better way to get up close with nature than to sleep under the stars at Joshua Tree National Park.