Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The teddy bear cholla at Cholla Cactus Garden
10.
Cholla Cactus Garden
South of White Tank, Pinto Basin Road begins its gentle descent down the western slope
of the Pinto Basin, offering mile after mile of spectacular vistas. In this transition zone
between the Mojave and the Colorado, the ecosystems of the high and low deserts merge,
and Joshua trees give way to cacti and creosote bushes. Daytime temperatures in the sum-
mercanreach110°F,sofewplantscansurvivehere.Oneofthehardiestcanbefoundatthe
Cholla Cactus Garden. The Bigelow cholla, nicknamed the teddy bear cholla or jumping
cholla, is covered with a thick mat of furlike barbs. The cholla cactus “jumps” by shedding
itsspinyjoints,whichattachthemselvestounwarypassersby.Theplantcommandsrespect,
and it is best observed from the safe distance of the garden's nature trail.
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