Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Taking a page from a Dr Seuss book, the whimsical Joshua trees (actually tree-sized yuc-
cas) welcome visitors to this 794,000-acre park at the convergence of the Colorado and
Mojave Deserts. It was Mormon settlers who named the trees because the branches
stretching up toward heaven reminded them of the Biblical prophet Joshua pointing the
way to the promised land.
Rock climbers know 'JT' as the best place to climb in California, but kids and the
young at heart also welcome the chance to scramble up, down and around the giant
boulders. Hikers seek out hidden, shady, desert-fan-palm oases fed by natural springs and
small streams, while mountain bikers are hypnotized by the desert vistas.
In springtime, the Joshua trees send up a huge single cream-colored flower, and the
octopus-like tentacles of the ocotillo cactus shoot out crimson flowers. The mystical qual-
ity of this stark, boulder-strewn landscape has inspired many artists, most famously the
band U2, who named their 1987 album
The Joshua Tree.
Unless you're day-tripping from Palm Springs, base yourself in the desert communities
linked by Twentynine Palms Hwy (Hwy 62) along the park's northern perimeter.
Sights & Activities
Joshua Tree has three park entrances. Access the west entrance from the town of Joshua
Tree, the north entrance from Twentynine Palms and the south entrance from I-10. The
park's northern half harbors most of the attractions, including all of the Joshua trees.
