Joshua Tree National Park

Southern California, USA

Hello, inquisitive people. Wander Woman here. I considered listing Joshua Tree National Park as one of my recommended things to do near Palm Springs, but upon further thought, I decided it deserved a post of its own. The national park is accessed through the small town of Joshua Tree, California, which is about an hour-long drive due north of Palm Springs. This makes it an easy day trip from Palm Springs, but if you prefer to spend the night nearer to the park, there are lodgings in the town, as well as camping available within the park itself.

Joshua Trees, the living organisms for which the park is named, are… just incredibly unique. They actually are not trees at all, despite their misleading name. They are a variety of yucca plants. They grow only in a very specific region of the United States, and only within a very specific span of elevation. Joshua Trees can only thrive at elevations of 1,500-6,000 feet (approximately 450-1,800 meters) above sea level. They need an arid climate, which is provided by the Mojave Desert region in which they live. A visit to Joshua Tree National Park is like walking into the pages of a children’s picture book; they look like something taken right out of a Dr. Seuss story!

Although the park is named for the “trees” that live there, it has other geological wonders to offer. There are many varieties of cacti to marvel at, jumbles of massive boulders to hike around or scramble up, and even natural rock arches that will take your breath away. It is also a fabulous destination for stargazing. There is next to no light pollution after dark, so if you have ever wanted to gape in astonishment at the Milky Way, this is an excellent place to do so.

If you decide to visit Joshua Tree, you may consider hiring a guide, as I did. They will know all the popular spots that tourists shouldn’t miss and some hidden gems that unguided tourists will never see because they don’t even know they’re there. Although I recommend a guide, it’s not necessary. You can drive into the park on your own, make a loop in your car, and see a pretty good sampling of what JTNP has to offer. Remember that you’ll be in the desert, so be sure to stay hydrated; buy water or fill up your own bottles in the town. Long pants and close-toed shoes are HIGHLY recommended, as this is rattlesnake country! Be smart, be safe, and enjoy your visit to this unique and amazing national park. There’s no other place like it on earth.

Joshua Trees and boulders at Joshua Tree National Park