Joshua Tree Visitors Guide
Experience the American West at it's best and most beautiful in the Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree is an adventure that will live in you forever.
The Joshua Tree National Park covers over 1,200 square miles and contains sections of the Mohave Dessert and the Colorado Desert. It is an area of healthy plant life—especially the Joshua trees for which it is named. The Joshua tree is a member of the lily family-specifically the  Yucca and grows to height over 40 feet. While visiting, you will see mountains that vary in peaks of 1,000 to 5,800 feet separated by desert. Its summer temperatures can exceed 100* F and during the winter plunge to below freezing.
The Joshua Tree National Park proffers several opportunities for adventure. You will find 9 campgrounds with limited facilities and varying in the maximum length of stay allowed. Many of the sites are on a first come first served basis, so plan ahead. The campgrounds are Cottonwood, Black Rock Canyon, Indian Cove, Belle, Ryan, White Tank, Jumbo Rocks, Hidden Valley Campground and Sheep Pass. There is also back country camping, just talk to a ranger before setting out for your adventure.
During your stay at the park, be sure to check out the natural fun. There are impressive views of the Coachella Valley Mountains and desert, beautiful picnic areas and soaring strands of Joshua Trees in the Queen and the Lost Horse Valley.
There are several hiking trails you can trek. The I mile loop at Hidden Valley, trails to the Coachella Valley, and the 4 mile trail to Lost Palms Canyon where you can see a large grove of Palms.
At the Oasis visitors center you can see exhibits depicting the Park and its history/geology, and follow the self-guided nature trail through the Oasis of Mara.
Climbing in Joshua Tree
The Joshua Tree National Park is a favorite of rock climbers. In addition, with more than 400 climbing formations and 8,000 climbing routes, there is something for everyone-no matter your skill level. As  you plan your climb, be sure purchase a climbing guide or hiking map which are available at park visitor centers and at outdoor shops in the surrounding communities.
Please note that portions of the park are not open to rock climbing. They are "Energy Crisis" on the east side of "Little Hunk," the "Schwarzenegger Wall," the "Pictograph Boulder" at the base of Queen Mountain, and within 50 feet of "Chicken Wing," "Heavy Metal," and "Hell Flake" in the "Indian Wave" boulder area. The private property across from the Hemingway parking area is closed to climbing, as is the Keys Ranch property.
Joshua Tree National Park
www.nps.gov/jotr
706-367-5500
Photo Credits: Hot Air Balloon Ride over Joshua Tree by Tom Saint; Joshua Tree in Desert by Lazio Photo; Climber by J Hull |
