Drive only 60 miles north of Palm Springs or 130 miles east of Los Angeles and you will find the dramatic deserts landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. Its unique placement in the Coachella Valley showcases a stark landscape that is at the intersection of two distinct desert ecosystems, the high cool Mohave and low cool Colorado.
In the park an abundant variety of mysterious plants grow and little creatures including scorpions and lizards run across the silver sand. The six distinct mountain ranges stand as a backdrop to the gems of the park the Joshua Trees. These spikey agave plants are scattered about with the largest tree forty-plus feet high. The area has a rich cultural history. First this was home to the native Pintos and many other native tribes followed. Then the Spanish arrived and named the tree izote de desierto (desert dagger). Later Mormon pioneers settled here believing that the tree branches pointed to heaven.
In years of abundant rain, the cacti flowers and allusive wildflowers come alive in Spring. Some will grow from seeds that have been dormant for 100 years. During this time visits to the park are so popular that the there is even a wildflower tracker and hotline where visitors can learn about the blooms daily.
Another draw of the park are rocky boulders that at one time were molten liquid. Over time they were sculpted by strong winds and sporadic downpours of rain forming what appears to be broken terrace walls. These rocks are a popular destination for climbers, bouldering and families with kids who love to climb and jump from rock to rock. The sunets are other worldly and the almost black night skies are a draw for stargazers and astro photographers.
