Joshua Tree National Park Guide – Things to Do & See

Joshua Tree National Park is an expansive protected area within Southern California. It is characterized by rocky, volcanic rock formations and harsh desert landscapes. Named for the area’s prickly, curly-edged Joshua trees, the park surrounds the magnificent Coachella Valley and its gorgeous, sun-baked desert-scape. Hiking trails weave throughout the boulders of Hidden Valley, encompassing the history and culture of the town. The cliffs and canyon are a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.

The surrounding desert is another natural playground for visitors to Joshua Tree National Park. The dry, rolling hills and mesas offer an ideal base for exploring the rocky terrain below. A highlight of the park is its Mesa tops, where photographers have documented a wide range of scenes: sunrise, sunset, and desert flowers. The desert can also provide a venue for outdoor sports such as golfing, hiking, jeeping, and cycling.

Joshua Tree National Park traverses a belt of steep cliffs and steep desert terrain. The Park is famous for its lost horse, Jody, who hitchhiked across the desert with her owner in the 1960s. Her story made national and international news, and her final resting place, at Lost Horse Point, was protected as a World Heritage Site. Another notable National Park feature is its desert. The park features sand dunes and high plateaus where travelers can see strange rock formations that are unique in appearance and composition.

The western portion of the state, including Joshua Tree National Park, is home to several other natural wonders. It has the westernmost National Park in California; Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park; and the San Isabel National Forest. The forest is the site of the oldest continuous stand of cactus in the world. On the north side of the state you’ll find the Hidden Valley Ski Resort, which offers breath-taking views of the beautiful Colorado River Valley. There are also campgrounds available to accommodate families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts. For those interested in climbing, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a popular destination; but don’t try it before you’ve tried the Colorado high desert climate!

Joshua Tree National Park includes numerous attractions besides Cholla Cactus National Monument. Other parks within the park contain volcanic craters, ancient cliff dwellings, and desert oases. The Park features two wildlife refuges, including the Kings Canyon, which contains oodles of bird life. The park also features the only zoo in California, the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. The Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary was established in 1966 and has evolved into a comprehensive multi-site facility with over 300 different species of birds. The zoo has an online gallery, which provides information on the conservation of different species of birds and their habitat.

Eagle mountains camping is easily accessible from Joshua Tree National Park. The best way to reach the campground is by hiking or bike. Hikers can enjoy the spectacular scenery that comes with viewing the greenery around you as you trek up the trails. Those who prefer to camp can enjoy the campgrounds at the base of the mountains, where they can enjoy all of the amenities. Many of the campsites are within a short distance from the desert floor, allowing campers to travel on foot or horseback throughout the entire park.