Joshua Tree National Park

Located in southern California, Joshua Tree National Park lies on the intersection of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. The Mojave part of the park is covered in Joshua Tree forests and sprinkled with granite rock outcroppings that make for great outdoor climbing, while the Sonoran part is home to creosote bushes, cholla and ocotillo cacti. We managed to get in a good sampling of climbing, hiking and sightseeing over the long weekend.


At sunrise and sunset, wild silhouettes of Joshua trees dot the horizon.


A wildfire started in the central region of the park on Sunday, and wind blew the smoke across the sky all afternoon.


Even though it's a desert park, many species of plants and animals live here-- yuccas and wildflowers are common, and I can personally attest to the health of the lizard population!


One area of the park in which large stands of Beavertail cacti live (and bloom!) is known as the "Wanderland of Rocks" - a large wash bordered on all sides by huge granite outcroppings.


In addition to the natural history and features, Joshua Tree has a rich cultural history. The land was used for ranching and mining, much by a single man - Bill Keys. The ruins of his ranch house still stand among the rocks, Joshua trees and cacti.