Go on a voyage through the dreamy world of a National Park in Southern California called Joshua Tree. Measured at over 3,200 sq km, this park is considered as a haven of nature for both ornithologists and tourists. Its has such great geographic features as the granite rock formation and the joshua trees to give it that eye service feel that makes the place excellent for exploration. The park boasts of beautiful landscape with a variety of plant life and animals, the giant cactus included the species of animals characteristic to the park. Any picture you create in your mind based on the hobbies you may have or even the desire to have a peaceful retreat from the noise of the city is painted in bright colors by the Joshua Tree National Park.
Since it is a large park covering a broad area you would always find something favorable for you. Here it is possible to find loneliness in its endless space, climb rocks on a desert for a good training, or just admire the severity of the desert scenery. In essence, the contrast of the harsh land with the flowers gives an almost fairytale like background to the whole picture. This miscellaneous of elements draws a clear line of what makes Joshua Tree park one of the most popular sites for those with interest in the natural environment.
Getting to the Joshua Tree National Park
Getting to the park often entails driving to the park from neighboring airports since there is no airport within the park. The most convenient airports are:The most convenient airports are:
LAX is the official name of the largest airport in Greater Los Angeles, officially known as the Los Angeles International Airport.
Currently among the most traffic single airports in the world, LAX is approximately 220 miles west of Joshua Tree National Park. From here you can rent a car and take the Interstate 10 east that will take you approximately 2. Ranging from 5 to 3 hours to get to the park’s southern gate. This route presents the client with an experience of exploring different terrains: city life in Los Angeles, then the rather drier environment of Joshua Tree. On the way, you can discover some sites of interest that would give the general motivation and ideas about the multy-cultured environment of Southern Californian region.
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Located around 209 kilometers north-west of the park, ONT is another option but it is closer to the park. From here, you can hire a car and take Interstate 10 and would approximately take 2 hours to get to the park. Also, Ontario is a relatively less busy airport in contrast to LAX, which makes it a perfect destination for those, who do not like crowed and chaos of big airports. The trip to go to Joshua Tree also from Ontario is also decorated with its own beautiful scenes, including beautiful towns and terrains.
Once you reach the area, you have several options for getting around:
Car Rental
The best and most advisable method is to hire a car in order to visit different sections within the park and the trails. The idea of having a car means that you will be able to tour at your own pace, stop at different and often shaded overlooks and reach most parts of the park that are not so packed. One should also arrange to hire a vehicle that has a good suspension especially if one plans on driving out on some of the park’s tougher terrains and rough tracks.
Shared Transportation
Transfers are provided from airports to other towns which then you can get other transfers to the park. This is good for someone who does not want to be as hands on with the road trips or if you want to be introduced to people on the road. Public transport to the park can also be arranged and usually the trip is not intimidating since it is social hence the burden of driving is shifted in another person.
Organized Tours
Some companies do provide guided tours from nearby towns thus, if you do not fancy a self-driven trip you will get to have a more organized trip and one with more information. Many of these tours may be accompanied by experts who can help in giving advices about the park’s historical background, geographical formation and systems. An organized tour is useful if you do not have much time of if you want to have a planned tour around Joshua Tree.
Climate in the Area of Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park occupies the areas of the Mojave Desert; therefore, its climate is characterized by severe desert conditions. It is good to know the prevailing weather that you will encounter for planning purposes and also to enjoy the visit.
Summer (June to August)
Summer has very high temperatures, approaching and sometimes over, a hundred degrees during the day while at night it can be as low as seventy-five degrees. Extreme temperature is typical during the day and it becomes necessary to cover the body in light materials, protect the skin from sunburn, and drink water frequently. The sun is very hot and easily one can dehydrate or get a heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and so on. Try to chase some activities to the wee hours of the morning or late evening when the sun is less likely to be scorching.
Winter (December to February)
There is usually a drastic change in the weather when it is winter, the temperature may rise to about 59°F (15°C) during the day and may drop to about 30°F (-1°C) at night. It is also important to layer up for the cold especially at night and in areas of higher altitude there can be night frosts. Given the average temperature is lower compared to the other seasons, it is the right season for serious hiking and discovering the park. But it is still advisable to leave for the desert adapting to the unexpected changes in the weather because they are unpredictable.
Spring and Fall
These intermediate seasons are characterized by relatively high temperatures that are however good for the park since tourists can explore it comfortably. The autumn months maybe enjoyed, however, spring is one of the best times to go as the desert paints itself with flowers. However, nothing is as certain regarding the weather especially during camping and therefore it is advisable to check on the weather to ensure that you dress appropriately for the activity. Fall is somewhat warmer than summer and is a perfect season for camping or going hiking.
It is essential to know the weather of the park to know the kind of clothes to wear and the gears to carry. This preparation makes your vacations remarkable so that you can appreciate all the natural views and all the endeavors of Joshua Tree National Park.
Necessary and sufficient for bird and/or mammal dwellings are plant life and animal life in Joshua Tree National Park.
The plant and animal life observed in the park are suitable to the existing conditions in the park such as extreme desert. Due to the conditions created by the interior of the plate there are numerous types of plants and animals that can be found specifically for the region that have some interesting features of existence in such climate conditions.
Flora
Of course all trees in the park are called Joshua Trees but the dominant trees with many tall twisted spiked branches. Yucca as a plant is not a tree, but these are a type of yucca plants that give a canopy like effect. The largest trees can reach 40 feet in height and lifespans can span hundreds of years. Besides these, other plants you get here include; cactus such as barrel cactus and cholla cactus, shrubs including the creosote shrub. The plants living in this desert have developed ability to adapt to the desert conditions in a certain way, for instance, they store water in their tissues, their leaves are small to reduce water loss and they have extensive root system to look for underground water.
Fauna
This park has got a number of wild animals. Wildlife includes some carnivores like the coyotes, the cougars, and the herbivores like the bighorn sheep. These animals are qualified as desert animals as they are quite accustomed to the harsh desert climate, getting most of their work done during the wee hours of the morning or at night. Reptiles that are present in the park are desert rattlesnake and the desert tortoise. Some of the adjustments characteristic of these reptiles include; burrow in the antics of heat, and water storage within the body. They include the Gila woodpecker, the Harris’s hawk, among many others attractive to bird watchers. Most of the habitats in the park are a source of food and shelter to different bird species; thus, making it an ideal place to practice bird watching.
Studying fauna and flora of the Joshua Tree makes one respect life in the desert and the ability of organism to survive in such conditions. Every plant and animate object of the park has an interesting history of the struggle for existence and contributes to the diverse composition of ecosystems.
Main Sites and Sights to See in Joshua Tree National Park
Black Rock Canyon
Black Rock Canyon is a green part of the park situated in its northern part and consisting of a number of canyons and gay vegetation. They can expect scenic hiking, bird watching, and there are many places to spend the night in the wild. The trails here start from easy strolls to the more strenuous hikes, so the difficulty level of the walk is not a problem here. This area boasts of having a beautiful scenery in the evening especially at sunset and during the night.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Saguaro national park houses thousands of cholla cacti and this makes the environment to look rather magical. Most of these plants are located in winding trails to make it easy for the visitors to gain a close view on how these plants survive in the desert. This is the case with the garden which in the morning and in the evening when the golden light envelopes cactus they begin to glow. Nevertheless, be careful during the hiking as the Cholla cacti have helpless spines which stick to cloths and everyone ’ s skin.
Cottonwood Spring
Cottonwood Spring is a very beautiful place that is as quiet as a desert with wonderful trails of palm trees all around it. Tourists can also see animals and even take a break on the clear waters spring that runs along the canyon. It was historically used by the native peoples and subsequently the miners and settlers, which adds a sightseeing interest to the mineral spring. It is a perfect spot to go for a picnic or for a leisurely walk around.
Covington Flats
The architecture of Covington Flats includes a generous number of large windows and glass doors because of which the structure is quite open; it ensures a beautiful view of the surroundings. Due to its flat and easily accessible surface, it is the best site for camping, hiking, bird viewing, as well as photographing. In the current area, the crowd density is low as compared to the other regions of the park making the experience potentially serene. This is a particularly excellent location for astronomy because the night skies here are so beautiful.
Indian Cove
Indian Cove offers so much to climbers as well as hikers due to its peculiar structures of stones as well as views. One can walk through all the rocks, take a look at caves and other crevices and of course enjoy the view. The cliffs located here are great for those wanting to do boulder and/or rock climbing with approaches of varying difficulties. There is also a tent and camper area and with this there is available space to accommodate campers making it easy to start fresh and begin hiking in the various trails.
Keys View
Spectacular view point which you are getting at Keys View is one of the best that you can get in the whole park for it is situated In the San Bernardino Mountains. Standing here, one can clearly see the Mojave Desert, the Salton Sea and the mountains of Mexico on the horizon if the day is clear. Depending on the weather the view is marvellous during the sunset or when the sun rises and when the light falls on the rocky surface of the formation. Interpretative signs are also used in that span to educate people on the geological and natural history of the scenery.
Skull Rock
Skull Rock almost took its name from the famous band however, it is a huge rock which looks like a skull and the whole area is packed with tourist most of the times. Other trails are available where one can hike around and take interesting shots of this rather special terrain. The land formation which took millions of years to sculpt due to erosion gives it the appearance of a human skull. It’s very playful and rather a good place to take pictures.
Visitors Center
The visitor center gives important information on other places of interests within the park, the activities as well as the trails. Mileage, precautions, information about the region’s geology, history, and fauna can be picked up before embarking on a hike at the information booth. The visitor center also has actual and information display and has interpretative services thus making it a convience for a first stop and planning. Employees are ready to give consultations concerning the three parameters depending on preferences and other circumstances within the park.
Useful Tips for the Visitors of Joshua Tree National Park
Hours of Operation
Visitor center hours vary:
These hours are generally recognized all round the year but can be altered on certain public holidays. If one were to visit this park, then it is recommended that one checks on the given hours before arranging for the visit. With this knowledge about the operating hours, one is in a position to arrange for his or her activities in relation to this park so that time is not wasted.
Entrance Fees
Joshua Tree National Park offers several pricing options:Joshua Tree National Park offers several pricing options:
Standard Admission: The fees go for as low as $15 up to $30 for private cars applicable only for one week. This one enables one to move around the park in a relaxed manner and it provides a gateway to all the popular sites.
Annual Pass: This currently costs $55 and entitles the pass holder and any passengers in a non-commercial vehicle access for one year. This pass is therefore useful if you intend to visit multiple times and the costs will therefore be considerably cheaper.
America the Beautiful Pass: From $0 up to $80 that includes the entrance and standard amenity fees of national parks and other federal recreational areas. This particular pass helps those who travel frequently and to different national parks or recreational areas in a year.
The park passes can be bought either at the points of sale within and outside the park; the USGS online store, or by ordering through the phone. A large part of the entrance fees is spent on maintenance works and visitors ‘services, so the park remains attractive for visitors further.
Visiting Recommendations
For a safe and enjoyable visit, consider these tips:For a safe and enjoyable visit, consider these tips:
Plan Ahead
Lu kept on telling me where to buy my entrance pass, at recreation. gov or at visitor centers and entrance stations where the crowds are not very large and visitors do not have to wait for long durations. It also enables a camper to physically book for available camp grounds and other activities that may be very popular and may fill up very soon.
Camping
As most of the campsites get booked very easily, it is advised to book the campsite in advance. There are nine established camping areas in Joshua Tree as mentioned above; each with its own variety. These are some campgrounds that are more isolated and less crowded while others are near trailheads and other attractions such as the cliffs.
Check Conditions
Check the weather and the status of the park before going on a ride. In most desert, there is fluctuation in weather, and so there intense heat during the day and cold at night. It can help prepare for the appropriate action and guarantees safety when you know the forecast.
Download the NPS App
Get useful data and off-line maps under the link to NPS app. It holds information concerning the state of trails including closures, and the general status of others which are of essence to users of the application. Having maps stored offline is especially helpful in the situations when the cell phone connection is weak.
Follow Leave No Trace
Adhere to the legal principles of wildlife and available parks by practicing the seven principles of Tread lightly. This has the procedures of packing out all trash and individual movement restricting to the established trails.
Dress properly and do everything in your power to avoid hot or cold shock. I learnt that a day in the desert is hot and dry and one can get dizzy if he or she gets a dry throat or tongue. Ensure that you have lots of water, wear a cap and lotion, and rest under an umbrella among other measures.
Be Aware
Do not go near wildlife and the park roads should be driven carefully. The animals one is likely to find in Joshua Tree are desert dwelling and one should not interfere with them. So, careful driving contributes to the safety of guests and wildlife.
Things to Do and Accomplish in the Joshua Tree National Park
Hiking
There are easy, intermediate, and difficult trails numbering to about 300 miles so every person is vulnerable. Joshua Tree is a multi-faceted hiking park that can accommodate from short, little-intensity walks to intense backcountry hiking. They are Hidden Valley, Barker Dam trails, and the tough trail to Ryan Mountain peak.
Camping
Nine developed campgrounds are still available for those who want to enjoy the silence of the desert night. However, camping in the area is something different, you get to see stars in the night, and hear sounds of the desert. Unfortunately, campgrounds themselves can be quite different in terms of the availability of basic facilities: some of them provide only very rudimentary sites and no water and/or toilets, while others offer at least potable water and/or toilet facilities.
Climbing
This has made the park to have over eight thousand recorded climbs and two thousand recorded bouldering issues making it a climbing paradise. It should be noted that the main attraction of Joshua Tree is rock climbing; it attracts passionate climbers from all over the globe. This extent of variety of the climbing routes ensure that everyone takes the challenge irrespective of the level of expertise.
Stargazing
The desert is characterized by clear skies hence the perfect environment for watching the stars at night. Visitors of Joshua Tree needs to note that this park has been recognized as the International Dark Sky Park, which is just another way of saying that the place is one of the most effective spots on the face of the earth to watch the sky at night. Descend a telescope, or just take off your shoes and lie down and watch the sky.
Ranger-Led Programs
Study more about the park and its features available at the park through information and educational programs. They also give guided hikes, talks, and evening programs which give an insight of the natural and cultural history of the park. These programs are very useful to gain more knowledge and passion in exploring the Joshua Tree.
Backpacking and Wildflower Viewing
Make trips to less visited areas and have a conspicuous luxuriation in the views of flowers. Exploring Joshua Tree with a backpack means getting off the beaten path of most of the park’s visitors and feeling that you are the only person in the desert. The wildflowers begins to grow during spring providing the much needed colors in the environment.
Dirt Road Exploration
All-terrain vehicles or mountain bikes may be used to traverse the park especially its dirt roads. Numerous accesses within Joshua Tree are minor, which makes some of them suitable for off-roading. Some of the roads present here can only be traversed by high-clearance vehicles; always check the conditions and regulations before leaving.
Photography
Capture the beautiful scene and exotic animals. Due to the imposing relief and exclusive flora and fauna, it is the best place for photographers in Joshua Tree. Ideally, early morning and late afternoon are the best time to take the pictures as the park reflects the best light during those periods.
Bird Watching
Sight a range of birding species. There species present in the park are adapted to different environments and therefore different bird species that may include migratory birds. Also, when bird watching, it is recommended that you take some binoculars, and a bird guide to enhance the experience.
Horseback Riding
Ride a horse along the pot hole strewn trails of the Park’s Wild West terrain. Some of the trails for horse riding are also available during a visit to Joshua Tree National Park. Go to local stables to inquire about trail rides or bring a horse of your own if you have the permission to do so.
Just to really quickly touch on the lodging facilities, there are none found inside the park but there are other neighboring towns. Furthermore, restaurants, shops for groceries and picnic area are provided whereby if anyone wants to enjoy his/her meal alongside a striking view of the surface of the desert then all he/she has to do is to order for a meal and be served.
Conclusion
The park of interest is Joshua Tree National Park which is a rather special place with astonishing granite formations and especially famous Joshua trees. Depending on the expectations, whether planning to find the thrilling climbing or just admiring the amazingly beautiful desert, this park will offer the exceptional and full experience. Due to the all the features such as plant and animal life, magnificent sceneries and an array of activities to explore, this park is ideal for anyone interested in exploring the beauty of mother nature. So plan your trip, follow the guidelines when it comes to respecting ecosystems, and be surprised at how stunning the place is in Southern California.
Joshua Tree is not only a place but it is a way to feel the spirit of freedom, the tranquil silence of the desert, the wonder of the existence of the nature. It does not matter whether you have been to the park before and at the same time, if it is your first and maybe even your hundredth time, visiting the park is aways an opportunity to get inspired and discover something new. Packing your bags, embracing lots of excitement and get set for doing the rounds in the enchanting land of the Joshua Tree National Park.
