Why Everyone Should Visit Joshua Tree

All opinions are mine and mine alone.

Why Everyone Should Visit Joshua Tree At Least Once in Their Lifetime  

Visiting the Joshua Tree National Park is a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the wonders of nature. With its diverse desert life, iconic namesake trees, and towering boulders, the park attracts two million people every year.   

While the majority of those who visit reside in California, those who make their way out to the west coast have to stop by Joshua Tree to see what it’s all about. The following is just a glimpse at what Joshua Tree Park has in store if you visit.  

 See The Divided Desert  

One of the most unique aspects of Joshua Tree is that it contains two desert systems within it: the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. They divide the park into two ecosystems that are both arid but completely different in appearance thanks to the contrasting elevation.  

The Colorado Desert is a part of the western reaches of the Sonoran Desert. The temperatures here are usually higher. It’s known as the “low desert.” When you visit the Colorado Desert, you’ll notice that it’s sparse and forbidding. It is occasionally spotted with small patches of flowering ocotillo and cholla cactus. This desert starts in the middle of the park and goes east across the empty basins, running across the Pinto Basin and into the Coxcomb and Eagle Mountains.   

The Mojave, the “high desert”, takes up Joshua Tree’s western half. It’s wetter and is more populated with vegetation. Here, you’ll see giant yuccas branching out over sandy plains dotted with massive rock piles and granite monoliths. The transition between the two ecosystems is jarring to newcomers to the park, but each offers an intriguing look into the ecosystems and a great photo opportunity.   

Out of This World Stargazing   

Joshua Tree is one of the greatest places for gazing at the stars in the country, possibly the world. This is thanks to the high elevation of the Mojave, which reaches 3000 to 5000 feet in some areas. The desert is located far from any major cities meaning it’s free from light pollution which often blocks the night sky.   

To get the best chance of seeing the most stars possible, you need to plan your trip. You want to look into the moon phases to that your trip falls on days where there is no moon in the sky. If you don’t live in California then you’ll need to camp out in the park. If you need help preparing for a camping trip, there are many resources available, such as http://www.campvec.org/joshua-tree-camping, which will give you the advice you need to stay comfortable.  

Walk Among Nature’s Beauty

You can find nature all around you when you visit Joshua Tree. Thanks to millennia of rushing water and whipping winds, the land has been sculpted into some breathtaking designs. One of the most miraculous sights that you can see is the 30-foot tall Arch Rock. When visiting, you can access it easily with a trail that starts at the White Tank Campground. It’s a 0.5-mile out-and-back journey.

The cholla cactus garden shows of the majesty of Mother Nature. This organically occurring cacti grove displays fully the danger and beauty that lies in the desert. It’s a 0.25 loop filled with densely populated cholla cacti.    

Explore Indian Cove Nature Trails and Echo Cove  

There is no shortage of hiking opportunities when you visit the park. The Indian Cove walking trail is one you shouldn’t miss though. It’s the best place to view the flora that gave the park its name.   

The official name of the Joshua tree is Yucca Brevifolia. Its common name came from a group of Mormon settlers who thought the tree resemble the biblical story of Joshua reaching his hands to the sky to pray. This trail is 0.6 miles long and is surrounded by different boulder formations. While walking, you may even spot some local wildlife like the desert tortoise or bighorn sheep.   

The Bottom Line  

With the stark and almost whimsical beauty of Joshua Tree Park, it’s easy to see why so many people visit. Whether you’re looking for adventure, a look into the past, or simple serenity, you can find it in the California desert.