Joshua Tree National Park - Twentynine Palms, California

Joshua Tree National Park - Twentynine Palms, California

This Park covers 850 sq miles/2,200 sq. m. has only two ways to enter, on the north in Twentynine Palms on CA 62 and the south at Cottenwood Springs on US 10.  There are Visitor Centers at both locations which will provide you with maps of this national monument and other information to make your visit more enjoyable.

The Joshua Tree, which is what the park is named after, only grows in the Majave desert and got its name from the Mormons who saw the branches of the upstretched arms of the praying prophet and named the tree after him.

The Joshua tree can reach a height of 60 ft, and are a member of the Yucca family, a type of lily bearing white flowers in April and May.  They can live to be several hundred years old!

The park has a variety of plants and animals, most of the animals will not be seen during the day, of course the viewing of the plants is always a wonderful adventure.  If you look closely at the plants you will notice that many of them have the thick waxy coating on them (like the jade plant you may have at home) which is to prevent water loss.  Of the animals you may see squirrels, prairie dogs, maybe a fox, dwarf antelopes and an occasional coyote, but keep in mind that this area is home to the poisonous spiders that you’ve probably never experienced before, 5 different types of rattlesnakes live here too, it’s their home.  In the heat of the day they are in the shady areas, under rocks, and in bushes so be super careful around these areas, and when it cools down they come out to sun themselves.  Remember, YOU are the visitor here, this is where they live, leave them alone, give them plenty of space and you’ll be fine.

If you are primarily interested in the Joshua Tree, go west where the thickest clumps of trees are to be found in the “Wonderland of Rocks.”  The interesting rock formation were shaped by the huge pressure and high temperatures under which the gneiss was forced up out of the earth many millions of years ago.

When you are in the park keep in mind that you will need to bring water with you, there is only one location with water I the park and that is in Indian Cover Ranger Station west of Twenty Nine Palms, and in Blackrock Campground not far from Yucca Valley and Indio.

Location: 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, California 92277

Phone: 760-367-5500

The park is open every day except Christmas Day.

Fee: Adult: $5

Vehicle plus all occupants $15

 

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