Joshua Tree National Park, California
- Apr 17, 2017
- 3 min read
I rolled down the windows and stuck my head out. I'm confounded by what I see. The
dry wind laps my face and gives me an elaborate tornado coiffure. It was noonish and
the air, though dry, was a mix of warm and cool. A sparse Joshua Tree "forest" seems to
emerge in the landscape from nowhere. From a distance, these trees look like mangled,
cacti, its arms bare and contorted, punctuated with a sudden explosion of prick-less, tall
palm-like leaves. The trunk itself is textured, shaggy. Due to the harsh desert environment,
these trees don't grow very tall, but amidst cacti and desert bush, they stand tall and proud.
We went in early spring and was lucky enough to see blossoms on some trees.
If a US National Park is named after a singular species of a tree, then that gives you a hint
how extraordinary that tree must be. Eponymous to the Joshua Tree, this National Park is
remarkable enough for a protected area amounting to a whopping 792,510 acres. Only 131
miles east of LA (~2 1/2 hours drive, traffic-permitting) is a desolate, arid high desert area,
that cuts through the mystical Mojave Desert. I thought I've seen desert, but this is
borderline sci-fi landscape like I've never seen.
Honestly, Joshua Tree NP was an afterthought. We were in the Palm Springs area and
Anza Borrego State Park for the once-in-a-decade superbloom. We almost decided
against it, but eventually made the scenic detour back to LA via Joshua Tree NP.
Once in the park, it was evident it was a decision well worth it, not just to tick off
another US National Park on our list, but to experience a place and perhaps, a
time, that is far removed from anything else I've seen thus far. It is bewildering
to think that LA is so close - it seems like light years away in contrast.
One of the things that stunned me about the landscape was the huge rock formations
seen pretty much everywhere in the park. It is no wonder that it has been a rock
climbing and bouldering mecca. I don't do either one of those, but there was
plenty of massive rocks to clamber upon nonetheless. Watch out for those
rattlesnakes, though!
IF YOU GO
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the more remote national parks I've been
to yet. Because of its desert location, it's probably one of the areas with the
harshest conditions. There is no natural water source (unless you count the
small dam). There are very limited facilities inside the park itself so make
sure you come prepared with water and food. Heat could also pose a
threat, especially when visiting during the high noon hours of summer
when temperatures rise to 100 degrees. Wear plenty of sunscreen
and hydrate!
You can stay in the Coachella or Palm Springs area and day trip it
out to Joshua Tree NP. Otherwise, outside the park are plenty of
AirBnb's, some of which are uber stylish, including glamping
teepees like this. Camping inside the park is also an option - see
options here.
And a super sweet bonus, we are in the thick of National Parks Week.
Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park (and all US National Parks) is free
next weekend, April 22nd and April 23rd! Get out there!
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