Review: Joshua Tree National Park

Let’s start big picture here.
One of the desert gems of America’s parks, Joshua Tree National Park spans nearly 800,000 acres within Southern California’s portion of the Mojave Desert. Granite boulders and undulating rock formations surrounded by namesake Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) majestically reside among nearly 800 species of plants, from annually blooming wildflowers, to hardy bushes and palms, to 15 types of colorful and peculiar cacti. Drive in (carpooling is even better) and find a designated parking area to ditch the car and tread out where the real magic lies, in quiet spaces to soak up the desert serenity—though you may find company among the wildlife, catching glimpses of hawks, road runners, kangaroo rats, desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, coyotes, or hundreds of other vertebrate and invertebrate species. Like other national parks, Joshua Tree is one of those mystical settings where you feel connected to nature wherever you are. And because it was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2017, you also can sense a heavenly connection right here on earth.

Any standout features or must-sees?
There’s no wrong way to behold the beauty of Joshua Tree, whether you’re drawn to rock formations, particular plants, seasonal fauna, or outdoor activities. One sure bet is to head toward the park’s center for a picnic and/or walkabout at mighty Cap Rock, or around Jumbo Rocks where you can check out the giant skeletal Skull Rock. Get acquainted with flora along the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail, a flat loop through 10 acres of cacti and bushes where something colorful is usually blooming any time of the year.

Was it easy to get around?
Less than an hour from Palm Springs, the Joshua Tree Visitors Center near the west entrance stays busy as the main hub for info, water refilling, souvenirs, and ranger tours. You can also enter from the north near the Oasis Visitors Center (in Twentynine Palms), or at the south entrance leading to the Cottonwood Visitors Center. There are around 300 miles of marked hiking trails for all skill and ability levels, including paved trails that are suitable for wheelchairs, each near accessible parking lots.

All said and done, what—and who—is this best for?
Nature lovers, and especially desert fans, may end up loving Joshua Tree more than any other preserve. If time is tight, the park is fine for a driving tour, though traffic may slow you down during peak summer and holiday weeks. But if you’ve wisely reserved ample time (at least one full day is best), take your pick of activities to engage with the landscape, be it camping (reserve ahead of time), climbing, horseback riding, birding, biking, wildflower viewing, or geology touring.