Photo by: Jacob Lips
Just two and a half hours away from the booming city of Los Angeles, is the wilderness known for its abundance of Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia)? The area is called Joshua Tree National Park, which stretches 790,636 acres. Close to three million people visited this famous park in 2018.
What is so special about the Joshua tree?
Joshua tree is native to the Mojave Desert. It is not really a tree but a plant, which is a member of the agave family. The plant got its name from a group of Mormons, who said that the plant, with its branches all lined out, looks like a depiction of Joshua reaching out his hands in prayer.
American Indians, who were believed to be the first settlers of the Mojave Desert, considered the Joshua tree important in their livelihood. The leaves, which are tough, were used to make baskets and sandals. The flower buds and seeds are healthy food items.
During the mid-19th century, American ranchers and miners started inhabiting the area and used Joshua tree to fence their dwellings.
History
American activist Minerva Hoyt was known for her efforts in preserving the desert areas in California. She lobbied for the protection of the Mojave Desert. In 1906, President Franklin Roosevelt finally established the Joshua Tree National Monument, which eventually became the Joshua Tree National Park in 1994.
Photo by: Jacob Lips
Things to do
Camping – Many families and friends bond over camping at the Joshua Tree National Park, specifically at the Black Rock Campground. The area has a smattering of Joshua trees.
Hiking – There are 27 hiking trails at the park ranging from short walks and nature trails, moderate hikes and challenging hikes. There is a level for everybody.
Backpacking – Around 430,000 acres of the Joshua Tree National Park, has been declared as a wilderness area. This makes it a dream for every backpacker. Trekkers will see rock formations, vibrant plant life, and exciting animals.
Rock climbing – The more adventurous visitors will surely marvel at the opportunity, to climb natural monzogranite structures. There are over 8,000 climbing routes and 2,000 boulder problems at the park.
Wildlife watching – It’s nice to see animals in their natural habitat. There are frequent sightings of squirrels, cottontails, and jackrabbits at the park, which is exciting for a lot of people. There are 57 species of mammals at the park.
Bird watching – There are dozens of species of birds present at the park. Among the most common sightings are the cactus wrens, Gambel’s quail, great horned owls, roadrunners, and scrub-jays. While rare, some people have also reported seeing Scott’s oriole, Pinyon Jay and LeConte’s thrasher.
Photography – There are so many wonderful vistas at the park that is worth capturing on camera. The wildlife will also provide photo opportunities, but photographers should respect the private space of animals while trying to capture photographs. One has to remember that animals in the area are wild, therefore, they should not be touched or even fed. Photographers should not use the flash when clicking photographs, as it can scare them away.
Places to go
Here are some of the places that are a must-visit at this park:
Indian Cove – This is a secluded area that has become a popular spot for camping. This is also the perfect place to spot some desert tortoise. And for birdwatchers itching to see the elusive LeConte’s thrasher, the Indian Cove is their best chance.
Cottonwood Spring – This is a natural beauty located at the park’s south entrance. It is also associated with the Cottonwood Spring Oasis. The spring is a great place for bird spotters. There is also a cultural and historical backstory to the area, as it was supposedly an important water stop among the working class, during their travel from Mecca to the mines. While there, visitors should also check out the remains of an arrastra, an archaic gold mill, and concrete ruins.
Covington Flats – This is a dirt road that leads to the park’s largest Joshua trees. It provides wonderful views of Palm Springs and the Morongo Basin.
Keys View – Visitors curious about Coachella Valley, where the annual Coachella Music Festival is conducted, can see the view from Keys View.
Skull Rock – This is a unique rock formation that resembles a skull. Over the years, this has become a popular tourist spot at the park.
Photo by: Jacob Lips