Joshua Tree Forest The Joshua Tree Forest National Park is filled with life. Most of us think that the desert is often dry and lifeless. But take a good look and you will see plenty of life and beauty here. Joshua Tree Map  Joshua Tree is located in the San Bernardino desert in Southern California. But, like much of that portion of the state, it is far different from the image most people have of Los Angeles. There are no beaches nearby, no hip restaurants and Hollywood is nowhere to be seen. Joshua Tree Camping There are nine campgrounds in the park and two provide water and toilets that flush. Once you have settled in (to where every you chose to stay in the Joshua Tree forest) you will find that it is easy to walk along the sand and find that diversity of life mentioned above. There are cholla cacti and creosote bush. And, far from being totally dry, there are actually several fan palm oases that offer shade and water to the wildlife. There are nearly 250 native bird species in Joshua Tree. Among the natives are the Greater Roadrunner. Since, unlike many birds, they have two front toes and two rear-facing, look for their unique tracks by spotting the 'X'-shaped trails they make.
Keep an eye out and you will undoubtably see a Cactus Wren. Le Conte's Thrashers are common and Mockingbirds make a home near all the palm trees. So do the Woodpeckers with their great plumage. Stick around until after dusk and you might very well spot a Great Horned Owl! Here, even the non-living objects are fascinating. Joshua Tree is famous for having some of the finest rock climbing anywhere around. The hundreds of huge granite boulders give climbers of all skill levels a chance to test their ability. It is particularly attractive in the winter when many other sites are too cold or too heavily snowed over. The monzogranite faces offer a year-round pleasure to enthusiasts who might otherwise head to Yosemite.
Whether standing on top after a climb or just taking a hike, there is plenty of dramatic and beautiful scenery in this national park. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the sunsets here!
Joshua Tree Photography The native Joshua trees that give this park its name. With their distinctive crooked limbs they provide an interesting outline against the sky. But looking around you will find many other wonderful things besides these great trees. The flowers continue to bloom despite the sparse rainfall. Many cacti here are of the flowering species. And, across the over 1,200 square miles, there are bighorn sheep, miles of trails and several great lookout points. Part of the California Riding and Hiking Trail winds through the western side of the park. Lookouts at Key View on the southside offers a spectacular view of the Coachella Valley below. For those who want to go 4-wheeling, the Geology Road is a great place where you will disturb no one. Joshua Tree Weather Be prepared for some hot weather, though. Summer days can easily exceed 100°F (38°C). Be ready for the possibility of chilly weather if you visit in winter. Nights often drop below 50°F (10°C). At anytime of year, though, Joshua Tree National Park welcomes visitors from all over the world. Be sure to stop at the Visitors Center and check out the museum for information about all the park has to offer.
If you are coming here then please take a look at my favorite places to stay when you are here. Return From Joshua Tree Forest Page To The California National Parks Page
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