Joshua Tree National Park

This national park is named after the distinctive Joshua Tree, which grows primarily in the park's Mojave Desert region.  Joshua Tree National Park is an assembly of three major ecosystems in southeastern California.  This park is ever-changing, with a combination of desert climate and occasional storms which helped shape its unique geology.  Six mountain ranges circle the park, rising above flat desert valleys.  Various rock formations were developed out of magma that rose through the ground surface.  Years of erosion and groundwater formed them into everything from smooth spheres to pointed structures made of various minerals.  The park ranges in elevation from 900 to 5,000 feet above sea level, with sand dunes, oases, and jagged mountains throughout.
 

There are many things to see and do at Joshua Tree National Park.  The National Park Service has a visitor center to help people plan activities.  Guided walking tours are available, or hikers can take advantage of the 12 nature trails on their own.  Mountain biking is another great way to see the park.  A 20-minute drive up to Keys View provides a vista beyond the Salton Sea all the way to Mexico.  Rock climbing is the main attraction for tourists.  This park has hundreds of granite climbing formations and 8,000 climbing routes with varying levels of difficulty.
 

Climbing aside, the massive boulders throughout Joshua Tree National Park display the cultural history of civilizations that came before.  Visitors can view ancient pictographs, intriguing rock shelters, and other artifacts.  Joshua Tree National Park is also known for its plant diversity.  More than 800 plant species have been found there.  Some areas in the park are rocky desert, some are grassland with wildflowers, and other areas have cacti, tree, and shrubs that can withstand the desert heat.
 

Joshua Tree National Park is known for growing rare Fan Palm Trees where groundwater is able to reach the surface of the desert floor.  These trees draw animals such as coyotes, which eat the fruit they produce.  Their shade also attracts sheep and quail.   Jackrabbits, foxes, snakes, and frogs are commonly seen in this region.  During the day, visitors can look for some of more than 250 resident and migrant birds discovered at the park.  The Oasis of Mara and Cottonwood Spring are excellent places for birdwatching.  The Barker Dam is also a favorite spot to view wildlife.
 

The plants and animals at Joshua Tree National Park adapt to intense weather conditions.  Summers are extremely hot during the day and don't often drop below 75-degrees F at night.  Winter months are cool in the daytime with freezing temperatures at night.  Spring and fall are the most comfortable months, as temperatures generally range between 50 and 85-degrees F.  The park is open all year, but visitation is highest in the spring when more wildlife is visible.  People come from all over to explore this stunning desert geography that is unlike anywhere else.
 

For more information or to make reservations at the Joshua Tree National Park log on to: www.NationalParkReservations.com or call toll free 855.245.1290.