Joshua Tree National Park

Tuesday we visited Joshua Tree National Park, which covers 3,200 square kilometers and is an hour’s drive northwest of Palm Springs.  The name Joshua tree was given by a group of Mormon settlers who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century. 

The tree's unique shape reminded them of a Biblical story in which Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky in prayer.  

Joshua Tree

As a side note, it was this religious significance that inspired Bono of U2 to name their 1986 album “The Joshua Tree” after touring the area.

There are many hiking trails of varying difficulty.  The differing geological landscape is fascinating as it changes considerably from the northwest area of the park which is part of the Mojave Desert and home to the Joshua tree. 

Ocotilla Cactus

As you travel southeast you enter the Colorado Desert which is part of the much larger Sonoran desert that spans southern Arizona and north western Mexico and features the Ocotillo and Cholla cacti.

Cholla Cactus

Hidden amongst the rocks are red diamond rattlesnakes and desert spiny lizards; glad it was cool enough so that no snakes were out!  Signs warned us not to place your hands in rock crevices when ascending the steep inclines.

Keys View Point’ provided an excellent panoramic view of the Eagle Mountains, the Coachella valley and beyond the Salton Sea to Mexico. In the valley floor, the San Andreas Fault is visible.

Our hike through Hidden Valley

Jumbo Rocks

Skull Rock

Another great day exploring new territory!