We especially love eco-conscious brands, supporting niche and small businesses, and paying homage to stylish pioneers. Halvor Tweto. The 2.8 mile hike took us past cacti, boulder fields, and finally delivered us to the highest point (5,456’) in Joshua Tree National Park. Chollas are found in various other places throughout Joshua Tree; however, the garden gives you the most bang for your buck if you want to cram a lot of them into your frame at once. The colors are so clearly defined and come out beautifully in photos. Joshua Tree has over 800 climbing routes. Indian Cove Campground is also the best campground in Joshua Tree for beginner rock climbers. Each area has its own distinct ecosystem with diverse territory. Unsubscribe at any time. To get to the trailhead from inside the park, exit the north entrance and make a left on Route 62. But the Colorado Desert actually has some of the best colorful blooming flowers which are great in photos. To get to Lost Horse Mine, it’s a gradual 4 mile trail and a great opportunity to see some wildflowers during the right season. I lit my way with a cell phone, carefully stepping between man height cactuses and Joshua trees to find a good place from which to watch the rising moon. They don’t bloom every year so it’s extra special if you’re able to catch it and the perfect time. If you’re a shutterbug like me, you’ll understand how I love to explore and photograph all kinds of subjects. Cholla Cactus Garden - Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus grows here and in my opinion is one of the most photogenic areas of the park. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. All of the photographs and copy herein, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted by the photographers and authors. Coronavirus January 2021 Update: Please note that some information in the posts may have changed and some places may be closed. The Mohave Desert is the only place on earth where the Joshua tree grows. The site is also known for having local parties although there are larger campsites that give you privacy. Chia Flower - Spinky pink flower grows on a long stalk. If they do bloom, it will be sometime in the spring, but only if there’s been enough rain in the winter. Begin in San Diego and drive your crew into adventure! It’s on this list because it’s a fine purveyor … Colorado Desert - The main reasons for the divide between the Colorado and Mojave desert are based on climate, elevation, and the types of plants that thrive in each area. These guys definitely are not what you typically think of when you hear cactus, but that’s what makes them unique! If you’re into ghost towns, there are nearly 300 abandoned gold and silver mines in Joshua Tree Park (see our adventures at the Ghost Town Bodie!). Desert Dandelion - Pretty yellow flower with a red center closes up at night. Just like everywhere else in the park, get here early to beat the crowds, which will climb all over it and ruin your photos (leaving you with nothing use on your annual Halloween cards to friends). This trail is quick and easy, perfect if you only have a few hours. This 774,000-acre preserve has a rich history and flourishing natural scene with wildlife and plant-life. The best outdoor activities in Joshua Tree National Park according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Ryan Mountain. Read more about Arch Rock; 2. Joshua Tree National Park Vinyl Sticker By Imperfect Crafts Shop, Joshua Tree National Park Soy Candle By Elsewhere Candle Co, Joshua Tree National Park Shirt By Habilis Supply Co, Joshua Tree California Ringer Tee By Electric West, Joshua Tree National Park Sticker By Eiman Design Co, Botanical Butterfly Flower Tee By Rabbit and the Raven. It is one of many unique rock formations in the park and it’s a great place for star photography as well. From a photography standpoint, the Mojave Desert usually gets all the love. They grow super tall stalks with yellow flowers, great fro photos. From Park Boulevard, take Pinto Basin Road for 12 miles. We tried to get a camping spot on a first-come first-serve basis our first visit through and the campground was already filled up. If you are able to stay at a campground in Joshua Tree National Park or at Twentynine Palms (we stayed at a hotel there), then venturing out for the sunrise at the Cholla Cactus Garden is well worth your time. Desert Lavender - This plant looks very similar to traditional lavender, but found in the desert. Discover 7 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Joshua Tree, California from The Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum to Desert View Conservation Area. If there isn’t enough rain, they save their water and wait for the next year to bloom. The hike to the top is about 1.5 miles. This is a beautiful garden full of cholla cactus (pictured above), which look dramatically different than other cacti throughout the national park. The anticipation was incredible. Best Places to Live in Joshua Tree, California Suburban complex - Southern California, 50 to 80 miles east of Los Angeles and Orange County. Joshua Tree Flowers - We all know about the funky looking Joshua Trees (which are actually not trees at all), but not everyone knows that they bloom with white clusters of flowers. Privacy Terms and ConditionsSite design by Jodi Neufeld Design© 2014-2019 Gennifer Rose All Rights Reserved. With new luxury tents, cabins, airstreams, and yurt options. San Francisco Neighborhood Guide to the Marina District, Baby-Friendly Travel Guide to Santa Monica, 100 Things To Do in San Francisco Under $10, Where to Find Blooming Almond Orchards in Northern California, Le Marais Bakery: San Francisco's Newest Favorite Instagram Cafe, How to Build the Perfect Charcuterie and Cheese Board, The Ultimate San Diego Bucket List for Summer. Agave Deserti - Mostly known as a common houseplant, these beauties are even better in the wild. Tough to decide which mining site to include, but this one is exceptionally well preserved and includes a smattering of old cars and trucks resting peacefully in … One of the most popular sights in Joshua Tree National Park is Cholla Cactus Garden. We came back and tried again early in the morning at the beginning of the week and grabbed one of the last spots. It is one of the signature sights of Joshua Tree. The last time I visited Joshua Tree a was very pregnant so I couldn’t venture out too much. Fortynine Palms Oasis is much more secluded with a 3 mile roundtrip hike to find it. Although it's not an ambitious trail, there are still some great photo opportunities along the way. Springs and Water Oases - You don’t usually think of bodies of water in the desert but actually there are five water oases in Joshua Tree Park and few springs too. But you can definitely photograph it from some great view points. Each area has its own distinct ecosystem with diverse territory. Joshua Tree National Park is the meeting place of two deserts, the Colorado Desert and the higher and cooler Mojave Desert. Cholla Cactus Garden Keys View. One of the best places to visit in Joshua Tree is the Cholla Cactus Garden trail. Wall Street Mill. The Cactus Garden is on the south side of the road. Nothing like it anywhere: an 8,000-acre maze of jumbled boulder formations filled with secluded places like Rattlesnake Canyon and unnamed spots where you’ll feel like the first human ever to venture. 13 Hidden Secret Spots in Joshua Tree National Park Joshua Tree National Park is the meeting place of two deserts, the Colorado Desert and the higher and cooler Mojave Desert. Our readers look to us for inspiration on how to plan the perfect vacation, curate products that elevate their lifestyle, whip up fresh recipes and how to embrace modern motherhood. 4-Night Joshua Tree Desert RV Rental Package. But the below list contains all the locations I hope to explore on my next visit! Desert ironwood - A beautiful blooming tree with pink/purple blossoms. The trailhead access is at Pinto Basin Road on the way to Cottonwood Springs. The blooming season can begin as early as February but it’s mostly in early spring which falls around March and April. See all outdoor activities in Joshua Tree National Park on Tripadvisor. To get to the trailhead: From Park Boulevard, take Keys View Road south 2.4 miles and turn left onto a dirt road leading to the trailhead for Lost Horse Mine. Cholla Cactus Garden. Quail Mountain - The tallest mountain in the park and you must be an experienced hiker to reach the top. The East side of the park is best for stargazing. Lost Horse Mine - Long ago miners arrived in the park in the 1800s. Other Trees - We all know about the Joshua Trees but within the park there’s also has piñon, pine, juniper, and live oak trees. July 2, 2020 6:18 am Comments Share on facebook. It’s pretty easy to see why. Joshua Tree glamping is a great way to experience the mountain views in comfort. Pioneertown is an unincorporated town with a population of 420. Barker Dam Trail. Wether you are a tent camper or have an RV, camping in Joshua Tree is top notch. It’s also easy to walk to some desert area where the Joshua Trees are growing. Facebook Share on twitter. Log in, This blog is simply a hobby and labor of love for me. The most popular spring is Cottonwood Spring which surprisingly has lush green palm trees. The glow of the superbright, super huge orb radiated out from behind the mountains for what seemed like an hour before the moon finally made its diva entrance. No part of this site, or any of the content contained herein, may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsover without express permission of the copyright holders. But that’s not why JT Health Store is on this list. The views from the peak seemed to endlessly stretch in every direction. It was also the perfect spot for a quick snack, so we sat on a few boulders at the top and munched on some sandwiches. Sunset Skies - Joshua Tree has the best sunset skies and you can actually see the stars at night. If you need to pick up some vitamins or supplements during your trip, you can do that here. You’ll see them growing on mostly level, well-drained areas throughout the park at elevations from 2,000 to 6,000 feet (the Black Rock Canyon area and Queens’s Valley have … You will hit the iconic Joshua Trees and boulders once you drive north to the Mojave desert side. It’s very, very, dark at night in Cholla Cactus Garden. Be sure to check the blooming conditions before you head out. Along the Hidden Valley trail (best hiking photo spots in Joshua Tree) About halfway through the Hidden Valley hike. The Cactus Garden is pretty deep into Joshua Tree National Park, about 12 miles in from the south entrance. Drive 5 miles through the city of Twentynine Palms and turn south on Canyon Road. If you have enjoyed the posts. Arch Rock, located in the White Tank Campground, is one of my favorite places in Joshua Tree. It … Although explorer John C. Fremont famously derided Joshua trees as “the most repulsive tree in the vegetable kingdom,” these grizzled looking plants that reach up to 40 feet-tall can be as beautiful as they are eccentric. I could write an entire blog post on just these gems but I will just give you some highlights for now. If you continue another mile down the trail, there’s a great overlook spot as well. Desert Flowers - If you’re planning on visiting dessert blooms, it’s important to know their relationship with the rainy season. Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) - This super tall succulent-looking plant has red flowers at the end and totally make for awesome portrait photos (aka selfies!). A wide or ultra-wide lens is great to show the chollas and nearby hills, but a telephoto lens could also bring some … Full disclosure, the mine is blocked off so you have to admire it from a distance and get creative with your camera. Snow Scene - The park is often closed when there’s snow but if you get the opportunity to photograph the desert after some fresh snow has fallen, it’s so beautiful! There are no developed trails on Quail so I don’t recommend it to anyone unless you’re real Gung-ho for adventure. They are fairly close to the main road and easy to climb. Wonderland of Rocks. Along Park Boulevard, Hidden Valley, Ryan, and Jumbo Rocks are the three campgrounds most central to the main … There’s no permit required for this trail, yay! It’s perfect for photos! Wildlife - If you want to try your hand at wildlife photography, species that live inside the park include birds, bighorn sheep, snakes, and lizards. Must See Spots in Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree is one of the best places for stargazing in the country (and the planet!). Dessert Mariposa Lily - Orange Flower that resembles the California Poppy. This short half-mile trail takes you to the arch and you can explore all around it. 1. The Natural Sisters Cafe, Joshua Tree (Vegetarian & Brunch, $$) Crossroads Cafe, Joshua Tree (American, $$) La Copine, Yucca Valley (New American, $$) Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace (New American, $$) – open late and has live music. The reason is that the Park is located in the High Desert (3000-5000 ft above sea level) and it is located far from major cities (which create light pollution). Some campgrounds lie along this corridor, and a couple of others are nearby. There’s so many crooks and pathways you can find for a unique photo. We find this part of the park a great spot (or along the road) to watch the sun go down. Top Joshua Tree National Park Landmarks: See reviews and photos of sights to see in Joshua Tree National Park, California on Tripadvisor. The Hidden Valley loop trail is not only one of the best hikes in the park, but it’s also one of the best photo spots in Joshua Tree. And if you visit before 10 am even on a … The light illuminates the tiny cactus plants and lights the … The reason it is dark here is because the Park is located in the High Desert (5000 ft above sea level) and it is located far from major cities (which create light pollution). Ryan Mountain - The second tallest mountain in the park and visitors can trek to the top without too much difficulty. Drive 1.7 miles to the parking lot at road’s end. An ode to everything California, travel and finding beauty in everyday things. Note: This article has been updated for 2020 to reflect the best Joshua Tree glamping sites and unique stays. #7 Must-see Location at Joshua Tree National Park – Cholla Cactus Garden Sunrise at the Cholla Cactus Garden at Joshua Tree National Park. Copyright: This entire site Ⓒ 2014-2020 Gennifer Rose. Photographers will love to visit at sunrise to watch the sunbeams light up the semi-translucent needles. The Cholla Cactus Garden is another obvious photo spot in the park due to its high concentration of cholla cacti. The Big List of Strange, Fun & Unique Attractions in Southern California, Pacific Coast Highway: Where to Stop on Your Road Trip, Fun Stops on the Drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Donner Pass, Summit Tunnel Hike: Old Abandoned Railroad. There are cute shops, fun bars and restaurants, and more. TOP 10 GUIDE: Best Instagram Photo Spots Inside Joshua Tree National Park. Twitter Share on reddit. Hotels near Hidden Valley; Hotels near Keys View; Hotels near Cholla Cactus Garden; Hotels near Skull Rock; Hotels near Barker Dam Trail; Hotels near Ryan Mountain; Hotels near 49 Palms Canyon Trail; Hotels near Cottonwood Visitor Center; Hotels near Joshua Tree Ranch; Hotels near Arch Rock The hike is only a quarter mile and leads you straight into a beautiful lush garden of these adorable cacti. This guide reviews the best options for glamping in California’s eco travel hotspot. Please note that this post contains affiliate links. Customize your hike to find the hidden gems! Backyard Bohemia, a dog-friendly glamping site right outside Joshua Tree main entrance. Best Photos Spots in Joshua Tree and Surrounding Cities Pioneertown. They all have Western facades that will have you feeling like you’re in an old Western movie set. 3. Climbing Routes - If you’re feeling adventurous, get a new perspective from up above. Gennifer Rose is a Sacramento based blog specializing in traveling around California, natural lifestyle, motherhood. Dessert flowers only bloom after the winter rains. The Mohave Desert is the only place on earth where the Joshua tree grows. The … Find it here on Google Maps. All specialty lodgings in Joshua Tree National Park; Near Landmarks. Joshua Tree NP in Summer – I don’t recommend visiting in summer, when the weather regularly exceeds 100 degrees F. If you do visit in the summer, make sure you’re prepared for hot weather and bring lots of drinking water. The campground has 101 sites, including 13 group campsites. In-park campground near Joshua Tree South Entrance: Cottonwood Campground; 6 more great camping, glamping, and RV sites close to Joshua Tree entrances. We highly recommend visiting this area around sunset when the cactus garden looks even more magical with their iridescent glow as dusk sets in. Skull rock is probably the most famous Instagram spot in Joshua Tree National Park. Cholla Cactus Garden. Juniper trees are especially photogenic because they have dramatic twisted trunks which totally add drama to a photograph. Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing place to explore, and here are a few fantastic hikes that prove the point: Arch Rock Nature Trail, 0.3 mile: Walk from White Tank Campground to a natural arch, through a maze of other rock formations with abundant spots to scramble around and crannies to explore. The trailhead is located away from the main road which makes it much less frequented. We won’t send you spam. Notch-leaved Phacelia - Small purple flowers are also called scorpionweed. Wonderland of Rocks - We took our photos here, next to Skull Rock. October, April and May are the most pleasant months in Joshua Tree, while July and August are the least comfortable months. Joshua Tree, California Joshua Tree is one of the best places for stargazing in the country (and the planet!) Hidden Valley. It was started up in 1946 by actor, Dick Curtis. The views from the top of Ryan Mountain are amazing! These round and bulbous rocks where formed by glaciers long ago and make for some great photos. For the most part, this is the best place to camp in Joshua Tree National Park. So many crooks and pathways you can explore all around it usually all! 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