Anaheimer

The first time I saw Joshua Tree NP I thought I just crossed through the twilight zone and into another planet. The eerie landscape and the uncanny tree formations combine to transport you to a different state of mind.
This 800,000 acres park straddles the Mojave and Sonoran deserts in California. It is home to the most stunning rock formations, desert views and an unexpected oasis here and there.
The park was named after the most prevalent tree in the area. Mormons passing through the area called it Joshua Tree because it resembled their prophet Joshua praying to God.

Within the NP boundaries you can enjoy an abundance of hiking and biking trails, rock climbing and camping. The park is a world famous destination for rock climbers.

Anaheimer Tip: You don’t have to be a professional rock climber to enjoy the rocks of Joshua Tree NP. A lot of formations are easy to climb. My family and I often scramble up the rock formation, find the path of least resistance and end up at the top with a stunning view of desert or trees.

It took Mother Nature millions of years and many cataclysmic events to finally present us with this natural wonder. It all started with cooling lava flows. Then underground streams started the long process of sculpting the rocks. Mix in several tectonic shifts and several millions of years of wind and rain erosion. The result is unique formations like the Wonderland of Rocks, Arch Rock and Skull Rock.
For more details about the natural history of Joshua Tree NP, visit the official website at http://www.nps.gov/jotr/naturescience/geologicformations.htm.
The park also has an interesting recent history that started with the Pinto Indians making this area their home. They were followed by a succession of other Indian tribes like the Serrano, the Chemehuevi, and the Cahuilla.
Soon cattle ranches drove their herds through the area, then came the gold miners with their tunnels and roads. Soon all Indians were driver out of the area. Homesteaders tried to build a life in this arid area, but they all finally gave up.
In 1936 the area became a national monument and was declared a protected area. In 1994 it became a national park.
For more about the history of the park see http://www.nps.gov/jotr/historyculture/index.htm.
There are many ways to enjoy this colossal park. It all depends on your interests and how much time you have. The best way to enjoy it is to camp for a few nights at one of the campgrounds. The advantage of camping overnight is that you can explore the camp at your own pace. During the day, explore the campground area or take trips to various hiking trails and rock formations. During the night enjoy an unobstructed view of the stars – no city lights to spoil the view. If roughing it under the starts is not your thing, some camps offer RV sites. A total of 9 campgrounds to choose from - only 2 have water and toilets (Black Rock Canyon and Cottonwood).
Not planning to camp out? You can take a day trip and explore a few sites.
Whether you are camping or day tripping, make sure you explore some of the following:

Start of the North Entrance (29 Palms):
From highway 62, take Utah trail into the park. Stop at Oasis visitor center for maps, guided tours and souvenirs. Keep going on Utah trail and pay park fees at the gate. Take Park boulevard into the park. This main road passes several important stops and campgrounds like: Live Oak; Jumbo Rock campground; Skull Rock trail; Geology Tour Road; Ryan Campground; Cap Rock trail and Hidden Valley trail.

Live Oak
Live Oak is a dramatic rock formation with a few oak trees at the base. You can enjoy a quick hike or climb the rocks for a better view of the surrounding area. You can also enjoy lunch or a snack at the picnic tables close to the entrance.

Jumbo Rock Campground – Skull Rock
A campground nestled around jumbo rock formations. You don’t have to camp here to enjoy the views. Park close to the camp entrance or across the street then take the 1.7 miles hike around the area. Look for a rock that looks like a face or skull.
Anaheimer Tip: If you are planning to camp here, you must plan ahead. It is very popular and always crowded.

Related Books:

• Joshua Tree: The Complete Guide: Joshua Tree National Park
• Hiking Joshua Tree National Park: 38 Day and Overnight Hikes (Where to Hike Series)

Geology Motor Tour
An 18-mile motor tour leads through one of Joshua Tree National Park’s most fascinating landscapes (4-wheel drive vehicles are strongly recommended). There are 16 stops along a dirt road and it takes approximately two hours to make the round trip. Get a self guided tour brochure from the visitor center or at the start of the road. Some of the highlights of the tour are: Boulder Outcrops; Malapi Hill; Pleasant Valley and Gold Coin Camp.
If you are feeling adventures, instead of turning back at the end of the Geology tour road, continue on to Berdoo Canyon drive. This is a more rugged road that takes you through a camp that was used by the California Aqueduct builders. The is a moderate to difficult drive for 4WD.

Hidden Valley Trail
Further along Park Boulevard (heading northwest) you will find this hidden nature trail. It is easy and family friendly. The trail winds between multi-colored rocks. Watch out of a rock that locks like a Trojan’s head. Picnic tables are available.

Arch Rock Nature Trail
This trail is on Pinto Basin road, which connect from Park Boulevard. After you go through the north entrance turn left instead of right and stop at the White Tank campground.
The trail starts from campground at site # 9. It winds through several rock formations, the most dramatic is a 25 foot rock that looks like an Arch. You can climb around and through the arch.
Nearby, you can visit White Tank. A tank is a reservoir build by early settlers to collect rain water and runoff.

Cottonwood Springs
If you keep going south on Pinto Basin Road you will reach the Cottonwood visitor center. From there you can easily get to a nature trail and a small oasis with California fan Palm trees.
Another, more difficult trail takes you to Lost Palms oasis. This hike will take from 4 to 6 hours. The last part of the trail will climb to an overlook above the oasis. After enjoying the view from the top, climb down a steep descent to take refuge under the palm trees.
Also from Cottonwood springs you can visit Mastodon Peak with sweeping views of San Jacinto mountains, Salton sea and the Sonoran desert.

Joshua Tree North Entrance
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
(760) 367-5500

Cottonwood Visitor Center
Pinto Basin Rd.,
Joshua Tree National Park, CA