Although it doesn’t have an official spot as one of the world’s greatest wonders, Joshua Tree in Los Angeles, California, deserves recognition for being one of nature’s finest pieces of work. Like U2’s classic album, there’s plenty to love about the national park and everything that Joshua Tree has to offer.
Cholla Cactus Gardens
The Cholla Cactus Gardens is truly one of the most beautiful locations on earth. Pinto Basin, approximately 12 miles from the northern entrance, is a magnificent region due to the vivid cholla cacti, also called “teddy bear” cacti, that cover the terrain.
The Cholla Cactus Garden has been around since the late 1930s, yet nature’s work took thousands of years to create it. The primary benefit of Cholla Cactus Gardens is it doesn’t require a vigorous hike to enjoy its beauty. You can see everything without overexerting yourself thanks to a mile-long circular loop.
Hidden Valley Campground
Your camping experience at Hidden Valley Campground will be unlike any other camping location in California. Hidden Valley, just off Park Boulevard, is a popular tourist destination due to the breathtaking scenery it provides with its enormous rocks and Joshua trees.
There are 44 sites at this campsite, all with access to pit toilets but no running water. Campers must prepay the entry charge at the station before entering, and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Keys Ranch
Keys Ranch is the place to go in Joshua Tree National Park to experience something extraordinary. This historical landmark serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and ingenuity of the area’s first residents, who endured harsh conditions in the desert.
There are several routes for hikers to explore, and along them, they may see native wildlife, including desert tortoises and bighorn sheep. Gold mining was one of the early settlers’ main sources of revenue; therefore, you could find several abandoned mining machines strewn throughout the territory.
Arch Rock
One of the most unforgettable landmarks in the American Southwest is Arch Rock. The route leading to Arch Rock, a natural rock structure about 30 feet broad, is a popular attraction in this historic park because of its spectacular vistas.
There’s a wide variety of things to do in the Arch Rock region, including hiking, photography, and appreciating the celestial bodies. The arid climate and rocky landscape are perfect for seeing local fauna and learning about geology up close. Exploring the local flora may also provide fascinating information on how plants adapt to and flourish in challenging environments. And if you’re up for some exploration, local cliffs and bridges may provide unparalleled vantage points of the desert landscape.
Ryan Mountain
Look no further than Ryan Mountain for a heart-pounding outdoor experience. This isn’t a walk for the faint of heart since it is 5,456 feet high. This 1.5-mile hike offers stunning vistas of Pinto Basin, Lost Horse Valley, Queen Valley, and Pleasant Valley and an elevation rise of 1,050 feet. At the summit, though, you can take in spectacular views. Fortunately, halfway up the mountain is a picnic place with rock heaps if you need a break.
The cacti and plants scattered throughout provide a pleasant visual contrast to the otherwise stark landscape and the fluffy clouds above. Those who feel daring might even go on a rock-climbing trip to reach even greater heights.
Joshua Tree has so much to offer, and there are plenty of fun things worth exploring that you can’t fit into one trip. Every trip can be a different experience, proving that it’s a special place.
