Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California, USA, at the convergence of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. The nearest towns include Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, and Indio. The park lies roughly 140 miles east of Los Angeles and 50 miles northeast of Palm Springs. The park was initially designated a national monument in 1936, largely due to the efforts of environmentalist Minerva Hoyt. It was later upgraded to national park status in 1994 under the California Desert Protection Act. The park protects over 790,000 acres of unique desert ecosystems and the iconic Joshua trees that give the park its name. Parking facilities are available at various locations throughout the park, including popular spots like Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and Cottonwood Spring. There are 16 established parking areas, though parking can be limited during peak seasons, especially at trailheads. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days. Joshua Tree National Park is home to a variety of desert wildlife. Notable animals include desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, and the elusive bobcat. The park is also a haven for birdlife, with species such as roadrunners, golden eagles, and greater roadrunners. Flora in the park is dominated by the distinctive Joshua tree, a type of yucca, which thrives in the Mojave Desert. Other notable plants include cholla cacti, ocotillos, and creosote bushes. Wildflowers bloom in the spring, adding vibrant colors to the arid landscape. Key features of the park include the massive rock formations at Hidden Valley, the Cholla Cactus Garden, and Keys View, which offers panoramic vistas of the Coachella Valley. Public transportation to Joshua Tree National Park is limited. Most visitors arrive by car, though shuttle services and tours from nearby cities like Palm Springs are occasionally available.