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| For a first-time visitor the desert may appear bleak and drab. Viewed
from the road, the desert only hints at its vitality. Closer examination
reveals a fascinating variety of plants and animals. A rich cultural history
and surreal geologic features add to the attraction of this place. Joshua
Tree National Park offers visitors endless opportunities for exploration
and discovery. Depending on the number of hours you have to spend, your
interests and energy, here are some ideas to consider: |
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| If you have four hours or less, begin your tour at a park
visitor center. Park staff will be happy to provide you with current information
about conditions in the park as well as answers to your questions. |
| With limited time you may want to confine your sightseeing to the main
park roads. Many pullouts with wayside exhibits dot these roads. There are
12 self-guiding nature trails. Consider experiencing at least one of these
walks during a short park visit. |
| On clear days the vista from Keys View extends beyond Salton Sea to Mexico
and is well worth the additional 20-minute drive. |
| If you plan to spend an entire day, there will be time to
walk several nature trails. A ranger-led
program will add enjoyment and understanding to your visit. Check at
visitor centers and on campground bulletin boards for listings, or call
ahead and reserve a spot on the popular Keys Ranch guided walking tour. If solitude is what you are after,
plan an all-day hike into the backcountry. |
| Some visitors like to experience the desert from the seat of a mountain
bike. The park offers an extensive network of dirt roads that make for less
crowded and safer cycling than the paved main roads. |
| Joshua Tree has gained international attention as a superb rock-climbing area. Many visitors enjoy just watching the rock climbers in action. |
| With more than one day in the park, your options increase.
There are nine campgrounds and backcountry camping is permitted. |
| Books and topographic maps, available at park sales areas, give information
needed for longer hikes. For “peak baggers,” the park has ten
mountains greater than 5,000 feet (1,524 m) in elevation. Or make it your
goal to hike to all the park oases. Other trails lead you to remnants of
the gold mining era, a colorful part of the park’s cultural history. |
| Whatever you choose, your time will be rewarding. The desert holds much
more than what is readily apparent to the casual observer. A note of caution:
The desert, fascinating as it is, can be life-threatening for those unfamiliar
with its potential dangers. It is essential that you carry water with you—even
if you are only driving through. Cars break down; keys get locked inside;
accidents happen. |
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http://www.nps.gov/jotr/activities/activities/activities.html
last modified: 10/13/05
web editor: Sandra kaye |
