Thing to Do

Hike Cholla Cactus Garden

A person walking a sidewalk next to a fence in front of chollas with the sun setting over mountains.
Cholla Cactus Garden at Sunset

NPS / Alison Taggart-Barone

Cholla Cactus Garden is an easy quarter mile walk with minimal elevation gain along Pinto Basin Road. This walk meanders through a dense patch of teddy bear cholla on the edge of the Pinto Basin and provides views of the basin and surrounding mountains. Even though this is a short and easy hike, it is strongly recommended to wear closed shoes for protection from the cholla.

This trail has no shade and no cell service. Summer hikers should start this trail before 10 am and bring plenty of water. Always check the weather forecast before heading into the park and consider changing plans if the weather conditions are too extreme. Before hiking, tell a safety buddy where you are going and when you plan on leaving the park. 

Details
Duration
15-30 Minutes
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information

This is a dirt trail that is mostly flat with occasional mild inclines.
 

Pets are not allowed on this trail, but service animals are welcome. Service animals must remain on a 6-foot (1.8 meter) leash at all times.

Joshua Tree National Park

Last updated: July 6, 2021