Joshua Tree National Park
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Picture of Joshua Tree National Park

It used to be that Angelenos who had outdoor play on the brain largely ignored southern California's deserts. Joshua Tree was an infrequently visited national monument—it had plenty of desert scenery but lacked the kind of dramatic natural wonders that put Yosemite, Death Valley, and Yellowstone on the map. Then, slowly but surely, word began to trickle out that the best winter rock climbing anywhere in the United States was here. Instead of stowing their ropes and rock shoes when snows ended the season in Yosemite and other Sierra Nevada hot spots, climbers began to make pilgrimages to the warm monzogranite faces of Joshua Tree. Read More »

Joshua Tree National Park Highlights

As next-door neighbor to the Los Angeles megalopolis, Joshua Tree has naturally become a very popular getaway. But the park remains a wonderfully low-key place, as 75 percent of its land designated wilderness.
You'll be in the jovial company of rock climbers at Hidden Valley Campground. This fairly primitive camp is set among the jumbled monzogranite boulders for which Joshua Tree is famous. Practice your bouldering technique at camp, or head to the neighboring Wonderland of Rocks. Jumbo Rocks is another climber-friendly campground.
Neighboring White Tank and Belle Campgrounds are good places to get away from the Joshua Tree crowds. The camps aren't suitable for RVs and the rock climbers have better places to go. Sites are nestled among the boulders, which block the wind and provide shade. The sandy soil makes a soft spot for tent pitching. Water is available at the Oasis Visitor Center a few miles down the road.

By Travel Expert: Ann Marie Brown

Known for its unique beauty, desert wild flowers, easy access, and varied rock climbing, Joshua Tree National Park has more than 7,000 rock climbs of every rating.
The wildflowers at Joshua Tree National Park in the Mojave Desert are a top attraction. Depending on rainfall and temperatures, the blooms are usually out in late March and April. Watch for Desert Lily, Dune Primrose, Western Jimsonweed, and Desert Star, among others.
Though rock climbing is usually the main attraction of the park, you can also enjoy day and overnight hikes, front- and backcountry camping, and mountain biking on dirt roads.

By Travel Expert: Karen Kefauver