Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park encompasses 790,636 acres where two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado, come together in southern California. The park is renowned for its namesake Joshua trees, twisted and spiky plants that are actually a species of yucca, creating an otherworldly landscape especially striking at sunset. Massive rock formations and boulder piles, formed from molten rock cooling beneath the surface and later exposed by erosion, make the park a world-class destination for rock climbing and bouldering. The park's location at the convergence of three biogeographic regions creates remarkable biodiversity, supporting over 750 plant species, 250 bird species, and 46 reptile species. Desert wildlife includes bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and numerous species specially adapted to arid conditions. The clear, dry air and minimal light pollution create some of the darkest night skies in Southern California, revealing brilliant stars, planets, and the Milky Way. Joshua Tree implements water conservation strategies, invasive species management, and climate change adaptation planning. The park manages 3.3 million annual visitors through campground reservations and wilderness regulations while maintaining the desert's fragile ecosystem. Research programs monitor Joshua tree health, desert tortoise populations, and climate impacts while restoration efforts focus on disturbed areas and native plant communities.

Water Features

Seasonal streams, Desert springs, Oases

Ecosystem

This destination features a desert ecosystem.