Joshua Tree National Park

The Joshua Tree, which grows only in the Mojave desert, got its name from Mormons who saw in its branches the upstretched arms of the praying prophet. The area, which covers 850sq.mi/2,200sq.m, has only two entrances: in the north (on the CA 62) in Twenty Nine Palms, and in the south (on the U.S. 10) in Cottenwood Springs, 25mi/40km east of Indio. Both entrances have visitors' centers, where you can obtain maps of this national monument and other information, before setting out to explore this beautiful desert landscape at an altitude of 1,000 to 6,000ft/300 to 1,800m.

The Joshua trees reach a height of up to 60ft/18m, and belong to the Yucca family, a type of lily bearing white flowers in April and May. Many of these trees are said to be several hundred years old. Flora and fauna

As almost everywhere in the Californian wastelands you will find here a variety of plant and animal life, even though only a few animals are to be seen during the day. In this extremely dry climate the ground actually obtains the moisture it needs to support life from heavy thunderstorms during the summer months.

However, the flora and fauna have adapted to these inhospitable conditions. Thus the plants either spread their roots wide under the soil, in order to trap the water before it seeps away, or else they penetrate deeply down to the ground water. The leaves of some plants are coated with wax to prevent water loss. In the few oases grow palms, especially the famous fan palm or Washingtonia filifera. This was named after Colonel Henry Washington, to whom is attributed the discovery of the area in 1855. By day the visitor will come across only a few species of animals, such as squirrels, dwarf antelopes and occasionally a coyote, the so-called prairie dog. Poisonous spiders and five different types of rattlesnake are native here; when it is very hot one must take great care in shady places, especially under rocks and bushes. When the temperatures are lower the snakes crawl out of their hiding-places to sun themselves.

"Wonderland of Rocks"

Anyone whose main interest lies in Joshua trees should follow a course to the west, where the thickest clumps of trees are to be found in the "Wonderland of Rocks". The interesting rock formations were shaped by the huge pressure and high temperatures under which the gneiss was forced up out of the earth many millions of years ago. There are also rocks of whitish and reddish quartz which, as magma, i.e. in a molten state, forced itself into the metamorphic rock and solidified.

Rules to be followed

Several roads run through the territory - the two entrance points at opposite sides are only 37mi/60km from one another so deciding which to take is no great problem for the tourist. Only in summer must you be equipped for the heat, which often exceeds 40° C. Apart from the two entrances, there is water only in Indian Cove Ranger Station west of Twenty Nine Palms, and in Blackrock Campground not far from Yucca Valley in the extreme west of the park. There are no filling stations in the whole of the Joshua Tree National Monument, but you can obtain fuel in the surrounding towns - Twenty Nine Palms, Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley and Indio.

In contrast to the rest of the park area, there are some motels and restaurants in these towns. However, as a precautionary measure you should take a supply of water with you.

Walks

In mild temperatures walks along the numerous trails and paths can be enjoyed. Especially worthwhile are walks in Hidden Valley, along the Cap Rock Natural Trail, and the 2mi/3km long path on Mount Ryan (beautiful view).