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Joshua
Tree
National Park
by Laura Dawn
LewisI was first intrigued by
Joshua Tree because of the rock band U2's. Joshua Tree is still one of my
favorite albums of all time. I really had no clue as to what a Joshua Tree is. So
one day, my beau and me took a trip to find out.
Pictured to the right is a Joshua Tree and this strange Flintstone's looking
vegetation is part cactus and part tree and can only be found above 3,000 feet in the
Mojave Dessert.
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Pictures
don't do Joshua Tree National Park justice. The beauty of the High Desert is awe
inspiring and brought us to tears.
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Enter from the West Entrance off HWY 62, which is the highest
point of the park. The bright red granite monoliths contrast exquisitely with the
dark green and brown trees leaving you feeling like you're driving through a three
dimensional post card that never seems to end. The whole scene was beautiful and so
unlike anything we had ever seen, I literally began to cry.
Scattered throughout the 800,000 acre park are five genuine
Oasis', complete with Palm trees, water and abundant wildlife. Camping, hiking and
backpacking are also permitted and for those not into roughing it, Palm Springs and its
posh desert resorts is just a 45 minute drive from either entrance. |
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The
giant windmills along Interstate 10 outside
of Palm Springs are a mesmerizing sight. It's
hard to keep your eyes off them and on the road!
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Wildlife
is everywhere. This coyote came within three feet of our car and acted like we were
not even there!. |
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We traveled to Joshua Tree in April
and the spring is probably the best time of year.
The desert, both high and low are in full bloom with a
variety of indigenous flora an plant life, most
notably acres of scattered white wild poppies.
The contrast between the deep red earth and the
flowers is amazing. One truly appreciates the
diversity of nature passing through several climate
zones.
The majority of the beauty is above
3,000 feet and even in April, it was quite cold and
windy, around 50 degrees. By the time we reached
the basin, the temperature was over 90 degrees!
Camping
opportunities are plentiful in Joshua Tree National Park.
Predominantly tents, but some RV. Most areas require
reservations, some do not. Call ahead for availability: (760) 367-5500.
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Joshua Tree: Magical, beautiful and unlike
any other place on earth. Whether you enjoy camping, driving,
biking or hiking, Joshua Tree National Forest promises a great
day for anyone age 0 to 100.
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Entering
from the East entrance off I-10 in the Colorado Desert, you'll climb from the basin to
more than 5000 feet over the course of your trip. This entrance is rather barren and
typical of most low desert areas. But persevere, the more you climb, the more
beautiful it becomes. |
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Rural Mountain Desert Romantic
The
Joshua Tree Trip will take you approximately
2-hours to drive from
Los Angeles. You will need $10 to enter the park.
Points of Interest
Inside the Park
Desert
Oasis': Oasis of Mara, 49 Palms, Lost Palms, Cottonwood Spring
Hidden Valley: Hiking
trail through granite sentries leading to the former hideout of cattle rustlers
Lost Horse Mine:
2-mile hike to the landmark of the former '49ers.
Cholla Cactus Garden:
Standing an average of 2 feet high, this fuzzy white cactus garden is scene from the side
of the road.
On the Way
to Joshua Tree
Cabazon Premium Outlet
Center: A shopper's paradise with high quality outlet stores including Jones
of New York, Mikasa and West Point Stevens.
Palm Springs: The
hideaway of Bob Hope and others in the Hollywood elite, this resort town has everything
the pampered traveler could want. |
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