Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California and is comprised of two deserts, the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, each with its own desert ecosystem.

Joshua Trees

Some say that the Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) is the ugliest tree they have ever seen, but I think it is uniquely beautiful, with its long twisted branches. “Joshua tree forests tell a story of survival, resilience, and beauty borne through perseverance” (National Park Service). These unique trees are native to the southwest, and especially prevalent in the Mojave Desert. They were named by the Mormon pioneers after the prophet in the old testament, Joshua who reached his hands up to the sky in prayer.

The Park at Night

The view of the night sky in Joshua Tree National Park, is unpolluted by light and reminds of me of how big the universe really is.

Rock Formations and Boulders.

The park is not only known for the unique Joshua Tree, but also for the rock formations and ginormous boulders. Some of the more famous rock formations include Skull Rock, Jumbo Rocks and the Wonderland of Rocks. Although it is not a hobby of mine, I have read that there is a lot of potential for bouldering and/or climbing.

Common mammals of the park include foxes, bobcats, bighorn sheep, deer, coyotes, mice, gophers and rabbits. Several lizards and snakes reside in the park, including rattlesnakes.

Although this is a beautiful national park, I don’t think that I was able to spend as much time to appreciate all that it has to offer. I believe that I need to go back and spend more time in the park to truly understand its beauty.