“Murtle the Turtle,” or also known famously as “Myrtle the Turtle,” is giant sculpture of a turtle situated along the side of 29 Palms Highway. The massive turtle sculpture can be found on the highway’s south side in Joshua Tree between Sunset Road and Hillside Road. It is considered to be the “world’s largest tortoise.” Murtle the Turtle began as simply a float, created from a wire and wood framework with plaster and cement, and then painted with thick enamel-type paints. The float was made back in 1957 for the town’s Turtle Days Parade. It was later transformed into a sculpture.

Murtle the Turtle, 61605 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.