Joshua Tree National Park - Get the Facts Before You Go

• How do the two deserts in Joshua Tree differ?
  • Two expansive deserts come together at Joshua Tree, and elevation primarily determines their ecosystems. It's difficult to find an area that more vividly illustrates the differences between "low" and "high" desert.
• What is the Colorado Desert?
  • Part of the Sonoran Desert, the Colorado Desert is 3,000 feet below and occupies the park's eastern half. The creosote bush is abundant throughout the desert, and small stands of cholla cactus and spidery ocotillo can also be found in the arid landscape.
• What is the Mojave Desert?
  • The wetter, slightly cooler, and higher Mojave Desert is the unique habitat of the Joshua Tree. These undisciplined trees can be seen extensively throughout the park's western half.
• What are oases, and why are they important?
  • Oases offer a dramatic contrast to the arid sea of sand. Indicative of the few areas in the park where water naturally occurs are five fan palm oases.
• What geologic formations can be found in the park?
  • The park contains several fascinating geologic formations, such as exposed granite monoliths and jagged mountains of twisting rock. These act as a testament to the extraordinary forces of nature that helped shape this land.
• What are some of the unique geological features in Joshua Tree?
  • Desert varnish, aplite, playas, gneiss, pediments, arroyos, bajadas, and alluvial fans together create a beautiful and complex mosaic.
• How do desert plants survive in Joshua Tree?
  • The plants in the desert often appear to have given in to the hot and sometimes ruthlessly dry environment. These plants, in fact, lie dormant as they wait for moderate weather and rainfall to trigger their growth, painting a profusion of colors through the park.
• When do most desert animals appear?
  • Many unfamiliar animals appear in the desert during the night and the edges of daylight. They wait for the cooler nighttime temperatures and burrow, crawl, hop, and run the slow time of desert life.
• What animals can be seen in the park?
  • Golden eagles and bighorn sheep can be seen under the blue sky and bright sun.

• Where is Black Rock Canyon located?
  • Black Rock Canyon can be found in the northwest corner of Joshua Tree National Park. The road leading to the area ends at a campground.
• What facilities are available at the Black Rock Canyon Visitor Center?
  • At the Visitor Center, situated in the campground's center, campers can register and pay camping fees. The staff here can assist visitors in planning a hike or other activity. Nature guides, books, maps, and activity books for children can also be bought at the Visitor Center.
• What kind of vegetation surrounds the Black Rock Canyon campground?
  • Located at the mouth of the canyon on a hillside, the campsites are surrounded by an array of desert shrubs, cholla cacti, junipers, and Joshua trees.
• When do the Joshua trees bloom in Black Rock Canyon?
  • In the springtime, late February brings blooming Joshua trees, followed by annuals and shrubs through May.
• Is Black Rock Canyon a good place for first-time campers?
  • The family campground is typically quiet and offers a good introduction to camping for those who have never done so before. Every campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table, with water and restrooms nearby.
• Is there a camping area for horse owners?
  • A separate area for horse owners to camp or stage a ride is also provided at the campground.
• What wildlife can be seen at Black Rock Canyon?
  • Wildlife viewing is possible from the campground, with frequent sightings of cottontails, jackrabbits, and ground squirrels. Bighorn sheep, mule deer, and desert tortoises have also been spotted, though they are more elusive.
• What birds can be spotted at Black Rock Canyon?
  • Cactus wrens, roadrunners, scrub-jays, great horned owls, and Gambel's quail are frequently seen. Lucky birders may even spot a pinyon jay, LeConte's thrasher, or a Scott's oriole.
• What hiking trails are available near Black Rock Canyon?
  • There are many hiking trails behind the campground. Among them is the High-View Nature Trail, a scenic walk 1.3 miles in length.
• What are some longer hiking trails in Black Rock Canyon?
  • For hikers seeking longer trails, Warren Peak, Panorama Loop, and Eureka Peak lead to ridge lines overlooking the frequently snowy peaks of San Gorgonio and San Jacinto.
• Is there a trailhead for backpacking?
  • Black Rock also has the trailhead for a part of the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Backpackers wanting to do an overnight wilderness trip can register at the backcountry board.

• What is Cottonwood Spring Oasis?
  • One of Joshua Tree National Park's best-kept secrets, the Cottonwood Spring Oasis is only seven miles from the park's southern entrance. The spring is an effect of earthquake activity and was used by the Cahuilla Indians for centuries.
• What artifacts were left behind by the Cahuilla Indians?
  • The Cahuilla Indians left behind clay pots (ollas) and bedrock mortars in the Cottonwood Spring area.
• Why was Cottonwood Spring important to miners?
  • Cottonwood Spring became a significant water stop for teamsters, miners, and prospectors. Several gold mines were constructed near the oasis due to the necessity of water to process gold.
• What mining structures can still be seen at Cottonwood Spring?
  • Visitors can see what’s left of an arrastra, a primitive gold mill, near the spring. Concrete ruins of two other gold mills that existed later can also be seen.
• What hiking trails start at Cottonwood Spring?
  • Several hiking trails begin at Cottonwood Spring. A three-mile loop trail leads to Mastodon Peak, offering fascinating geology and excellent views, as well as the Winona Mill Site and Mastodon Mine.
• Where does the short hiking trail from Cottonwood Spring lead?
  • A short trail takes hikers to what’s left of Moorten’s Mill, passing through desert willow and palo verde trees.
• What can be seen along the Cottonwood Wash trail?
  • Another short trail leads to a dry falls and past a second oasis along the easy Cottonwood Wash path. During wet years, red-spotted toads and rushing water can be seen at the falls.
• What wildlife can be spotted at Cottonwood Spring?
  • Bighorn sheep are often spotted during the early hours as they come for water.
• What is the Lost Palms Oasis Trail?
  • The Lost Palms Oasis trail is a much longer hike, eight miles total round trip, and offers the park’s largest stand of fan palms.
• Is Cottonwood Spring a good place for birding?
  • Cottonwood Spring is one of the best spots in Joshua Tree National Park for birding. Visitors should bring binoculars and sit for a while to observe.
• What facilities are available at the Cottonwood Spring campground?
  • Half a mile along a trail from the spring is a campground with shaded picnic tables, restrooms, and water provided.

• Where can large pinyon pines and Joshua trees be found in Joshua Tree National Park?
  • Many of Joshua Tree National Park’s largest pinyon pines, junipers, and Joshua trees are found near the Covington Flats dirt roads.
• Where is Covington Flats located?
  • The dirt road running through Covington Flats, located in the park's northwestern section, is 3.8 miles long from the picnic area to Eureka Peak.
• What views can be seen from Eureka Peak?
  • The road, while steep close to the end, provides views of the Morongo Basin, surrounding mountains, and Palm Springs from the top.
• What activities are available in Covington Flats?
  • Several trails are available in the Covington Flats area, as well as opportunities for backcountry camping.
• Where is Indian Cove located?
  • Indian Cove in Joshua Tree National Park is found north of the Wonderland of Rocks, 10 miles west of Twentynine Palms, and 13 miles east of Joshua Tree Village.
• What makes Indian Cove unique?
  • The secluded cove is known for its extensive number of shrubs and mature Mojave yuccas. Set against the sand-colored rocks, the colorful spring flowers are particularly striking.
• What wildlife can be seen in Indian Cove?
  • Several species of birds can be seen in Indian Cove, including possible sightings of the elusive LeConte’s thrasher. During spring and early fall, desert tortoises may also appear.
• Why is Indian Cove popular among rock climbers?
  • Towering rock formations enclose an expansive campground, making Indian Cove a popular area for rock climbers.
• What types of camping are available in Indian Cove?
  • Several of the campsites offer naturalistic tent camping, as some are tucked around the rocks. There are also camping areas for groups and those with RVs.
• What facilities are available at the Indian Cove entrance?
  • At the Indian Cove entrance, there is a ranger station where campers can register and get water if needed.
• What features can be found in Indian Cove’s picnic and trail areas?
  • On the east side is a picnic area, while on the campground's west side is the Indian Cove Nature Trail.
• What is the Indian Cove Nature Trail?
  • The Indian Cove Nature Trail is half a mile long and features information on the seasonal Indian occupation of the area, as well as local animals and plants.

• What is Keys View?
  • Keys View is one of Joshua Tree National Park’s most popular viewpoints, offering spectacular views of the Coachella Valley from its position on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains.
• How do visitors get to Keys View?
  • It takes about twenty minutes to drive down Keys View Road to reach the viewpoint, but the journey is well worth it.
• What trails are available at Keys View?
  • Visitors can walk the 0.2-mile trail that provides excellent views, or use the wheelchair-accessible route.
• What can be seen from Keys View?
  • The Salton Sea, with its shining surface 230 feet beneath sea level, can be seen to the far left from Keys View.
• What mountains are visible from Keys View?
  • To the right, the Peninsular Ranges high points, including San Jacinto and the Santa Rosa Mountains, are visible. Even further right, the San Gorgonio Mountain stands with its snowy peak easily seen from Keys View.
• Where is the San Andreas Fault visible?
  • On the ridge’s southwest side, the San Andreas Fault drops about a mile into the Coachella Valley and can be seen below.
• How long is the San Andreas Fault?
  • The San Andreas Fault runs through the valley, stretching from the Mendocino Coast above San Francisco to the Gulf of California, a total distance of 700 miles.
• Can Mexico be seen from Keys View?
  • On a very clear day, it may be possible to catch a glimpse of Mexico’s Signal Mountain.

• How was Skull Rock formed?
  • Skull Rock in Joshua Tree National Park was formed over time as raindrops collected in small depressions on the granite. The water gradually eroded the rock, deepening the depressions and leading to further erosion.
• Why does Skull Rock look like a skull?
  • As erosion continued, the rock took on the appearance of a skull, with two hollowed-out depressions resembling eye sockets.
• Where is Skull Rock located?
  • Skull Rock can be found along the main park road that runs east to west.
• What hiking trails are near Skull Rock?
  • Across from the amphitheater within Jumbo Rocks Campground or right across from the campground's entrance is the start of a nature trail that travels 1.7 miles.

74485 National Park Dr. Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597, Phone: 760-367-5500