JOSHUA TREE

Category: West Region

State: California

A red-tailed hawk flys above the Joshua Trees.

Date Created: Joshua Tree National Park was designated a national monument on August 10, 1936, and it was redesignated as a national park on October 31, 1994.

Last Visited by Susan: November 2023

Location: Southeastern California, USA.

Size: Approximately 790,636 acres (319,598 hectares).

Survival isn't just for the fittest, it's for those who adapt. Ask the Joshua tree.

— Unknown

Susan's Reflections:

The Mojave and Colorado Desert meet in Joshua Tree. We were immediately welcomed by a curious three-legged coyote. This is a pristine wilderness area where the quiet of the wide-open space of desert, surrounding mountains and a staggering amount of Joshua Trees motivated me to walk – and walk some more. (Joshua Trees are not really trees but a species of cactus.) Boulder formations such as skull rock captivated my imagination, the sun warmed the breeze and time seemed to stand still. We left late afternoon after watching beginner to advanced skill level climbers scale the huge rocks. What an amazing place to play, dream and get inspired.