The amazing Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Mohave Desert in southern California. Our visit began at the south entrance of the park just north of Interstate 10. We soon found that there are many similarities to the Sonoran Desert, however the most striking difference is the lack of Saguaro cacti and the presence of the magnificent Joshua Trees. Patience is required, as we traveled 27 miles before we saw our first Joshua Tree.
First, we enjoyed walking the nature trail at the Cholla Cactus Garden where we saw numerous and varied cholla cactus including the teddy bear and silver cholla. Great care was taken to avoid any encounters with these "jumping cholla".
A nice drive down a dirt road prior to the White Tank Campground revealed the first of many fabulous rock formations that we enjoyed throughout the park.
Jim and Jester enjoying their hike.
Rock formations of monzogranite throughout the park are the result of volcanic activity more than 100 million years ago. These rock piles rose from the ground and were created into unlikely shapes by winds and water.
At last, the beautiful Joshua Tree!
A well deserved picture of Jim!
Great fun for rock climbing. No, that's not Jim.
So very picturesque! Would love to return in the spring when this desert is in bloom.
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