Joshua Tree National Park, California

Located around 140 miles east of Los Angeles in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to visit for all nature lovers. Before we take a look at all the wonderful activities that one could enjoy there, let us look at some general facts about the National Park

Location
140 miles east of Los Angeles
175 miles northeast of San Diego
215 miles southwest of Las Vegas.

Closest Airport: Found in Palm Springs

Temperatures
Spring and Fall:  Average high = 85° F (29° C)
Average low = 50°F (10°C) respectively.
Winter: Temperatures range around 60°F (15°C), with freezing nights and occasional snow in higher elevations
Summers: Over 100°F (38°C) during the day and around 75°F (24°C) during the night
Days are typically clear with less than 25 percent humidity

There are a wide range of activities that one could do in this national park. Let us now look at some activities that one could enjoy in Joshua Tree National Park on their own or with their loved ones.

Nature Trails at Joshua Tree

There are 12 self guiding trails where one could see many geological wonders, boulder piles and plants of the Colorado Desert. The Barker Dam trail in particular showcases the water tanks that were created by cattle ranchers in the past. These trails are strewn with many plants and trees, including the Joshua Trees themselves. One might also find other captivating plants and trees like cottonwood trees, cactuses and other plants of the Mojave and Colorado Desert. They may also come across sever animals and Indian habitations. Some of these trails could also amaze one with wonderful views of Mt. San Gorgonio, San Andreas Faults, Mt. San Jacinto, Mt. San Gorgonio, and the Salton Sea.

Bird Watching at Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent choice for bird watchers as this national park is home to make bird species like the greater roadrunner, phainopepla, mockingbird, verdin, cactus wren, rock wren, mourning dove and many more. In winter one could also see their winter migrants namely, white-crowned sparrow, dark-eyed junco, sage sparrow, cedar waxwing, American robin, and hermit thrush and they would remain in the park till March.

Once the winter ‘visitors’ start migrating other species such as summer nesting species such as Bendire’s thrasher, ash-throated flycatcher and western kingbird begin migrating into the national park.

Some unusual sightings in this region include large groups of turkey vultures that would spend the night at the Oasis of Mara during their spring migration. Occasionally, one could chance upon a shore bird in the spring season.

Photography at Joshua Tree

The wonderful and peaceful sceneries and views available at this park make this a great spot for photographers to create some excellent and unique pictures. The Joshua tree in itself possesses such character and could create excellent pieces of art for all photographers to enjoy. Also the various desert elements that can be found in this national park make for some unique pictures that could be enjoyed by all. Photographers should certainly consider this spot for their next photo meet.

Many are aware that photography as a hobby has its benefits and joys. All photographers-amateurs and professionals should be sure to capture some wonderful sceneries at this national park.

Other great activities that visitors of all ages could enjoy in Joshua Tree National Park are Backcountry Roads, Backpacking, Camping, Geology Motor Tour, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Keys Ranch Tour, Mountain Biking, Ranger Programs, Rock Climbing, Stargazing and Wildflower Viewing

Photos Credit: Nazeem Sheik
Source: http://www.nps.gov