"Garden of Praying Pilgrims" Joshua Tree National Park by mht_in_la

Joshua Tree National Park Travel Guide: 351 reviews and 831 photos

The Bowing Joshua - Joshua Tree National Park

Just came back from a day-trip to Joshua Tree National Park. I took some photos this time. It's one of those places that I visit casually and regularly, but never paid too much attention to. Heck, I even did most of the hiking on flip flops today. However, in the past 2 years I didn't go as often because my car is getting too old for the grueling desert. Besides, the Park's road construction project has been going for 2 years; some sections are still unpaved. But I will try to throw some photos on VT as I continue to visit.

Joshua of different shape and form

As to the Park, it's named after the distinctively shaped Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) that spread all over the western half of the Park (Mojave Desert). Joshua actually belongs to the lily family. When it grows too big its branches often fall on its own weight and start bowing in all directions as shown in the above photo. With its biblical reference, it's as if God created Joshua to show us the proper form of praying.

The eastern half of the Park, however, belongs to the hotter and lower Colorado Desert (elevation 3,000 ft or below). Here the vegetation changes to predominantly bush and cactus. Just drive down Pinto Basin Road that connects the Park's northern and southern entrances and you'll notice the difference.

Last visit to Joshua Tree National Park: Oct 2003
Intro Updated Oct 6, 2003
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Reviews (25)

Water, water, water... and proper... What to Pack (1)

It depends on what you do. Joshua Tree NP is a day-trip for me so there's very little packing problem. I usually bring a... more travel advice

Lost Horse Mine - Joshua Tree National Park

Lost Horse Mine Things to Do (17)

This is a great hike with a surprise in the end. From Keys View Rd, turn east on the dirt road when you see the sign.... more travel advice

Indian Nomads - Joshua Tree National Park

Indian Nomads Things to Do (17)

I found this photo from a pile of my old files, so I just scanned it in. It's taken in the summer of 2000. But now I... more travel advice

Shady rock crack - Joshua Tree National Park

Split Rock - sleeping holes Things to Do (17)

What I like about Split Rock area is that, you can walk around the rock formations and find cool, shady holes or rock... more travel advice

Favorites (2)
See All Coyotes in the shade
Sports & Outdoors (3)
See All Rocking to the top (2)

Comments (7)

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Andraf Jan 27, 2005 at 10:53 AM

Beautiful capture of the Californian desert. Excellent job. It's nice to live so close to such great places.
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lovelypearl Jul 10, 2004 at 10:40 AM

you really have a great page,all are really wonderful and helpfull,keep up the good job
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RhineRoll May 18, 2004 at 7:09 AM

I've got the same exact pic from Key's View!! Note the linear shaped hills in Coachella Valley -- these are surface signs of strands of the San Andreas Fault (as are all other mountain ranges in the area)
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BerniShand Nov 6, 2003 at 11:15 PM

what a great page, and excellent photos too, my must-see list just keeps getting longer.......
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annk Nov 2, 2003 at 5:54 PM

Excellent tips & photos! So close yet I've never been there. I hope to visit soon. Great shots of the coyotes too!
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zrim Oct 22, 2003 at 8:32 PM

Good to see new work from you mht. Those coyote photos are awesome.
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torototammy Oct 5, 2003 at 9:34 AM

Beautiful photos and great tips! Thank you for sharing. I may visit Joshua Tree NP this winter.