Joshua Tree National Park, Pacific Crest

Joshua Tree National Park is a land of extremes, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts collide, creating a rugged landscape sculpted by wind and rare torrents of rain.  The iconic Joshua tree, with its twisted branches reaching skyward, stands as a symbol of resilience.

Thriving in harsh conditions, the tree plays a vital role in the ecosystem – birds nest in its branches, desert night lizards shelter in its fallen limbs, and many creatures rely on its flowers, fruit, and seeds for sustenance.

Another feature of the park is the Cholla Cactus Garden, with a short circular trail weaving through the spiky teddy-bear cholla cacti.  Meanwhile, bighorn sheep roam across the rocky slopes.  The Joshua tree’s rare partnership with the yucca moth ensures its survival, with some trees living for centuries, standing as silent witnesses to the desert’s harshness.