Cholla Cactus Garden - Joshua Tree
Today we’re in Joshua Tree National Park, and we’re heading out bright and early to one of my favorite spots in the whole park to capture sunrise. Join me as we spend the morning exploring the Cholla Cactus Garden.
The Garden
Located off of Pinto Basin Road (12 miles south of the park’s North Entrance and 20 miles north of the Cottonwood Visitor Center), thousands of cholla cactus plants blanket 10 acres of land here. An easy 1/4 mile dirt path loops you around the garden here, and two short bridges weave through the unique landscape. You can easily walk the trail in under 30 minutes, though you might want to give yourself closer to an hour to enjoy all of the unique cactus views.
Cholla Cactus
Often referred to as the “teddy bear” cactus because of their cute fuzzy appearance, cholla cactus also have another nickname...the “jumping cactus”. These cacti don’t actually jump, but each of their spines hold tiny barbs that easily release and attach to anything they come in contact with. Once the barbs attach to something (or someone), they are both difficult and painful to remove. Cholla cactus play an important role in supporting the local desert wildlife here in Joshua Tree, including the desert woodrats and cactus wren.
Best Time to Visit
I prefer planning a trip during the late Fall to early Spring when the weather is more mild. In the Spring the cholla here showcase beautiful yellow blooms, but this is a wonderful spot to visit year-round. To see the famous glow and gleam of these furry plants against the sunlight, golden hour is a popular time to visit. My favorite time of day to photograph here is just before and after sunrise. If you’re up for a sunrise mission you probably won’t be alone…photographers often arrive well before dawn’s first rays to catch the best lighting. If you’re willing to wait 15 or 20 minutes after sunrise, a great deal of people clear out soon after the sun makes its appearance, and you’re more likely to have this spot to yourself before the “after breakfast” crowds arrive.
Know Before You Go
• Stay on the marked trails and take heed of the signs warning about getting close to the cactus.
• The closest campgrounds are Jumbo Rocks & White Tank.
• Pets are not allowed on the trail here.
• Check the local weather before visiting…Summer heat can be brutal and Winter can bring cold temperatures with howling winds.
• There is no shade on this path, so always bring plenty of water and sun protection.
• As of Jan. 2021, there is a one way route through the garden and social distancing & masks are encouraged along the trail.
• Please follow the Leave No Trace principles here to help keep this special spot pristine, so that others may enjoy its untouched beauty for years to come.
Other Joshua Tree Points of Interest
• Hidden Valley Nature Trail
• Barker Dam
• Arch Rock & Heart Rock
• Keys ViewPoint
• Wall Street Stamp Mill
• Cottonwood Springs
• Jumbo, Puiguin & Skull Rock
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Thanks for joining me here in Joshua Tree today. For more information, see my Behind the Blog video below…and until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!
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