The Joshua Tree

Larina Arrowsmith is amazed by this extraordinary phenom

Epitomising the American wilderness with its cactus-like appearance, the Joshua tree was chosen to feature in U2’s iconic album cover of the same name. The Joshua tree has been hailed by the band as a symbol of faith and hope due to its ability to survive in fiercely adverse conditions.

And the tree has earned this accolade due to its adapted shallow roots and spiky leaves, which have enabled it to survive on only one annual rainfall.

The Joshua Tree National Park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals that have taken up residence here.

What’s more, the park is where the two distinct ecosystems of the high Mojave Desert and low Colorado Desert meet. Known for its arid climate, rugged rock formations and stark desert landscape, this location can present itself as quite an unforgiving environment.

Due to its location and altitude however, a visit here can be an unforgettable experience. The park offers spectacular hikes, as well as a chance to spend the night camping under the desert sky.

It’s one of the best places in the US for stargazing and the perfect way to end an evening after a day spent exploring.

PARK FACTS

• The Joshua Tree National Park is located in California near Palm Springs
• It covers an area of nearly 3,200 square kilometres
• The location was established as a national park on 31 October 1994
• The park is named after the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) that are native to the Mojave Desert
• Some of the rocks here are 1.7 billion years old

USEFUL INFORMATION

• The park is open year-round but the best time to visit is between October and May to avoid the high temperatures
• Begin your trip at one of the visitor centres to ensure you’re armed with information about the environment and activities on offer
• The entrance fee is US$ 30 for a vehicle and 25 dollars for a motorcycle while an annual pass costs US$ 55
• There are over 300 campsites to choose from and it costs about 15 dollars a night to camp here
• You’ll need to come prepared as there’s no running water or electricity at the camp
• Whether you want to pursue photography, hiking or climbing, it’s wise to hire a guide who will show you the best locations in the park to match your skills