Joshua Tree is an important symbol of the Mojave Desert, located in San Bernardino County, Ca, a little over 100 miles from Los Angeles. The population is near 8,000 and is a relatively small city with a huge impact on travelers to the Joshua Tree National Park.
Historical Name Origin:
The actual Joshua Tree was named by Mormon settlers crossing the Mojave Dessert in the 19th Century. The unique shape of the tree reminded them of the Biblical story in which Joshua reached his hands up to the sky in prayer.
Oddly enough, the tree is not a tree, it is part of the yucca plant family, a succulent. Some of the trees are over 500 years old. They are slow growing this a 10 year old tree might only be a few feet tall. Their leaves are tough and can be worked into baskets and sandals. They are revered in the area as they primarily grow in Joshua Tree.
The trees are precious and protected. A few years ago though, a home builder cut down a great deal of the trees and was fined $18,000 dollars and had to dig them up and replant the trees. People in Joshua Tree treasure their trees.
Joshua Tree is located at the western gate of the Joshua Tree National Park. There are usually long lines to access the Park, so you are better served to drive 14 miles further and go to the eastern entrance in 29 Palms. A day pass is $30 unless you have a National Park Pass.
There are 3.2 million visitors annually who visit this park. It is 795,156 acres of sprawling beauty. The animals present are bighorn sheep, mountain lions, coyotes, white-tailed antelope, snakes, scorpions, and an assortment of bees and spiders.
Hiking is dangerous in the summer as the temps can exceed over 105 degrees, recently as high as 123 degrees. There is never enough water when you go hiking. Every year someone is lost from dehydration or a fall from the numerous rock climbing spots. This area is not without challenge and danger.
BUT, it is a sweet area filled with local pubs, restaurants, saloons, thrift shops specializing in clothes that seem only available in this area. There is a local saloon, The Joshua Tree Saloon, breweries, distilleries, and huge musical venues with groups or solo acts that just drop in to play. We were at the Joshua Tree Saloon on a Tuesday night when open mike is available, and a group from Korea dropped in to play at the last minute. They were amazing. Kanye West was here this past week, but not singing as far as I heard.
It is about 60 miles from Palm Springs which has its' own allure to some.
Needless to say, this is a great spot to visit, to hide from all the distractions of big city life, and to star gaze. BTW, 29 Palms has its' own Observatory and is well known for its' Night Sky Festival and Meteor Festivals. The next Festival is October 4-5, 2024. nightskyfestival.org
It is worth your effort to take the trek. I promise you will feel as if you stepped into a dream. The park is amazing, the food is good as is the music, and there are a host of hotels and Air BNBs to provide you with a good nights sleep, but it is the sunrises and sunsets that draw the crowds. It is an ethereal experience, as close to reverence as you might ever experience. Simply said, there is definitely a higher power at work here.
I first came here with my son 5 years ago, and felt the energy and the pull of "something". I knew I wanted more than just a quick weekend trip. There is a sacredness mixed with a serenity that I have not been able to duplicate anywhere else. Definitely a belonging, an acceptance of the heritage of the Serrano, Cahuilla, Chemehuevi and Mojave communities and others. Some of the tribes were present since 4000 BCE and with that comes life, death and spirits and of course, history.
It is well worth your time and energy to come visit. Wait until the first of October, though as most people are not prepared for this heat as the temperatures cool to a balmy 80. Do not be in a rush. Come for the star gazing, the brilliant night skies and then indulge in the other things mentioned.
You won't be sorry, but bring your reverence.
BTW, available Air BNB if interested 3 miles from entrance to Joshua Tree National Park.
More information soon to follow!