Photos
Seeds collected from Pinto Basin sit at Joshua Tree National Park’s seed bank. The park ensures these seeds are documented and stored in effort to preserve the Mojave Desert’s flora. Pinto Basin Road is one of Joshua Tree’s main park entrances, right off of I-10. NPS Photo
Fresh snow drapes over White Tank Campground. Located near Pinto Basin, White Tank is characterized by its large granite boulders. White Tank Campground is one of the darkest areas of Joshua Tree National Park. NPS Photo / Hannah Schwalbe
Joshua Tree visitors receive a tour of Keys Ranch. Park rangers at Joshua Tree National Park give guided tours of the site and explain the history of William F Keys’ settlement there. Keys Ranch is named a National Historic Register Site of the Mojave Desert. NPS Photo /Jesmira Bonoan
A volunteer removes graffiti at Joshua Tree National Park. A substance called elephant snot is applied to the boulder to help dissolve the paint. Graffiti clean-up is open annually to volunteers on National Public Lands Day. NPS Photo
A coyote eyes a photographer in the Mojave Desert. Also known as Canis latrans, coyotes are only safe at a distance and should not be interacted with directly. The coyote is common at Joshua Tree and can be found parkwide. NPS Photo /Michael Vamstad
An antelope ground squirrel encounters a pot left at a campsite. Unattended utensils and food often cause small mammals at Joshua Tree like the antelope ground squirrel to become sick. All campsites at Joshua Tree require food to be safely secured to avoid interaction with wildlife. NPS Photo /Brad Sutton
These Joshua trees lean against a sunset background by Ryan Mountain. The Yucca brevifolia, which gives Joshua Tree National Park its namesake, has an average lifespan of 150 years. Joshua Tree allows for the convergence of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. NPS Photo /Emily Hassell
The Indian Cove Campground houses the steep rock formations that provide Joshua Tree visitors with rock climbing opportunities. Popular during the fall season, the daytime temperatures of 70 to 90 degrees allow for bearable rock climbing at this campsite. Indian Cove is located 10 miles west from the Twentynine Palms area. NPS Photo
These golden retrievers work with Joshua Tree’s search and rescue team to find missing or injured people at the park. The canine teams are the only dogs allowed to walk on park trails, whereas pets cannot and must be leashed at all times. Joshua Tree National Park Search And Rescue is mostly comprised of volunteers who must attend about three monthly training events. NPS Photo/ Emily Hassell
This globemallow plant blooms in the Mojave Desert at Joshua Tree National Park in the springtime. Native to the California desert, the globemallow grows in elevated rocky areas up to 3500 feet. Joshua Tree National Park welcomes about 2.8 million visitors annually. NPS Photo/ Hannah Shwalbe