Joshua Tree National Park

城市概覽

The name of the park is derived from the distinctive Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), a tall-growing plant that grows prevalently in the higher elevations of its boundaries.

History The area enclosed by the park was declared a National Monument in 1936, a Biosphere Reserve in 1984 and finally a National Park in 1994. The name Joshua tree was reportedly given by a band of Mormons who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century, the tree's unique shape reminding them of a Biblical story in which Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky. The Joshua tree is also called izote de desierto (Spanish, "desert dagger"). The profile of the Joshua Tree National Park (then a National Monument) was raised significantly in 1987 with the release of the best-selling U2 album The Joshua Tree. (The actual tree on the album cover stood some 200 miles to the northwest, closer to Death Valley National Park; it fell over sometime around the year 2000, but it remains a shrine for fans of the band.)

Landscape Two deserts, two large ecosystems whose characteristics are determined primarily by elevation, come together at Joshua Tree National Park. Below 3,000 ft (910 m), the Colorado Desert encompasses the eastern part of the park and features natural gardens of creosote bush, ocotillo, and cholla cactus. The higher, moister, and slightly cooler Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the Joshua tree. In addition to Joshua tree forests, the western part of the park also includes some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California's deserts. Five fan palm oases also dot the park, indicating those few areas where water occurs naturally and wildlife abounds.

Flora and fauna While it may at first appear lifeless, the desert supports myriads of creatures that become active during the evening and early morning. Coyotes are commonly seen near the park roads making their rounds. Jackrabbits and the shy kangaroo rats emerge from their dens in the evenings to forage. Bobcats

如何抵達

By car Joshua Tree National Park is 140 mi (230 km) east of Los Angeles, 185 mi (300 km) south of Las Vegas, and 230 mi (370 km) west of Phoenix. Entrances along the north park boundary are at Joshua Tree Village (west entrance) and the city of Twentynine Palms (north entrance). From the west (Palm Springs, Los Angeles) these entrances can be reached via Interstate 10 to California State Route 62 (CA 62, also known as Twentynine Palms Highway). The south entrance at Cottonwood Spring is along I-10, east of Indio (25 mi / 40 km) and west of Blythe (80 mi / 130 km) and the Arizona-California border. The park is the closest national park to Los Angeles and San Diego. On weekend and holiday mornings there often are lines into the park at the West entrance (in Joshua Tree Village) and the South entrance (from I-10).

By plane The nearest airport with passenger service:

Palm Springs: 1 Palm Springs Airport (PSP IATA). is the closest airport to the park: 40 mi (65 km) to Joshua Tree Village; 55 mi (90 km) to Twentynine Palms; 50 mi (80 km) to Cottonwood Visitor Center. Or you can fly into nearby airports and make a road trip to the park:

Ontario: Ontario Airport (ONT IATA – 70 mi (110 km) from ONT to Palm Springs. Los Angeles: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX IATA) – 120 mi (190 km) from LAX to Palm Springs. San Diego: San Diego Airport (SAN IATA) – 150 mi (240 km) from SAN to Palm Springs.

By train Palm Springs is also the nearest city with an Amtrak station, served by the Sunset Limited (Los Angeles-New Orleans) route.

當地交通

By car The main roads through the park are paved and easily accessible to passenger vehicles. Several backcountry roads through the park may also be passable by normal sedans, although conditions often require high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles: check at the ranger stations for current road conditions.

By foot There are numerous trails throughout the park. Be sure to carry and drink lots of water while hiking.

By bike Many of the park trails and roads are excellent for mountain biking: check at a ranger station for options.

必看景點

1 Barker Dam. Built in the early 1900s to hold water for cattle and mining use, today the area is a rain-fed reservoir attracting local wildlife. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 2 Cholla Cactus Garden (Jumping Cholla Patch), Pinto Basin Rd (15 miles / 24 km south of Twentynine Palms entrance; 20 miles / 32 km north of Cottonwood Visitor Center; 1.5 mile / 2.4 km west of Ocotillo Patch). A short walk leads through a thick stand of cholla cactus, noted for its especially prickly exterior. Near the transition between the Colorado and Mojave Deserts. Site includes a short 0.25 mi / 0.4 km loop trail through the patch. Cottonwood Springs (near south entrance). A desert oasis that offers a respite from the arid lands around it. Willows and birds are found in abundance near this natural spring. 3 Hidden Valley. In the north of the park, a short trail leads through boulders to an old cattle rustler's hideout. Jumbo Rocks (near Jumbo Rocks Campground). One of the most popular and sought-out destinations in the park. Known for its spectacular giant rock formations. Hidden canyons abound. Hiking encouraged, especially the easy-to-moderate trail to Skull Rock. Campsites available. Includes an amphitheater where Park Rangers led science and history tours. 4 Keys View. This overlook, with an elevation of 5,185 feet (1,580 m) above sea level, is an extremely popular spot for watching the sunset. Views of Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault. On rare clear days the view extends over the Salton Sea and Signal Mountain in Mexico. 5 Geology Tour Road (start is 2 mi /3.2 km west of Jumbo Rocks Campground, along Park Blvd). 18 mile dirt road. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended (but not always necessary, check with rangers). This route provides more fascinating landscapes and geologic formations, with access to scenic pullouts, a few hiking trails, and some climbing access routes. (AllTrails map). 6 Ocotillo Patch, Pinto Basin Rd (16 miles / 26 k

體驗活動

Astronomy and star gazing Due to its dark nighttime skies and the relative clarity of its air, Joshua Tree National Park is a popular spot for amateur astronomy, stargazing, and astrophotography. The east side of the park offers the darkest skies for stargazing. Looking east, the closest major city is Phoenix, over 250 miles (400 km) away.

Birding The park is an attractive place to sight and watch birds. The sparse desert vegetation makes birding easier than in most national parks. The majority of recorded bird species are migrants and vagrants. The aquatic areas of Barker Dam and the Desert Queen Ranch attract waterfowl that would not otherwise be seen in the desert, a way-stop to or from Salton Sea, further south. Many southwestern desert species make Joshua Tree their home: from the roadrunner, mockingbird, verdin and cactus wren, to red-tailed hawk and American kestrel. Golden ea