JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
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After about fifty miles the road south out of Death Valley (HW 127 or Cima Rd.) winds its way into the Mojave Desert National Preserve. This is a beautiful drive and very isolated.
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The famous Roy's Motel on old Route 66 in Amboy. Originally opened in 1938 the famous sign was added in 1959. Once frequented by Harrison Ford and Anthony Hopkins, the motel is now closed.
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A jerky seller on the National Trail Highway in Amboy. The completion of Interstate 40 just to the North spelled the beginning of the end for the town and the motel.
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Bristol Dry Lake in Amboy. A major source of salt in the southwest since 1909 salt is still mined there today. In winter the lake bed can be covered with a shallow body of water, but most of the time it remains dry.
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The western half of Joshua Tree is Mojave Desert habit. Along with the spectacular boulders is the natural flora of pinyon pines, junipers, scrub oaks, Mojave Yuccas and Mohave prickly pear cactus. But what really stands out is the wild-armed Joshua tree.
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Not really a tree at all, the Joshua tree is a species of Yucca. Its waxy spiny leaves expose little surface area, efficiently conserving moisture. These trees can grow to a height of 40 feet at the leisurely rate of 1 inch per year.
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A view of the San Gorgogino peak in the San Bernardino range. This is the highest mountain in the San Bernardinos.
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The panorama from Key's View, the highest point in Joshua Tree National Park. In the distance one can barely make out the Salton Sea and Palm Springs.
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The Cholla Cactus "Garden". This area is dominated by the jumping Cholla, given its name for its tendency to attach itself to the unwary.
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This species is also called the Teddy Bear Cholla because from a distance these cactus seem to be covered with, soft, silvery bristles which accounts for its cuddly common name. However, each of these spines has a microscopic barb at the tip making them extremely painful to extract.
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The park is a mecca for serious rock climbers providing opportunities for all skill levels.
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Dusk at Joshua tree is a multitude of quickly changing colors and hues. Truly a magical experience.
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Yes, it's a photographic cliche, but it's just soooo beautiful.
