Joshua Tree National Park Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
national park of the United States
About Joshua Tree National Park
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. 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 nameJoshua treewas 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 calledizote 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 albumThe Joshua Tree. (The actual tree on the
Top Attractions in Joshua Tree National Park
Explore the best things to see and do in Joshua Tree National Park:
- ★Barker Dam
- ★Barker Dam Loop Trailhead
- ★Boy Scout Trail, north trailhead
- ★Boy Scout Trail, south trailhead
- ★Cap Rock
- ★Cholla Cactus Garden
- ★Cliffhanger Guides
- ★Cottonwood Springs
Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park
- 🏨Belle Campground
- 🏨Black Rock Campground
- 🏨Cottonwood Campground
- 🏨Hidden Valley Campground
- 🏨Indian Cove Campground
- 🏨Jumbo Rocks Campground
Joshua Tree National Park Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: