Joshua Tree - 49 Palms Hike

We've been busy the past month!  We just returned from hiking in Big Bend, TX, and before that, Joshua Tree, CA.  It's full-on spring here in Colorado (that means basically nice days alternated with blizzards).  Where did the winter go?

Anyway, here's one installment of hike descriptions/photos to come...

• The park is named for the Joshua Tree, which is actually a type of yucca. Joshua Trees live primarily in the Mojave Desert, though a few can be found in the Sonoran Desert, Great Basin Desert, and San Bernadino Mtns.

• Two large desert ecosystems, the Colorado/Sonoran & the Mojave, come together at Joshua Tree National Park.

• Below 3,000’, the Colorado Desert (Sonoran) occupies the park’s eastern half. It is dominated by abundant creosote bushes but accented by spidery ocotillo and jumping cholla cactus.

• Higher, more moist, & slightly cooler, the Mojave Desert hosts its signature plant – the Joshua tree. Extensive stands characterize the park’s western half. Elevations are generally between 2,000 and 5,000 feet. Precipitation averages 3-5” per year. 

• Another ecosystem is the Pinyon/Juniper zone, found at high elevations in the Little San Bernadino Mountains. Panorama Loop/Warren Overlook & Peak hike visits this area.

• Five fan palm oases in the park.


Joshua Tree - 49 Palms Hike  3 miles R/T

To get to the trailhead, turn south off CA 62 onto Canyon Road (look for an animal hospital on corner) & drive to the parking lot at the end of the road.
Hike Overview: The hike is a good introduction to the area. Moderately strenuous. It has approx. 360 feet of vertical gain both directions.
Hike Highlights:

• Views of the town of Twenty Nine Palms and out towards the marine base 

• Small natural fan palm oasis at the turnaround point.

Hiking up & over the hill towards oasis in the distance

49 Palms Oasis

Approaching the oasis