Joshua Tree National Park★★
The Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most surreal places on Earth. Here, two deserts meet — the higher Mojave Desert (with the eponymous Joshua Trees, which look like trees from a Dr. Seuss book) and the lower Colorado Desert (barren, hot, with cholla cacti). The result is a landscape that looks as if someone has deposited another planet in Southern California.
The rock formations are the trademark: gigantic granite blocks, stacked as if by a giant hand, form sculptures, arches, and labyrinths. The Skull Rock (a rock that looks like a skull), the Arch Rock Trail (a short hike to a natural rock arch), and the Hidden Valley Trail (1.6 km loop through a valley enclosed by rocks — once allegedly a hideout for cattle rustlers) are the most popular spots.
Joshua Tree is also a mecca for climbers — over 8,000 climbing routes on the rough monzogranite, from beginner to world-class. And at night, the park becomes one of the best stargazing spots in the USA: Class-II light pollution, the Milky Way visible to the naked eye, regular star tours by rangers.
💡 Tipp
Come at sunset — the light transforms the rocks into golden, orange, and purple sculptures. The "Golden Hour" in Joshua Tree is legendary. Overnight stay: The campsites in the park ($15-25/night, reservation via recreation.gov) offer an unforgettable experience under the starry sky. Outside the park: The town of Joshua Tree Village has hip cafes, vintage shops, and boutique hotels.
Achtung
Desert means: no shade, no water, extreme heat. In summer (June-September), it reaches 40-45°C — hikes only before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Bring at least 4 liters of water per person per day. No cell reception in the park.
