Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park
The Cholla Cactus Garden is in Joshua Tree National Park along the Pinto Basis Road. The trailhead is about 10 miles south of the intersection with the east-west park road.
My wife and I visited in a late spring afternoon. I’d read online that the best time to see it was in the last couple of hours before sunset when the sunshine illuminates the cactus. That was our plan. We headed down the road, dropping what felt like a tremendous amount of elevation along the way.
When we reached the parking lot, you could see the transition between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. Joshua Tree National Park is split between the two. The parking lot was about half full, which honestly was a relief; I expected it to be busier.
Hiking the Cholla Cactus Garden
Stepping out of the car into the cool, dry air, we made our way to the trailhead. Though only a quarter mile long, the trail was a sight to behold. It winds through thousands of teddy bear cholla cacti set against a backdrop of majestic mountains. A word of caution: these cacti, often referred to as ‘jumping’ cholla, can cause injury as their sharp spines easily attach to you. Numerous signs along the trail serve as a reminder to admire from a distance.
As we hiked, the golden hour was just beginning, casting a warm glow on the spiny branches. Many of the cholla cacti were adorned with flowers, some on the brink of blooming in the coming days or weeks. The air was alive with the buzz of songbirds, and we were lucky enough to spot a stunning hummingbird perched on a cactus, posing for a photo.
While short in distance, this hike certainly made up for it with scenery. It was one of our favorites in Joshua Tree. It was a great way to put a bow on a wonderful day exploring the park before returning to camp.
Other Things to do in Joshua Tree
Check out Skull Rock
Explore Arch Rock and Heart Rock at Sunrise
Hiking the Barker Dam Trail and discover Native American Petroglyphs
Take a tour of Keys Ranch
Where is Joshua Tree National Park located?
Joshua Tree National Park is in southern California, about 130 miles and two and half hours from Los Angeles. It’s about 160 miles and three hours from San Diego and a little less than a 4 hour drive from Las Vegas.
Where to stay in Joshua Tree National Park?
There are campgrounds in the park, but no lodging. If you plan on camping, reservations can be booked at Recreation.gov. There are also plenty of hotel options in Joshua Tree the town and Twentynine Palms.
