
Tag: desert sun
ironwood skeleton – joshua tree national park

ocotillo sunrise – joshua tree national park

cholla and morning sun

When you think of Joshua Tree National Park you naturally think of joshua trees and rock formations and rock climbing. That’s what the park is known for.
Joshua Tree sits on the transition zone of two deserts. The north side, the more well known side with the rocks and joshua trees is in the Mojave Desert. The south side is in the Colorado Desert, a sub-desert of the Sonoran. It’s an area of chollas and ocotillos and canyons and rocky mountain slopes. There are no joshua trees in the southern half.
The south side of Joshua Tree National Park, though not unknown, isn’t as well traveled as the north side. Other than the highway through the park there are few roads there. It’s largely wilderness and hiking trails. I live along the southern boundary of the park. I can step out my door and walk right in. It’s where I wander and take pictures most every day.
palo verde and desert sunrise

When you think of desert plants cactus immediately come to mind. But there are others. There is much desert plant life that thrives in this hot, arid climate.
One of the more common ones is the palo verde. It’s instantly recognizable with its green bark, yet every one is a unique individual. They grow in all shapes and sizes. A visual feast.

