Joshua Trees are actually "succulent plants" which store water in their thick flesh. You can only find them in the Mojave Desert. My first trip was with my family through the "Cottonwood" Entrance in the South because it is only about a 30-minute drive from the city of Indio, CA.
We stayed at one of our timeshare locations Worldmark Indio. The resort is next to The Golf Club at Terra Lago and features two pools, tennis courts (w-pickeball), hot tubs and basketball court. Surrounded by mountains and landscaped with water features make it an enjoyable gateway to Joshua Tree National Park.
(The view from our balcony at Worldmark Indio)
NOTE:
It is at least an hour drive to see the Joshua Trees from Indio, CA. The benefit of entering to the South is that it tends to be less busy, but you will drive another 20-minutes before you see a dramatic change in scenery with "The Cholla Cactus Garden" and Joshua Trees. The interesting part is you will see how the landscape gradually changes from the Colorado Desert to the cooler Northern Mojave Desert.
(The Cottonwood Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park)
One of the first notable plants we took notice of was the Ocotillo. The picture below was taken eighteen days after my family visit when I returned for a motorcycle journey through Joshua Tree National Park. The Ocotillo plants were now in full bloom!
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(Ocatillo)
The first major attraction from the Cottonwood Entrance is the Cholla Cactus Garden. You cannot miss this surreal field of "Teddybear Cholla". The spot has parking and a very easy hiking trail.
(The Cholla glow in the sunlight)
(An early Cholla bloom)
As you continue to head north, you will start to see more Joshua Trees and rock formations:
(Can you spot the rock climber?)
We turned left toward the city of "Joshua Tree" and came across one of the park's most popular stops: Skull Rock.
(There are many magnificent rock formations among the forest of Joshua Trees. Skull Rock is one of many!)
Short on Time?
You'll probably want to enter from the popular West Entrance on Park Street at the city of Joshua Tree. The visitor center is before the park entrance. You can get information and buy a pass there to skip any possible lines at the gate. I'd also recommend staying in the city of "Joshua Tree" if you have limited time or you have a motorcycle. It can get very windy on the 10 Freeway and surrounding areas.
I returned to Joshua Tree National Park eighteen days after my kid's Spring Break trip. I rode my 2014 Yamaha V-Star 950 Tourer Motorcycle and It is a terrific way to see the park. I entered through the city of Joshua Tree and there was a bit of a line. I cruised at around 30-40 MPH with my modular helmet up and jacket stored in my saddle bag.
Always remember to have a bottle of water, snacks, sun protection and clothes for change of weather.
(It can get very hot in Joshua Tree National Park. I picked a week with highs in the mid-70's so it was as perfect as it can get.)
I decided to go out the North Entrance to the city of 29 Palms to grab lunch. It is a very small town but I found a local spot for a tasty meatball sub! It was Rocky's New York Pizzeria.
I drove back into Joshua National Park after lunch and enjoyed more of the natural beauty it has to offer.
(Daddy and Matt on a hiking trail in Joshua Tree National Park)
Shield's Date Garden has an outdoor cafe, walking path and of course, Date Shakes made from their fresh dates!
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I'm not much of a gambler but I tried my luck with twenty bucks at Fantasy Springs Casino. Let's just say I helped with maintaining the joint! My friend, David, is saying "hello" and inviting you to come out and play.
My main reason for visiting Fantasy Springs Casino was to see Danny Seraphine's "CTA" in concert at The Rock Yard since they happened to be playing on one of the coolest weeks for visiting Joshua Tree National Park.
The Rock Yard features many tribute band but in this case it was a founding member and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer from the band Chicago! There are not too many classic rock bands that feature a 3-piece horn section and iconic songs but this "California Transit Authority" does!!
NOTE: Fantasy Springs has Latin and Country music nights for those of you who love dancing to live bands.
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NO DISRESPECT to Fantasy Springs
- BUT -
Aqua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage (Down the Street twenty minutes) has nicer rooms and their slots appeared to be much looser when we visited this trip.
David and I stopped into an art gallery featuring "living artists" and a collectibles store nearby featuring signed guitars, posters and other unique items: