Best trails to see Joshua Tree's namesake

Joshua Tree National Park's namesake - the ubiquitous Joshua tree - isn't a
tree at all but a member of the lily family.

Joshua Tree National Park’s namesake aren’t really trees at all. Instead, these gigantic members of the lily family, so named because their outstretched branches reminded Mormon pioneers of the Biblical figure Joshua calling out God.

Walking through a forest of them is a surreal experience and feels like you’re on another planet.

Among the best trails to explore the park’s Joshua tree groves are:
• Boy Scout Trail – You don’t have to walk the entire trail to experience a Joshua tree forest. The southern of this trail runs through a grove for a 2.4-mile round trip. Access it via the southern trailhead on Park Boulevard.
• Cap Rock Trail – The 0.4-mile trail loops through Joshua trees as circling the fascinating Cap Rock formation. The Cap Rock parking area is at the junction of Park Boulevard and Keys View Road.
• Hi-View Nature Trail – This 1.3-mile loop heads up a ridge for a panoramic view of a Joshua tree grove. Benches are available for sitting. Park in the lot at the end of S. Park Road in Yucca Valley.
• Indian Cove Trail – Kids will appreciate this short and easy 0.6-miles short, easy hike that offers plenty of opportunities for boulder climbing. The trailhead is at the end of Indian Cove Road W., which is accessible from Twentynine Palms.
• Maze Loop – Forests of Joshua trees, as well as monolithic rocks, slot canyons with high rock walls, and the famous Window Rock formation await on this 4.7-miles hike. It leaves from Park Boulevard.
• Panorama Loop – The 6.6-mile trail runs along a ridgeline in the Little San Bernardino Mountains as heading through a dense Joshua tree forest and a pinyon-juniper woodland while gaining 1100 feet in elevation. Park at leave from the Black Rock Nature Center.
• West Side Loop – Joshua trees abound on the ridges and washes along this 4.7-miles loop. Leave from the west side of Black Rock Campground after parking at the nature center there.
• Willow Hole Trail – The 6.8-mile round trip trail, which starts on the Boy Scout Trail’s southern end, heads through a Joshua tree forest and alongside the Wonderland of Rocks. It ends at a group of willow trees.