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| Joshua Tree National park sits at the meeting line of two deserts, the Mojave and the Colorado (above). |
The park is defined by its six mountain ranges with basins in between. Fault lines running through and between these ranges sometimes sport desert oases.
The park sits at the transition line between the Mojave and Colorado (a section of the Sonoran) deserts. It marks the southwestern edge of the Mojave and the western side of the Colorado.
The Mojave Desert is above 3000 feet elevation and makes up the park’s northeast section. It’s dominated by Joshua trees, the park’s namesake, and looks like the desert around Las Vegas.
The Colorado Desert is below 3000 feet and includes the Pinto Basin and park’s southeast portion. It is similar in appearance, wildlife, and fauna to the neighboring Coachella Valley and the Phoenix area, the latter sans the saguaro cactus.
Some great trails to explore the park’s geography include:
• Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail (desert oasis)
• West Side Loop (Mojave Desert)
• Cholla Cactus Garden Trail (Colorado Desert)
