Joshua Tree National Park has always been a favorite place to hike and photograph. I have long held a fascination with this desert landscape, especially with the eclectic shapes of the signature joshua trees. I love framing these interesting tree shapes against a colorful backdrop during a sunset, a twilight sky, or the milky way.
The western half of Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) is a maze of Joshua Trees and granite boulder fields. This section is at a higher elevation and marks the southern tip of the Mojave Desert.
As you descend into the lower Pinto Basin, the landscape of the Sonoran Desert features a large ocotillo patch and cholla cactus garden.
Cholla is known by several names, including the Jumping Cactus, because it's barbed spines seem to jump out at you. The plant drops small sections of itself on the ground, which then can root and become a new plant. These small spiny sections can easily penetrate a soft shoe and sink into your feet if you are not wary. I can vouch for this fact, but that is a story for another day...
These prickly little devils are also known as Teddy Bear Cholla, due to their fuzzy appearance.
In the spring, the desert is alive with splashes of color. Here a beavertail cactus is in bloom.
Late afternoon sun in the desert.
Joshua Tree Sunset
Joshua Tree against a brilliant twilight skies.
Joshua Tree under a Full Moon
Joshua Tree Silhouettes against the Milky Way
Aliens landing in the desert?
