ItsJim

You might also check out - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_Rock, just North of Landers. Even though the lower portions are graffiti covered, it's interesting and you can get some pretty neat shots of it and surrounding rock outcrops. Giant Rock is considered one of the largest glacial erratics in the world.

RichKenn Loc: Merritt Island, FL

There is an old ranch site there that used to be only open for guided tours. It was so long ago, I can't remember the name. Here is my favorite picture from there. The whole park is a wonder of sites. I am sure you will love it.

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joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

What an awesome composition 😲😲😲😲

JDefebaugh

1. Joshua trees all over the west side of the park
2. Skull rock and numerous other rock formations in the middle of the park
3. Cholla cactus garden in the east side of the park; best late afternoon when the cactus come to life with some great backlighting photo ops.

So good approach is to go in above order to work out best timing for each area (sunrise / early morning great for the trees as there should be frost and long shadows which makes for great pics with the trees); overhead light is fine for the rocks; and Kate afternoon is perfect for the cactus garden.

Enjoy!

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

A superlative composition 🧡🔥💞🔥🧡

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Beautiful ⭐⭐⭐⭐

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Superb composition 💀💀💀💀💀

erl Loc: Carolina Shores,NC

49 Palms Oasis is nice hike. Take plenty of water wherever you hike. Old mines everywhere, Key Ranch.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

Went there with my young family now nearly 50 years ago. Being there at night weird. Giants with raised arms attacking was the feeling.

Rokko Loc: Minneapolis

We were there about three years ago. We enjoyed:

1. The Cholla Cactus Garden on the main rode leading to the south entrance/exit from the park
2. The Baker Dam area. The dam and pond were ok, but the trail through the Joshua trees was fun. Also, there was an area along the trail with petroglyphs, which were interesting.
3. Cap Rock and Skull Rock are interesting.

Hidden Valley was ok, but not great.

Keys View presents a nice panoramic view of Palm Springs and the adjoining cities in the valley, but it is a long drive for the short time you will spend there.

If you are driving north from Palm Springs, note the wind farm on the mountain in the distance. From a distance, the wind mills look remarkably similar to one of the Joshua tree forests, except the trees aren't white.

Try to get to the park at opening time to avoid crowds and parking hassles.

lreisner Loc: Union,NJ

I love this park and have been there several times, the last time back in August. I drove in from 49 Palms. Depending on which entrance you come in, it is possible to do a circular route through the park. There are amazing rock formations through out the park. The park actually straddles two deserts. The golden hours are the most spectacular times to be in the park. So plan to be there for either sunrise or sunset. This time of year you will not have to worry about the heat. However there will be severe temperature swings between the day and night, as soon as the sun sets, it will get very cold. It is a great place to do night photography. If you like shooting rock formations, you will have no shortage of subjects to choose from. Mostly I used a 24-70mm on a full framed mirror less. I was there in the summer and I did not see any wildlife. Have a good trip. It is a terrific corner of the world to visit.

PS If you want to see some amazing catus, on another trip, visit Saguaro National Park in Arizona near Tucson.

mikee

Went last april. Easy if you tent camp, but don't bring a big trailer. Campsites have small parking pullouts. Parking lots filled early at trailheads. Windy, like really WINDY. Great rocks. Not much wildlife. Never saw a ranger.

Laramie Loc: Tempe

When you tire of JT, you can visit Arizona's version outside Wikieup on the road from Wickenburg to Vegas. Smaller, certainly, and Bono never visited, but lovely anyway.