Joshua Tree

this summer Jason and I didn't embark on any three week cross country road trips like we had the past two years. we did go on a 9 day road trip though where we exclusively explored California. we revisited some of the same places as last year and also went to some we had never been before. my love has grown for the state of California and it's never ending beauty. 

our first destination was Joshua Tree national park. I have driven past the turnoff for Joshua Tree countless times on the way to San Diego but I had never actually been there. we still have our National Parks pass from last years road trip so we figured it's a better time than ever to see it. everyone had always told me that it was boring desert landscape and not worth going but I definitely disagree. living in the desert I have seen my fair share of desert plants but there is nothing in Arizona like the Joshua trees.

after we entered the park we drove for a half hour or so until we came to the Cholla cactus garden. we have plenty of Cholla cacti in AZ (we call them jumping cactus) but I've never seen so many in one location. as kids we always were afraid the cactus spines would jump onto us but they don't actually jump. they are called that because their spines easily detach when touched. I had never noticed their ombré-like color before and it is very beautiful.

 we continued driving and as we got further into the park the Joshua trees became more abundant.

we drove some more and stopped to climb some cool rocks.

this rock is called "Skull rock" for obvious reasons. way cool. 

 this tree was massive.

we really enjoyed Joshua Tree and its unique landscape. parts of it definitely looked otherworldly. we spent most of the day there and that evening we ate dinner in Palm Springs. 
we have driven by these giant dinosaurs many times but have never stopped until this trip. you can go inside the large one and there is a little shop inside. 

we stayed around Bakersfield that night and got a good nights sleep in preparation for camping the next few days.