Joshua Tree, California
About Joshua Tree, CA
Nestled in the southeastern portion of California's Mojave Desert, Joshua
Tree is the gateway to the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. It
is just fifteen miles southwest of Twentynine Palms which is home to the
Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Combat Center; and thirty-five miles
from Palm Springs, CA off the California 1-10 Freeway.
Joshua Tree features spectacular desert views of fascinating rock
formations, Joshua Trees, and brilliant sunrises and sunsets that stretch
for miles and miles. It's been said that Mormon Pioneers that traveled
through the area named the Joshua Tree after the biblical figure Joshua,
because the uplifted limbs of the tree reminded them of him praying.
Biologists have estimated the age of the trees range from 500-900 years
old.
The earliest know history on the Joshua Tree community is when
homesteaders first arrived in the fall of 1911. In 1938, Congress passed
the 'Baby Homestead Act', allowing five-acre, non-agricultural homestead
sites. Developers hoped this would bring new settlers to the area, but
with World War II triggering gas rations, building supply restrictions -
it prevented growth into the outlying desert areas. By 1941, Joshua Tree
had a population of 49 people, with 22 occupied buildings.
After World War II, growth to the area sprouted up with cabins, homes and
commercial buildings. By 1947, there were 144 established buildings, 46
new buildings under construction, and the population had grown to 550
people. During this era, many of the early homesteaders had turkey ranches
out in the Sunfair area. In fact, the population had over 47,600 turkeys
and had planned to call the area 'Turkey Town USA'. However, the turkey
farms faded and new businesses, churches, schools, a fire station, live
theatre, and a community center were established.
Today, Joshua Tree has an estimated population of 14,000. At an average
altitude of 2700-300-0 ft., the weather is 10 degrees cooler than the
lower desert communities in summer, and twenty degrees warmer than the
mountain communities in winter. Days are typically sunny and pleasant, and
smog-free.
Joshua Tree, CA -
Attractions & Activities
Hi-Desert Playhouse: Features fabulous theatrical productions, art
exhibits .Home to the famous Gram Fest held every October. 61231 29 Palms
Hwy. (760) 367-3777
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK: This 800,000 acre desert park provides a
spectacular contrast of scenery from two ecosystems - the Mojave Desert,
which is the high desert home to the Joshua Tree and Fan Palm; and the
Colorado Desert, a low desert that features an arid terrain with ocotillo
and "jumping Cholla" cactus. Visitors are astounded by great granite
monoliths and twisted rock formations; the diverse range of mammals,
plants, reptiles, and over 240 species of birds. Enjoy hikes, explore
remnants of the gold mining eras, rock climb, tour the Desert Queen Ranch
(an early 1900 ranch), or camp in one of their nine campgrounds. Entrances
from Hwy. 62 in the Morongo Basin include Twentynine Palms, Indian Cove,
and in Joshua Tree. (760) 367-5525.
www.joshuatree.org
Joshua Tree
Lake RV & Campground- Rustic family camping and fishing lake with hot
showers, laundry, RV Dump station, Bait and tackle, Store, Firewood, Kids
playground and more. (760) 366-1213 2601 Sunfair Road, Joshua Tree,
CA For details, click here.
Joshua Tree
Visitor, Relocation & Community Information
Joshua Tree National Park
-phone, 760-367-5500, 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms.
CA 92277
Nearby Cities & Towns
Yucca Valley
Articles About Joshua Tree
Step Out of the Ordinary - Discover the
Morongo Basin
Joshua Tree
National Park
The History of Mining in
Morongo Basin
