Your Best Guide to Visiting the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park
If you are looking for an amazing desert oasis to explore, look no further than the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park. This garden is home to some of the most beautiful cacti in the area, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting the park.
In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about visiting the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park. We will give you directions on how to get there, what to expect when you arrive, and some tips on how to dress and what to bring with you. We will also let you know about some of the best things to do near the garden, and we will give you a brief history of this amazing attraction. Finally, we will take a closer look at the anatomy of the cholla cactus and tell you why it is such a popular destination for photographers.
The Cholla Cactus
Cholla cactus are also known as the “teddy bear” cactus thanks to their adorable fuzzy look. They’re also known as the “jumping cactus.”
Jumping isn’t their thing, but each spine of these cactus has little barbs on it that readily release and attach to whatever they touch.
The spikes on cholla cactus are both difficult and excruciating to remove once they have connected to something (or someone). Cholla cactus contribute to the food chain in Joshua Tree by assisting desert woodrats and cactus wrens.
The Cholla Cactus Garden
Thousands of cholla cactus plants blanket ten acres of land at the Cholla Cactus Garden (12 miles south of the park’s North Entrance and 20 miles north of Cottonwood Visitor Center). An easy 1/4-mile dirt route circles the garden here, and two short bridges link you through this unique environment.
Though you can easily walk the path in under 30 minutes, allow yourself an hour to appreciate all of the fantastic cactus views.
The cholla cactus is a popular destination for photographers because of its unique anatomy and beautiful blooms. The spines on the cholla cactus are very sharp, so be careful when photographing this plant. It is also important to be aware of the cactus’ thorns, which can easily pierce your skin.
Where is the Cholla Cactus Garden Located?
The Cholla Cactus Garden is located in Joshua Tree National Park, which is about two hours east of Los Angeles. To get there, take Highway 62 to Yucca Valley and then take Park Boulevard to the park entrance. The garden is located about halfway between the entrance and the town of Joshua Tree, so it is easy to find.
When you arrive at the Cholla Cactus Garden, you will be surrounded by an oasis of tall cacti and lush vegetation. This garden is home to a variety of species of cacti, including the giant cholla cactus. This cactus can grow up to 15 feet tall and has sharp spines that can easily pierce your skin. Be sure to be careful when walking through the garden, and always heed the warnings posted around the area.
It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park to the Cholla Cactus Garden. You can also drive to the garden, which will take about five minutes from the park entrance.
The Cholla Cactus Garden is open every day from sunrise to sunset, and it is free to visit. Be sure to dress appropriately for the desert climate, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen with you.
If you are looking for some other things to do in Joshua Tree National Park, be sure to check out the other attractions and the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. The park is also home to some amazing hiking trails, so be sure to explore them all!
The Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. This garden is home to some of the most beautiful cacti in the park, and it is a great place to take photos. Be sure to dress appropriately for the desert climate, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen with you.
Safety and Stepping on Cholla Cacti
One of the biggest dangers of visiting the Cholla Cactus Garden is stepping on one of the cacti. The spines on these plants are very sharp, and they can easily pierce your skin. Be sure to watch where you are walking at all times, and heed the warnings posted around the garden.
Jumping Cacti In The Cholla Cactus Garden
Another danger of visiting the Cholla Cactus Garden is jumping on the cacti. Some visitors have been known to jump on the cacti in an attempt to get a better photo, but this can be very dangerous. The spines on these plants are sharp and can easily pierce your skin
Best Time To Visit The Cholla Cactus Garden?
The best time to visit the Cholla Cactus Garden is in the Spring or Fall when the temperatures are a little cooler. The garden can be very hot during the summer months, so it is not recommended to visit then. The cholla cactus typically blooms between February and April, depending on the weather conditions.
Can You Bring The Cholla Cactus Home?
No, it is illegal to remove any plants or cacti from the Cholla Cactus Garden. If you are caught removing any plants, you could be fined or even arrested. Be sure to respect the park rules and regulations when visiting this garden.
Things To Do Near Cholla Cactus Garden
The Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. If you are looking for some things to do near the Cholla Cactus Garden, be sure to check out our guide to visiting Joshua Tree National Park here.
Where To Stay Near The Cholla Cactus Garden
There are many campgrounds throughout the Joshua Tree National Park . These campsites tend to be more popular and fill up faster than the Joshua Tree National Park backcountry camping areas. Joshua Tree is a pristine wilderness area, so it’s important that visitors respect the environment and leave no trace of their visit here.
All Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds ban campfires except campsites at Jumbo Rocks and Black Rock campgrounds.
If camping isn’t really your style, there are also a few nearby homes where you can rest up after a long day exploring the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park.
We stayed in an epic airstream out in a remote area of Yucca Valley with plenty of privacy and there are plenty of incredible options other than hotels if you’re looking for a home away from home while exploring Joshua Tree.
We hope you enjoyed our Guide to Visiting the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park. If you have any other suggestions, be sure to let us know on our Instagram @wewanderlustco
Remember, Wherever You Go, Don’t Forget to Wander :). Happy Exploring!
