Last June, Davin and I drove 1000 miles through the Sonoran and Mojave deserts. One of the highlights of that trip was a few days in the Joshua Tree area. We found ourselves captivated by the otherworldly landscape and vowed that one day we would go back in the winter or springtime and spend more time exploring. Skip ahead 9 months later and here we are!
From our hike today in Joshua Tree National Park. We got lost and didn’t make it to our intended destination, but we did get to walk among this.
Winter in Toronto has been particularly cold and dark this year, plus there was that whole toothy business… We booked this trip before that happened and for a while I wasn’t sure we’d be able to make it. Am I ever glad we did. It is so glorious here! There isn’t any snow or ice. There is sun and green things and SMELLS. We arrived here at the tail end of some much needed rain (California has been experiencing a devastating drought) and it has brought out the spring blooms! I have never been so happy or grateful to be on a trip.
Beavertail Opuntia (Opuntia basilaris) in bloom!
Desert Mistletoe (Phoradendron californicum)
The Oasis of Mara in Twenty Nine Palms, Ca
The first two nights here were cold and cloudy, but tonight we were treated to this glowing sunset. I could get used to this.
Great photos! My younger brother has spent some time in Joshua Tree, and I’ve wanted to go for years. My hubby and I just relocated to Portland, OR so perhaps its ‘more in the cards’ for us now than ever.
I love those desert flowers, my grandparents lived in Tucson, AZ growing up and we made it to the desert each winter-a magical place!
Joshua Tree is really something and there are so many vastly different landscapes to visit!
The farthest west I have been is northern Montana, and nothing south of that. Being an east coast native, I can only wonder about the majestic southwest scenery you are enjoying. It must be so uplifting to get away from endless snow and ice. Thanks for sharing that Opuntia blossom, it’s gorgeous. Have a great trip!
It’s wonderful to be away from the winter for a few days. I have never been so grateful.
I have always wanted to visit an oasis in a dessert!
Oh, I love Joshua Tree park!!! One of our favorite places anywhere. We actually sort of stumbled upon it while on a business trip to Palm Springs. And I do think the early spring is the best time of the year. That pink flower is just stunning!!!