There may only be a few weeks of summer left, but there are still plenty of cool things going on in the desert. This Saturday, August 25, you can visit Joshua Tree National Park for free! In honor of National Park Service Birthday, which is August 25, this day falls under the category of Free Entrance Days to National Parks that the government offers each year. If you want a break from the heat, or are in town to look at La Quinta real estate and Rancho Mirage homes for sale, this is the perfect way to enjoy nature in a gorgeous setting.
If you’ve never been to Joshua Tree National Park, you are missing out on the infinite opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re a serious hiker or just want to stroll through nature, you’ll love to tour this incredible park. While some people enjoy driving through the main park roads and sightseeing from the stops, pullouts and wayside exhibits, there are also 12 self-guided nature trails that can be a great moderate walk that is perfect when you only have time for a short visit. If you head out to the vista from Keys View, you’ll witness an incredibly picturesque view that extends beyond the Salton Sea to Mexico. There are five fan palm oases throughout the park to discover, and some trails lead you to remnants of the gold mining era, a vibrant part of the park’s cultural history. With 10 mountains soaring higher than 5,000 feet in elevation, there are plenty of options to discover nature at its finest.
In addition to the gorgeous hiking trails and backcountry opportunities available, there is also an extensive network of dirt roads that are perfect for mountain bikes, as they are less crowded and safer for cycling than the paved main roads. Rock climbers will be in heaven with the array of majestic options there are to choose from. If you need a longer break from work, life or looking at Rancho Mirage homes for sale, there are nine great campgrounds available, and backcountry camping is also permitted.
The Joshua Tree National Park Visitors Center is located at 74-885 National Park Drive in Twentynine Palms.
If you are in town to look at La Quinta real estate, click here to view some gorgeous listings.
image: justthetravel.com