Joshua Tree National Park is only a one hour drive and very easy drive at that. From Palm Springs take Highway 10 W to Highway 62 until you reach Joshua Tree and follow the signs. Before you enter be sure to stop in at the Visitor Center on the right hand side of the road. Rangers are there and will help answer questions, provide maps and are happy to help with suggestions for hiking, camping, off roading, picnic sites, etc. There are also books and supplies for sale as well as a cafe next door. Bring water, wear a hat, good shoes and don't go near the Jumping Cholla!
Across the street from the Visitor Center is a great store full of fun things, be sure to check it out.
The park entrance is clearly marked and a great spot to take a picture!
This National Park is over 800,000 acres and encompasses three different deserts; the Sonoran, Mojave and Colorado Desert, From Palm Springs the most direct route brings you into the part of the park that is filled with natural rock formations and thousands of Joshua Trees which are indigenous in only two parts of the world, Jerusalem and here at the park.
There are many hiking trails for all levels of hikers, the paths are clear and are marked with information
Be sure to bring lots of water, and do not touch any plants, the cactus needles can be painful and the Jumping Cholla just needs someone close by to throw of some very fine and difficult to remove needles. Keep your pets with you, don't let them wander, the coyote pup below had to be rescued by animal control. The poor hiker below well...
Plants come in various sizes, as you can see below, doesn't matter how big or small they are nasty to deal with.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm
http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
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