CALIFORNIA – JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK – Cholla Cactus Garden

Photo Experience:  I visited this location late one afternoon, on a sunny day. When I went back the next morning, on my way out of the park, it was mostly cloudy. Given a choice, I would prefer to have a blue sky. (But, as with almost all of my photography, I work with the light God provides.) At the entrance to the parking area there was a beavertail cactus in bloom and in good shape. But the star here is the teddybear cholla – acres and acres of the plants. (There were more cholla here than I think I’ve seen in the rest of my life combined.) I found a few close-up opportunities; however, I think lenses in the 40-120mm range will be most useful here.

Other Info:   An entrance fee or appropriate pass is required for admission into Joshua Tree. The Garden is located on Pinto Basin Road, about 12 miles south of the park’s north entrance station. There are no pit toilets at this location. The first aid kit that is available at one of the entrances to the quarter-mile loop trail should be taken as a serious warning. The needle-sharp, barbed spines of the cholla easily penetrate flesh, clothing (including denim blue jeans), shoes, and even hard rubber tripod feet. I speak from personal experience in telling you they are painful and not so easy to remove. Be extra careful around these plants!