Bajada Nature Trail - Joshua Tree National Park

Our March 2018 trip to California continued with a visit to Joshua Tree National Park. On our previous visit in 2015, we explored the northern part of the park. This time, we entered from the south and headed north to see more of the park. Just 1.5 miles north of Interstate 10 exit 168 and ½ mile into the park is the Bajada Trail. The 0.3 mile loop trail has a surface of packed sand that is claimed to be wheelchair-accessible. The paved parking area has marked locations for two handicap placarded vehicles, three recreational vehicles, and nine passenger vehicles. A sign near the trail head states:

A bajada, or slope at a mountain's base is formed of eroded sand and gravel. More moisture is trapped and available to plants in a coarse, well drained soil. Plant growth begins earlier in the warmer soil of this south facing bajada, which allows a greater variety of plants to grow here than on the bajada across the valley.

Numerous markers identify plants along the route. This was an easy walk and is suitable for all ages. Carry and drink plenty of water when in the desert. Stay on the trail to avoid cactus spines.

Topographic map with GPS route at top

Trail head information kiosk

Trail starts by crossing a dry wash...

...and then splits to form a loop

Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa)

Creosote (Larrea tridentata)

Clouds atop the Santa Rosa Mountains (30 miles)

Cryptobiotic crust composed of bacteria, algae, and lichen

Golden Cholla (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa)

Closeup of cholla spines

Clouds hang low over the desert

Ironwood (Olneya tesota)

Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)

Ocotillo flower buds

Desert view with Orocopia Mountains in the distance

Dry wash with Eagle Mountains in the distance

Beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris)

Light and shadow dance across the desert

Typical trail conditions

Palo Verde (Parkinsonia florida)

Rain in the Cottonwood Mountains

Chuparosa (Justicia californica)

Indigo bush (Psorothamnus schottii)

Mequite Mistletoe (Phorandendron californicum)

Dead wood can last for centuries in this climate

Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park requires an entry fee of $25 per passenger vehicle for a 7-day pass. Any of the America the Beautiful passes may be used instead.

The park website is https://www.nps.gov/jotr.