Where To See Colorful Wildflowers In Joshua Tree
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see my disclaimer.
The high desert is in full bloom! Due to its higher elevations of 3,000 to 5,000ft, wildflowers typically bloom last in the high desert, from April through June. So this past weekend, I went on a wildflower hunt in Joshua Tree National Park. I go to JTNP at least once a month, but this time around, the park looked even more beautiful than I’ve ever seen it! May is definitely one of the best times of the year to visit, and in this article, I’ll share tips on where to see colorful wildflowers in Joshua Tree National Park with some of my wildflower photography captures.
Etiquette to enjoy Wildflowers in Joshua Tree
The Leave No Trace principles are a set of guidelines designed to help minimize the impact of human activities on the wilderness.
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- minimize campfire impacts
- respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
With those in mind, when visiting any and all areas where wildflowers are present, please remember the best wildflowers etiquette: do not step on wildflowers, and do not pick wildflowers. Only walk on designated trails, and take only photos and memories home with you! Please leave the desert as you find it, so that our future generations can enjoy it too. THANK YOU!
Product Recommendation
Enhance your Joshua Tree wildflowers adventure with these essential products:
- Compact Binoculars for Adults and Kids: These high-powered large eyepiece binoculars offer exceptional magnification with 12x power and a 25mm objective lens, providing a wide field of view of 273ft/1000yds for an expansive viewing experience. Featuring FMC Broadband coating and premium BAK4 prism, they ensure lifelike imaging and clarity. The adjustable eye cups cater to both eyeglass wearers and non-wearers, with a comfortable viewing experience guaranteed by the long eye relief and large eyepieces. The binoculars boast FMC Broadband Coating Technology, enhancing image quality further. Their portable, compact design makes them ideal for various outdoor activities like bird watching, camping, and wildlife observation. They’re also durable, waterproof, and come with a comfortable rubber armor grip. Suitable for adults and children alike, these binoculars make an excellent gift choice for occasions like Father’s Day or Children’s Day.
- Mojave Desert Wildflowers: This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the Mojave Desert eco-region, spanning across multiple states and showcasing its diverse plant communities. From alkali sinks to Joshua tree woodlands, readers will discover the richness of this unique landscape. This fully updated edition is a valuable resource for both amateur enthusiasts and experts alike, featuring detailed photographs and charts to aid in species identification. Organized by color and plant family, the guide highlights 300 common species, providing full-color images, detailed descriptions, bloom season information, and intriguing facts about each plant. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned botanist, this book promises to deepen your appreciation and understanding of the Mojave Desert’s botanical wonders.
- Wildflowers of California Field Guide: Immerse yourself in the beauty of California’s wildflowers with Laird R. Blackwell’s expert guide. Offering a month-by-month approach, it helps you find wildflowers in bloom throughout the state. With over 650 color photographs, detailed driving and walking directions, and insights into the natural history of each flower, this guide is a visual delight. Whether you’re a seasoned wildflower enthusiast or a novice, this guide enhances your experience with its comprehensive information.
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen: Safeguard your skin during your desert escapade with Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen. With a broad spectrum SPF 70, this water-resistant and non-greasy lotion provides effective protection against the sun’s rays. Ensure you stay comfortable and protected throughout your outdoor adventures with this trusted sunscreen.
These products are curated to enrich your Joshua Tree wildflowers experience, offering guidance, protection, and a deeper connection to the captivating landscapes.
Along Park Boulevard
Park Boulevard is one of the main roads in the park. The scenic drive is 34.6 miles long and takes you from the West entrance to the North entrance or vice versa.
If you don’t already know this, the West entrance is the most popular entrance. So, if you don’t want to sit in traffic to get into JTNP, I highly recommend you enter the park through the North entrance and work your work towards the West entrance.
Along the way, you can stop at many of the most popular hiking trails in the park, including Boy Scout Trail, Hidden Valley, Ryan Mountain, and Skull Rock.
Wildflowers are currently found on many stretches of that road, and the most noticeable of them are the apricot mallows with their bright orange petals.
Along Barker Dam Road
If you’re headed to Barker Dam, don’t forget to look around as you drive along Barker Dam road. There are many places available to pull over and enjoy the wildflowers there. I found these woolly marigolds, apricot mallows, pincushions, and brittlebush there!
Boy Scout Trail
Boy Scout Trail is a popular 7.8-mile (one-way) hiking and backpacking trail between Boy Scout and Indian Cove. Visitors can park at either parking lot. If you’re interested in backpacking there, this blog post explains the new backpacking rules in Joshua Tree National Park.
However, I hiked from the Boy Scout Parking lot that day for about a 7-mile return trip. Just walking one mile out from the Boy Scout trailhead is enough to immerse yourself in the splendor of Joshua Tree. With blooming wildflowers and cacti everywhere and the beautiful backdrop of the San Bernadino mountains, you cannot go wrong with hiking this well-marked trail.
Below are some of the beauties I encountered. Canterbury bells, Silver Cholla, Heerman’s Buckwheat, New Mexico Thistle, Beavertail cactus, and Desert pincushions.
Skull Rock Trail
Now saving the best for last, the most colorful wildflowers in Joshua Tree were found on Skull Rock Trail. This trail is a 1.8-mile loop from the Skull Rock parking lot on Park Boulevard to the Jumbo Rocks campground. But I have good news for you if you visit on a hot day!
The wildflowers below were all found close to the Park Boulevard parking lot and therefore are accessible to most people just a few steps away from your car. Perfect for a hot day!
Amongst those I found are the Apricot Mallow, Mule Fat, Brittebush, Mojave Aster, Beavertail Cactus, paper bag bush, and Hedgehog cactus.
Where else can we find wildflowers in Joshua Tree National Park?
Try visiting Hidden Valley, Indian Cove, and Twin Tanks as these are also popular spots where wildflowers can be found. I also heard of wildflowers seen at Black Rock Canyon (perfect for campers!), and Juniper Flats. The Joshua Trees are really tall around Juniper Flats, so that’s just a great location to visit in the park at any time of the year!
As of early April 2024, I also saw many wildflowers along the road north of the Cholla Cactus Garden!
Happy wildflower hunt!
Post originally published on May 17, 2023, and last updated on December 7, 2024.
