LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio but be flexible and explore all the desert has to offer Why now: Joshua Tree is what's referred to as a “winter park,” with current temperatures rivaling summer and spring in other parts of the country but long weekends and holiday breaks usually bring an even bigger influx of visitors What's next: And although the weekends are usually a bit busier the weekdays will likely be just as crowded If you’ll be heading to Joshua Tree to escape the city and celebrate the New Year national park officials are warning people to be prepared for especially high traffic Joshua Tree is what's referred to as a “winter park,” with current temperatures rivaling summer and spring in other parts of the country “Go into the park with not super high expectations but with a sense of wonder and a sense of adventure — while doing it safely,” he said collect all the information you’ll need before you head in Figure out what your top stops are going to be but don’t get too caught up trying to stick to the plan and Joshua Tree could become drive-through only so don’t waste an hour waiting for a spot to open up That’s one of the biggest ways you can ruin a trip explore a bit further down and look for a parking spot on the side of the road just as magnificent as what you would have seen on that trail,” he said If there’s a trail or overlook you really want to cross off the list You’ll have a better chance at finding parking and could always hike out from there But don’t be afraid to check out the second or fourth option on your list if they’re less crowded People arrive early and hunker down for the allotted two weeks at a time And although the weekends are usually a bit busier If you’re just planning to see the sunset in Joshua Tree the spots along Park Boulevard will still be your best option But Smith noted that one of the best things about the national park is that you can get a good look from just about anywhere which means that you can get some similar views at one of our popular trailheads that you can also get right on the side of the road at certain pull offs,” he said If parking lots and roadside spots are full don’t just pull into an empty patch of desert and make your own It could harm the plants and animals that call Joshua Tree home If you do end up exploring a bit off the beaten path don’t forget to stay safe and let others know where you’ll be “ If you go off in areas unknown and you're unprepared then search and rescues and things like that can occur Joshua Tree has become one of the most popular US national parks drawing in almost 3 million visitors last year alone As a travel writer who's lived in Palm Springs for almost 20 years I've visited Joshua Tree National Park more times than I can count I've also seen visitors make mistakes that range from mildly annoying to downright dangerous These are the five most common mistakes I see visitors make in the park Although there are three entrances to Joshua Tree National Park the west one is typically the most popular traffic here can back up for miles on a busy weekend or during a special event like a meteor shower there's only one road from this entrance to the main attractions like Keys View and Skull Rock I like to enter the park through the south entrance by Cottonwood Spring and make my way through the park People are often surprised when they find out the park has little to no cellphone service Although I believe this offers visitors a great chance to disconnect I understand why some may be concerned after learning this information I recommend saving your maps and routes ahead of time downloading music and audiobooks for the drive and switching your phone to airplane mode to avoid draining the battery the daytime temperatures can often reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit which can be brutal for visitors from more mild or humid climates It's important to stay hydrated when visiting the park Pack more water than you think you'll need — and throw an emergency gallon in the car for good measure There isn't much shade in the park to protect you from the desert sun don't venture off trails or into the backcountry areas if you aren't an experienced desert hiker Nighttime temperatures can dip below freezing during the winter months This is important to keep in mind if you're staying after sunset or camping in the park Joshua Tree National Park deserves to be experienced both during the day and after dark I think visitors are doing themselves a disservice Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky Park, thanks to its incredibly clear starry skies and lack of light pollution The sheer number of stars you can see at Joshua Tree is an awe-inspiring sight Joshua Tree National Park is building a new entrance station on the border of the park in the community of Joshua Tree to replace the current entrance The new entrance will be built less than one half mile south of the current one and further inside the park The station will include two inbound lanes The project is expected to be completed in early 2026 The project is funded by fee dollars collected at park entrance stations Construction of this $5 million capital improvement project has been awarded to L&J Building Co Vehicles will continue to use the existing west entrance station while the new station is under construction Visitors should expect occasional but minimal traffic delays The existing entrance station will be demolished and the area rehabilitated once the project is completed 3/25/25 - The west entrance of the park will be closed to inbound and outbound traffic beginning 6 a.m Visitors must enter or exit the park via Twentynine Palms or Cottonwood using the north entrance station in Twentynine Palms or the Cottonwood entrance at the park’s south boundary The north entrance station is 25 miles east of the west entrance station and is the most accessible for visitor traveling on Highway 62 adding an additional 17 minutes of driving time Visitors will not be permitted to enter the park via Park Boulevard through the town of Joshua Tree Park staff will place signs along Highway 62 and within the park alerting visitors to this temporary change in traffic pattern Exiting vehicles may turn around at Quail Springs Picnic Area and entering vehicles may turn around at the current west entrance station; however this is not advised due to an expected backup of traffic This closure is necessary for crews to prepare the area for paving as the new entrance station is constructed Crews will be cutting into the road to run utilities to the new entrance station location and to adjust the grade of the road All other park roads are expected to remain open Park rangers encourage visitors to recreate responsibly in their vehicles by observing posted speed limits and driving only on designated roads Downloading the NPS App for trip planning and park alerts on NPS.gov Download the NPS app to navigate the parks on the go Paul Martinez is a photographer and artist living in Joshua Tree, California. Find him on Instagram @paulthemde Joshua Tree is where harsh desert beauty meets endless sky I have lived in this high desert environment for a few years now documenting the remarkable desert environment for my own personal and professional work I was first drawn to the area, like many visitors, by Joshua Tree National Park, renowned for its singular flora and otherworldly rock formations spiky trees that take root in its sandy soil Against vast emptiness and distant mountains Living in the Mojave desert requires respect for nature’s rhythms with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit with occasional frost and snow storms that require road closures you spend a lot of time with your thoughts Amenities can be limited; the nearest movie theater might be an hour’s drive away Quality restaurants are few and far between though I’m fortunate my partner works as a private chef To thrive, you learn to consider the sun. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times to be outside, making them ideal for photography the desert texture comes alive in sharp shadows It’s a perfect environment for creative work creates a meditative atmosphere that almost mandates focus and introspection Attempting to be present enough in the moment to capture all these contrasts has made me grow so much as a person and artist The Mojave desert has made me a more patient and resilient person I can only hope that my photos serve as a testament to the desert’s enduring beauty if not just a record of my own journey within it It is no wonder to me that countless artists The ones who stay find a strong community among others forged by shared experiences and mutual appreciation of the land They recognize it as a great privilege to experience the everchanging area firsthand Interested to learn about other ways you can work in extraordinarily beautiful outdoor environments? Contributor Sam Goldin recently wrote about his experience volunteering with the Kumonodaira Trail Club in the Japanese Alps Be one of the first to try our new activity feed Experience two of SoCal's stunning desert landscapes—the low Colorado to the east and the mountainous Mojave to the west—with these gorgeous treks and hot Colorado Desert in the eastern section of the park Destinations NewsletterWant more of Outside’s Travel stories?Sign up here My advice for trekking through Joshua Tree: Don’t overlook the nature trails. Normally, I avoid hiking routes that are less than a couple of miles long because they’re the most crowded in any given national park but the easy “nature trails” inside Joshua Tree travel through the park’s most interesting terrain a 1-mile loop through a field of boulders can offer a day’s worth of scrambling potential So tack one of these nature trails onto the end of your adventure spend an entire day driving around the park knocking off 2-mile loops and out-and-backs until your legs quit And remember that you’re in the desert here People visit in the summer (I’ve done it myself) but expect triple digit temps so plan your adventures for early morning or evening and carry plenty of water Fall and spring are more civilized seasons Book Airbnbs Near Joshua Tree Find Cheap Flights to Joshua Tree It’s hard to pick “the best” trails in any park I really like hard trails where there’s a high probability of getting lost But scrambling through the desert while rationing your last drops of water isn’t everyone’s bag so I’ve cast a wide net in curating my list below considering a variety of abilities and interests here are hands-down the 11 best hiking trails inside Joshua Tree National Park One of the most popular trails in Joshua Tree, Arch Rock is a flat and easy 1.4-mile lollipop loop that crescendos at a small natural arch Most of the trail to the arch is a straight forward but I still like this hike because the area surrounding the arch is loaded with sandstone boulders and canals It’s like an all-rock playground for scramblers and explorers You want to see some rocks? This 1-mile Hidden Valley loop has stones galore as it circles through a flat expanse of land enclosed in a ring of massive boulders forming imposing tan walls complete with interpretive signage about the plants and animals that inhabit the Mojave Desert landscape but it offers a short highlight reel of the terrain and often climbers sending the rock walls throughout the valley This easy, 2-mile loop wanders through clusters of tan rounded boulder with a sinuous fissure right through its heart The trail is also a great place to see wildflowers You can combine this hike with Skull Rock Loop (see below) for a nearly 3.5-mile loop from the same trailhead cruising through tight canals and giving you the opportunity to scramble to the top of countless boulders The whole area reminds me of the terrain from the Saturday-morning live action series from my childhood People might not automatically associate Joshua Tree with towering peaks with sweeping views, but Ryan Mountain delivers just that rising to 5,456 feet in the center of the park gaining more than 1,000 feet to the summit with views in every direction taking in taller peaks beyond the park including the 10,000-foot San Jacinto and 11,000-foot San Gorgonio Yep, this is a legit oasis in the middle of the desert. The 3-mile out and back hike is moderate climbing 300 feet over a ridge before descending into a desert canyon which directs water into an oasis that supports surprisingly lush flora Just don’t try to take a swim; the park asks you to stay out of the oasis to protect the habitat and the wildlife that depend on it during the summer (from August to October) the trail is closed entirely to protect the sheep herds that rely on the surface water that can be found in the oasis Much of this 6.5-mile loop which begins on the edge of Black Rock Canyon Campground has you climbing and descending the 4,000 and 5,000-foot ridges of the Little San Bernardino Mountains where you’ll find long range views of the 11,000-foot peaks within the Sand to Snow National Monument just outside the park as well as the mountains inside the Mojave National Preserve But you’ll also hike through a dense grove of Joshua Trees and enjoy it all without the crowds; this trail receives less hikers than many others inside the park because it’s difficult (more than 1,200 feet of gain) and just note there are no boulders that look like faces along the path and more Joshua Trees than you could possibly count This 16-mile out and back is popular as an overnight backpack (get a $6 permit and only camp in designated areas) that begins with an open desert landscape speckled with Joshua Trees before dropping into the Wonderland of Rocks The trail continues to descend into Indian Cove and will drop more than 1,000 feet before it’s over so plan ahead for that climb back to your car There’s some mandatory scrambling through the Wonderland area and much of the descent and ascent is over sandy terrain but the terrain is varied as you’ll travel over broad desert and over boulders as you access the park’s remote backcountry This could be one of the best short loops in the park, as the 3-mile jaunt passes through a spring supporting an oasis before climbing to the top of the peak for a view of the southern portion of the park Follow the Lost Palm Springs Trail from the Cottonwood Springs Oasis parking lot through the aforementioned spring where tall palms and wildflowers bloom Once you branch off onto the Mastodon Peak Loop you’re in for some stair climbing and switchbacks before an optional taking in much of the park and the surrounding mountain ranges You’ll also pass the remnants of a gold mine that was in operation until the 1970s This easy, 1.1-mile loop has the boulders and Joshua Trees that you might expect but also visits a rock art site and a historic dam that was built by early ranchers so you get a look at the human history of the park as well The rock art consists of a collection of petroglyphs and pictographs found inside a small cave next to the trail although the depth of water depends entirely on the amount of rain the area receives and tech with access to unlimited digital content from Outside Network's iconic brands The 36.5-mile one-way hike lets you enjoy the park in near-complete solitude When I think of the word ‘desert,’ a barren Its position at the intersection of the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems creates an expansive mountainous landscape with over 750 plant species My absolute favorite aspect of the CRHT was just how remote and isolated it was when the lines of cars waiting to enter the park went for miles I was looking for a quiet few days in the desert with time and space for introspection and meditation I’d get tired of looking at these wonky trees that look like they belong in a science fiction film The trees are like snowflakes; no two Joshua trees look the same Anyone staying overnight in the backcountry must acquire a permit, which are available at recreation.gov Visitors without an America The Beautiful pass must also purchase entry to the park rented a car and drove the approximate hour to the park I parked my car at the endpoint (North Entrance trailhead) and got an Uber back to Black Rock Canyon Trailhead to start my hike (which cost around $85) so it’s best to schedule an Uber ahead of time there is no shuttle or public transportation in the park I started with 7 liters and dropped an additional 3.5 at the approximate halfway point at Juniper Flats trailhead (sometimes also called Keys View) Be sure to use a heavier plastic container like a Nalgene for your cache as wildlife can get into thin plastic water jugs from the grocery store Write your last name and the date of the pickup on the container The terrain on the trail is a mix of loose sand, compact dirt and rocky, loose scree, making sturdy boots and trekking poles a necessity. The trail has signposts every mile, which was helpful because the trail can be faint, and at times it could be easy to accidentally mistake a wash for the trail. I appreciated having this map with me since there also many side trails that offshoot from the CRHT There are no designated backcountry campsites on the CRHT you indicate which zone you will be sleeping in each night With this comes a couple rules: You have to set up camp at least one mile from trailheads half a mile from roads and 200 feet from the trail Hanging hammocks on Joshua Trees is not permitted; fires are also not allowed My itinerary was the following: camp in Covington (mile 14) camp in Lost Horse (mile 28) and finish the trail on day 3 I really enjoyed the freedom of deciding where I wanted to camp while in the backcountry I could listen to my body and decide when I wanted to be done hiking for the day rather than being limited by a prescribed site It is worth noting that hikers shouldn’t camp in washes if there is rain in the forecast The first day of the hike is the most physically challenging; for the 7.5 miles between Black Rock Canyon and Upper Covington Flats trailhead Given how remote the trail is and the challenge that waymarking can pose backpackers should have at least a moderate amount of backcountry experience before they attempt this trail The 30-mile thru-hike was the ideal trip for putting our backpacking and hiking candidates through the wringer A Century of Impact is a 192-page hardbound treasure celebrating NPCA’s first 100 years of protecting America’s national parks In the face of threats of climate change and habitat loss a new national monument will protect critical habitat and preserve the desert's rich cultural history “Chuckwalla National Monument is a cornerstone in a vast network of protected landscapes across the Southwest Stretching from Joshua Tree to the Grand Canyon to Bears Ears Chuckwalla National Monument preserves over 600,000 acres between Joshua Tree National Park and the Colorado River Joshua Tree National Park is a cherished landscape with wide-open vistas and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation From its towering granite boulders to its namesake trees this park is one of the world-class destinations at the heart of a connected desert ecosystem that NPCA has worked for decades to protect The monument will protect old-growth woodlands and habitat for migratory birds The designation will give more people the chance to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation opportunities particularly for underrepresented communities in the Coachella Valley The Chuckwalla region holds significant cultural importance for several Tribes in the California desert A proposed Chuckwalla National Monument near Joshua Tree National Park would protect the threatened Mojave Desert tortoise and help many other species thrive with broad support in California and beyond that will provide equitable access to nature preserve wildlife habitat and boost local economies While this designation is a monumental victory the work to protect the California desert continues Expanding Joshua Tree National Park by 17,000 acres remains a vital next step for a more connected and resilient desert landscape Congress now has an opportunity to ensure that Joshua Tree National Park is made whole once again Sign up for NPCA email updates to receive news Expect a longer drive into and out of Joshua Tree National Park early in April with the busy west entrance closed to all traffic beginning 6 a.m while inconvenient during the popular spring season will allow heavy equipment to help finish constructing a long-awaited badly needed larger west entrance into the park visitors must enter or exit the park via the Twentynine Palms north entrance or the Cottonwood entrance at the park’s south boundary The north entrance station is 25 miles east of the west entrance and is the most accessible for visitors traveling on Highway 62 visitors will not be permitted to enter the park via Park Boulevard through the town of Joshua Tree Park Boulevard will be closed to vehicle traffic for 6 miles from the current west entrance to Quail Springs Picnic Area This closure includes the Maze Loop and Creosote trailhead parking areas Visitors also may not drive to or park at these trailheads during the closure The current west entrance is the busiest of the three entries to the ever-more-popular park more than half a million vehicles passed through it The new entrance will be built approximately one-third mile south of the current one and further inside the park The station will be significantly expanded to include two inbound lanes Visitors will also benefit from the upgrade of a single entrance booth to four The project is funded by fee revenue through the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act “We appreciate the patience of our visitors and community as we continue work on the new entrance station,” said Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent Jane Rodgers “This temporary inconvenience will allow us to more quickly serve visitors in the future at the improved entrance station The park recognizes this is a very busy time to close a section of road but we must comply with the obligations set forth in our construction contract The original closure was expected to last two weeks and I’m glad it’s been reduced to just four days.” park staff will place signs along Highway 62 and Park Boulevard and within the park alerting visitors to this temporary traffic pattern change this is not advised due to an expected traffic backup Visitors can access construction updates at nps.gov/jotr/learn/management/2025-west-entrance-construction.htm Park rangers encourage visitors to observe posted speed limits and drive only on designated roads You can save time and prepare for your visit by:\ Janet Wilson is senior environment reporter for The Desert Sun and co-authors USA Today Climate Point CA — Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) managers announce the opening of the newest park visitor center facility and bookstore In partnership with the City of Twentynine Palms Joshua Tree National Park's traditionally associated Native American communities Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA) the Joshua Tree Cultural Center staff invite the public to join them at 10:00 AM for a ribbon cutting The new facility is located in the center of the Twentynine Palms business district Hours of operation each day will be 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM tells the story of the park's role in the preservation of cultural resources This temporary exhibit was developed by Joshua Tree Art Innovation Lab (JTLab) and weaves the stories of people on the landscape in the present and the recent past scheduled to be installed in the fall of 2022 are being developed in partnership with the traditionally associated Native American communities This more permanent exhibition will share the rich heritage of the many peoples who have stewarded this land for millennia and this exhibit will pay respect to the people present and emerging who have been in this area for generations The Oasis Visitor Center (OVC) in Twentynine Palms closed its doors at 5:00 PM Monday Joshua Tree Cultural Center replaces OVC in welcoming visitors and providing park information Other park visitor facilities are Joshua Tree Visitor Center and Blackrock Nature Center and Art Gallery These are open to welcome the public daily The human-caused Geology Fire started on June 10 one of Joshua Tree National Park’s designated backcountry routes The park’s fire management plan calls for immediate suppression of wildfire in western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) habitat to protect a resource greatly threatened by climate change including the use of fire retardant by aircraft and offroad engine travel in Wilderness limited the fire to 1,033 acres by the morning of June 11 Historic fire return intervals in the Mojave Desert were long The consequence of such a long fire return interval is that Joshua trees are not adapted to wildfires Joshua tree mortality is generally 80% or greater Due to a scarcity of small plants post-fire rodents eating surviving Joshua trees and their ground-based sprouts can lead to additional mortality of trees that survived a wildfire Fire severity varied across the Geology Fire footprint but a combination of rapid wind-driven spread and less dense plant coverage in 60% of the burned area resulted in about 30% mortality of the estimated 10,000 Joshua trees in the fire perimeter The park developed a Burned Area Recovery plan to promote recovery of native vegetation that included establishing ten 2.5-acre restoration islands within the burned area where actions would be taken to promote re-establishment of native perennial vegetation container-grown western Joshua trees and associated shrubs and grasses would be planted so that the islands would serve as seed sources for the burned area Plantings and surviving Joshua trees would be caged to protect them from herbivores seeds of native species would be sown in sculpted seed pits in the islands to promote establishment from seed The primary time for work to be done outdoors in this park is October to May it left little time to accomplish field work before the heat of summer park staff surveyed the burned area and established the 10 restoration islands in topographic locations where overland flow will concentrate rainfall Staff caged 100 Joshua tree basal sprouts and 100 surviving trees to protect them from herbivore damage and marked 100 uncaged controls for both sprouts and trees for assessment of treatment effectiveness They began propagation of the container-grown plant materials for the out-planting but hot weather arrived before the seed pits could be established Resumption of field work will continue when cooler weather arrives later in 2024 Here's everything you need to know before visiting Joshua Tree National Park Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Two California desert conservancies have won more than $2 million in state funds to acquire critical habitat for imperiled species limiting the military and NASA's ability to test and operate on 2.8 million additional acres of military installations surrounding the sentinel landscape.The grants are part of $7.5 million in funding for 10 projects in eight counties by California's natural resources agency under its transportation and environment mitigation program which helps government agencies and nonprofits fund projects that make up for adverse impacts from new or modified state transportation projects can mean bulldozing vital grasslands or shrubs that are home to myriad wild plants and animals “Important transportation improvements are taking place across California paired with environmental conservation and restoration,” Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said in a news release “The projects receiving funding demonstrate a ‘win-win’ for California They help us meet our environmental goals while enabling vital transportation improvements that benefit all Californians.” Area officials are thrilled with the new funds "The property is spectacular," Oswit's executive director Jane Garrison said in an email The project complements the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan by providing potential habitat for at least 14 federally threatened and endangered species They include burrowing owls and half a dozen other bird species San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit and brush rabbit all of which are battling to survive in remnant habitats in heavily developed southern California More: A popular entrance to Joshua Tree National Park will close in April. What to know "The Mojave Desert Land Trust is delighted to receive an award," said Cody Hanford deputy executive director of the organization "These properties serve as a buffer between protected habitats within the park .. Hanford said the wildlife corridor land includes both desert and montane ecosystems and is home to montane pinyon-juniper and Joshua tree woodlands At risk species recorded in the area include the endangered Mojave desert tortoise These bioregions include two distinct deserts the drier Colorado Desert to the south and east and the slightly higher elevation and more moist Mojave Desert to the north and west The area JOTR encompasses spans elevations of 500 to approximately 5,800 feet and receives 5 to 12.5 inches of annual rainfall Using the RAD framework and data about future climate conditions helps JOTR staff make informed management decisions to effectively conserve the existing Joshua tree population and maintain habitat integrity for both Joshua trees and endangered desert wildlife under future climate scenarios. has resulted in continuous fuel loads across the landscape This increase in fuels increases the risk of widespread fire which can in turn increase risk of Joshua tree mortality a critical host plant for the pallid dotted-blue butterfly’s life cycle low-severity fires may be beneficial for butterfly habitat by reducing cover of woody plants and opening habitat for yucca buckwheat to establish pallid dotted-blue butterfly habitat is sensitive to the effects of climate change and the spread of invasive grasses Large frequent fires may be detrimental to the pallid dotted-blue butterfly if they are severe or large enough to significantly reduce butterfly populations or reduce cover of yucca buckwheat common fire management practices such as vegetation removal and herbicide use can have detrimental impacts on butterflies and their habitat if not implemented with the life cycles of these species in mind. Fuel Breaks to Resist Fire and Climate Change: In 2021, JOTR implemented fuel breaks along 9.2 miles of Covington Flats Road to prevent future fires from spreading extensively and allow firefighters safe access to protect unburnt Joshua tree habitat JOTR used chainsaws and brush trimmers to thin 60-70% of woody plants within 15 feet of both sides of the road and removed 70-80% of fine herbaceous fuels up to 30 feet from both sides of the road using string trimmers and hand tools Approximately 30-40% of native grasses were removed or pine plant material even if the plant was downed because the plant can still provide habitat for wildlife Replanting Guided by Future Climate Models: It is hypothesized that Joshua trees from the drier parts of the park will do better in a hotter, drier climate. Climate models predict that there will be an 80-99.8% reduction in viable Joshua tree habitat at JOTR by the end of the century (Sweet et al. 2019) Joshua trees will face increased drought stress in the remaining 0.2-20% of habitat in JOTR that remains viable under future climate conditions To find populations of Joshua trees with genetics best suited to future climate JOTR staff grew trees in a nursery for 12-18 months using seeds that came from 14 areas of the park with different temperature and rainfall conditions Replanting Guided by Climate & Population Models: Climate and population models predictincreased temperatures and climatic water deficit, and an 80-99.8% reduction in viable Joshua tree habitat at JOTR by the end of the century (Sweet et al. 2019) Because increased temperatures will exacerbate drought stress for Joshua trees in remaining 0.2-20% of remaining habitat It is hypothesized that Joshua trees from the drier parts of the park will do better under future climate scenarios JOTR staff conducted a common garden experiment where they collected seed from 14 subpopulations representing microhabitats across a temperature and precipitation gradient to find populations of Joshua trees with genetics best suited to future climate Seeds from the most successful individuals will be used for future planting efforts These restoration islands are located in areas that already have seed sources and may have higher soil moisture compared to other areas of the park Planting takes place over multiple years and is timed before winter rains to reduce likelihood of mortality from drought Young Joshua trees are watered upon planting and chicken wire is installed to protect them from herbivores such as rabbits and rodents watering can continue for 2-3 years to help establishment but this is not often possible Preserving and Maintaining Endangered Wildlife Populations: To develop ecosystem restoration and fuel break maintenance projects JOTR staff participated in mandatory desert tortoise habitat training The training helped staff understand how to support tortoises when conducting Joshua tree restoration treatments because of the rarity of the pallid dotted-blue butterfly JOTR avoided fuel removal treatments in areas of the park where the butterfly is known to reside to preserve as much undisturbed butterfly habitat as possible Without proper consideration of the butterfly’s life cycle removal of certain desert vegetation as a fuel treatment can cause harm fuel breaks are still implemented in pallid dotted-blue butterfly habitat to protect the ecosystem and the butterflies from high-severity fire to prevent growth of invasive grasses and found that it had minimal impact on native perennial vegetation these areas are likely to re-burn in the future unless cover of invasive grasses are reduced fuels management professionals use a variety of models to predict fire behavior JOTR staff learned that fire risk models often struggle to accurately assess the risk from dead invasive grasses which are excluded by the models as a burnable fuel This is important because significant rainfall can increase the growth of invasive grasses in important viable Joshua tree habitat areas creating conditions that will promote more fire and leading to high amounts of fine fuels that models struggle to account for without in-field validation Without the capacity for proper auditing and correction this discrepancy can lead to inaccurate fuel load analysis and improper assessment of risk Addressing the threats that fire and climate change pose to Joshua tree habitat requires landscape-scale management actions funding opportunities for landscape-scale projects are not consistently available By planning and prioritizing project areas in advance JOTR staff have successfully secured funding for management projects as funding opportunities became available Gerber, A., L. (2025). “Preventative Management of the Mojave Desert in Joshua Tree National Park.” CART. Retrieved from https://www.fws.gov/project/adaptation-climate-and-fire-joshua-tree-national-park. Joshua Tree National Park aims to maintain healthy populations of Joshua trees by using climate data to help the species adapt to a changing fire regime and warming climate by installing fuel breaks Read the full text here: https://www.fws.gov/project/adaptation-.. herbivorous (plant-eating) reptile that occurs in the Mojave Desert north and west of the Colorado River in southwestern Utah and northwestern Arizona in the United States plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people Contact: JOTR Public Affairs Joshua Tree National Park will move forward with a significant infrastructure upgrade project that will last into early 2026 The project includes constructing a new entrance station at the park’s western boundary in Joshua Tree replacing the current west entrance station The new entrance is designed to improve traffic flow and support park operations well into the future Located just under half a mile south of the existing entrance and positioned further inside the park the new station will feature two inbound lanes The new configuration aims to reduce congestion and better serve the millions of visitors the park welcomes annually This $5 million capital improvement project is funded entirely by entrance fee dollars collected directly from visitors at the park’s entrance stations The construction project contract was awarded to L&J Building Co vehicles will continue to use the current west entrance station Visitors may experience minor traffic delays park staff say they will work to minimize disruptions crews will demolish the old entrance and rehabilitate the surrounding area the temporary full closure of the west entrance station is scheduled from 6 a.m No inbound or outbound traffic will be allowed during this closure through the west entrance Visitors must instead access the park through either: Travelers using Highway 62 should plan for approximately 17 additional minutes of driving time when using the north entrance No entry will be permitted via Park Boulevard through the town of Joshua Tree during this closure park staff will install signage along Highway 62 and throughout the park to direct traffic and alert drivers to this temporary change Though turnaround points will be available at Quail Springs Picnic Area for outbound traffic and the current west entrance for inbound traffic these points are discouraged due to expected traffic congestion This closure is necessary for crews to perform essential work including utility trenching and road grading to prepare the site for paving and infrastructure connections to the new entrance station Visiting tipsJoshua Tree National Park rangers encourage all visitors to recreate responsibly by following posted speed limits and being prepared for changes in traffic patterns during construction Park officials said to make your visit easier, buy your entrance pass in advance at Recreation.gov Also, download the official National Park Service App for trip planning tools, alerts, and up-to-date park information at NPS.gov NEW YORK and FRANKLIN, Tenn.; Oct. 14, 2024 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has acquired Joshua Tree Group (“JTG”) a supply chain consulting firm specializing in distribution center performance The acquisition will help Accenture make distribution centers more productive and efficient for its clients in retail consumer goods and other product-based industries It also expands Accenture’s capabilities to design and build more autonomous supply chains where AI-powered tools improve labor productivity inventory management and customer fulfillment A core service of JTG is coaching and training staff on the warehouse floor It helps supervisors empower front-line workers to perform better in their jobs allowing companies to increase retention and better manage seasonal volatility JTG combines on-site worker management and leadership engagement services with advanced analytics tools to monitor performance and establish smart work routines Accenture will combine its digital technology capabilities with JTG’s distribution center expertise to offer generative AI and digital twin warehouse solutions to retail and consumer goods clients a generative AI tool checking a warehouse’s shipment schedule and current stock levels could instantly recommend swapping a delayed inbound trailer to a different loading dock Patty Riedl, who leads Accenture’s Supply Chain & Operations practice in North America companies automate too much or too little of their distribution center operations because they don’t have a detailed enough understanding of each task and the technological possibilities Accenture and JTG are combining deep technology skills process know-how and on-the-ground experience to determine the right levels and types of automation for our clients’ distribution centers and supply chains overall.” JTG adds a team of supply chain consultants with a deep understanding of the retail and consumer goods industries and operational management to Accenture said: “JTG is dedicated to helping our clients and our consultants achieve their greatest potential By combining our supply chain expertise with Accenture’s advanced technology capability scale and talent we will enable more compelling supply chain solutions for retail and consumer goods companies and expand opportunities for our people and the challenges and opportunities for our clients have never been more consequential.” Forward-Looking StatementsExcept for the historical information and discussions contained herein statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “aspires,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “positioned,” “outlook,” “goal,” “target” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements These statements are not guarantees of future performance nor promises that goals or targets will be met uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied risks that: the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for Accenture; Accenture’s results of operations have been negative or uncertain economic and geopolitical conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company’s clients’ businesses and levels of business activity; Accenture’s business depends on generating and maintaining client demand for the company’s services and solutions including through the adaptation and expansion of its services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the evolving technological environment could materially affect the company’s results of operations; risks and uncertainties related to the development and use of AI could harm the company’s business damage its reputation or give rise to legal or regulatory action; if Accenture is unable to match people and their skills with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills the utilization rate of the company’s professionals and the company’s results of operations may be materially adversely affected; Accenture faces legal reputational and financial risks from any failure to protect client and/or company data from security incidents or cyberattacks; the markets in which Accenture operates are highly competitive and Accenture might not be able to compete effectively; Accenture’s ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; if Accenture does not successfully manage and develop its relationships with key ecosystem partners or fails to anticipate and establish new alliances in new technologies the company’s results of operations could be adversely affected; Accenture’s profitability could materially suffer due to pricing pressure if the company is unable to remain competitive if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies or fail to satisfy certain agreed-upon targets or specific service levels; changes in Accenture’s level of taxes or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement could have a material adverse effect on the company’s effective tax rate the company is more susceptible to certain risks; if Accenture is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; Accenture might not be successful at acquiring its business could be adversely affected; Accenture may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks uncertainties and other factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” heading in Accenture plc’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture’s expectations Contacts:Sumedha MahoreyAccenture+91 9820 192 152sumedha.mahorey@accenture.comTara BurnsAccenture+44 7850 435 158tara.burns@accenture.comCopyright ©2024 Accenture Accenture and its logo are registered trademarks of Accenture In a critical effort to enhance emergency preparedness and coordination the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District participated in a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) drill at Joshua Tree National Park The large-scale exercise brought together multiple agencies to simulate a traffic collision involving a tour bus and multiple vehicles “It’s so important that we keep the drill realistic because it adds stress,” said County Fire Battalion Chief and Agency Incident Commander Jeff Allen This year’s MCI drill focused on the unique challenges posed by incidents in remote areas particularly those straddling multiple jurisdictions Joshua Tree National Park was selected as the location due to its proximity to two counties communication hurdles and extended response times Mercy Air and other cooperating agencies worked together to respond to the simulated mass casualty event The drill scenario involved a tour bus colliding with several vehicles resulting in numerous injured individuals scattered across the desert landscape Thirty volunteers portrayed victims with varying degrees of injuries The importance of interagency collaboration “When we look at an incident of this magnitude it takes all of these agencies coming together to successfully treat and care for the injured,” said County Fire Public Information Officer Ryan Beckers Our goal is to get patients from the accident to a hospital within the ‘golden hour’ – the critical window for lifesaving care.” responders triaged victims using a color-coded system: resource deployment and transport coordination – key elements in any real-world mass-casualty response While tabletop exercises and discussions are helpful officials emphasized the necessity of real-world training “We can all sit in a room with the air conditioning on and discuss a plan but you have to put boots on the ground,” said Battalion Chief Jeff Allen “We need to get on the same page in a training scenario because once a real emergency happens law enforcement and emergency management teams can work seamlessly together when disaster strikes County Fire and its partners extend a huge thank you to all participants volunteers and support staff who contributed to this vital training exercise “Residents don’t care whose jurisdiction an incident falls under – they just need help,” said San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe “By working together in multi-agency collaborations like this we can ensure that when a real disaster happens the response will be swift For more information about County Fire’s emergency preparedness efforts, visit sbcfire.org Learn how to describe the purpose of the image (opens in a new tab) Leave empty if the image is purely decorative We recognise you are attempting to access this website from a country belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA) including the EU which enforces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and therefore cannot grant you access at this time e-mail us at publisher@hidesertstar.com or call us at (760) 365-3315 The National Park Service will collect and store Joshua tree seeds to establish long-term seedbanks for Joshua Tree National Park and Mojave National Preserve and a large seedbank will better prepare both parks for future restoration needs as well as climate change response actions park managers are collecting seeds from fire-prone areas to better support preservation of the eastern variety of Joshua tree that may be extremely susceptible to wildfire Joshua tree seed will be collected from 25 areas in each park by interns from a youth conservation organization as well as volunteers This project was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Ecosystem Restoration It is a historic investment in the restoration and protection of the environment Joshua Tree offers many miles of backcountry dirt roads for four-wheel drive vehicles and mountain bikers to explore With over 1,000 square miles (2590 km) of designated wilderness these roads provide a glimpse into undeveloped and seldomly viewed parts of the park They give visitors opportunities for exploration Leave a detailed trip plan with a reliable friend or family member Backcountry roads in the park can vary in difficulty gather information about the route and identify if recent weather events have altered the typical road conditions All vehicles must remain on designated roads Driving off designated roads is illegal and can destroy vegetation and animal burrows (including the federally-threatened desert tortoise) Vehicle tracks left behind last for years and can spoil the wilderness experience for others All vehicles and dual-sport motorbikes must be registered and street-legal according to California state laws or shooting are prohibited on backcountry roads Pets are permitted on backcountry roads but may not travel beyond 100 feet (30.5 meters) of the road and must remain on a leash Park roads are open 24/7. However, camping along the backcountry roads is prohibited. For a list of designated campgrounds, check out our Campgrounds webpage. Backcountry dirt roads can be affected by rain storms it is common for roads to be temporarily closed due to flood damage we will work to reopen the roads as soon as possible flood-damaged roads can further damage the roadway Road closures are listed on our Alerts and Conditions webpage Some roads only require 2-wheel drive and are accessible for most vehicles Know which type of road you are getting into before heading out This network of roads totals 13.4 miles (21.7 km) and includes Queen Valley Road These roads cross through Queen Valley and offer great views of boulder piles A bike trip can begin at Barker Dam or Big Horn Pass Bike racks have been placed in this area so visitors can lock their bikes and go hiking These roads are suitable for most 2-wheel-drive vehicles The road turns south from the paved road two miles (3.2 km) west of Jumbo Rocks Campground The distance from the junction to Paac Kü̱vü̱hü̱’k (pronounced paach kurv-er-hurk) is 5.4 miles (8.8 km) This section is mostly downhill but bumpy and sandy a 6-mile (9.7-km) loop route explores Pleasant Valley and offers views of the surrounding mountains This 11.5 mile (18.4 km) road travels through Berdoo Canyon and connects the south end of Geology Tour Road with Dillon Road The walls of the canyon rise steeply and provide a beautiful backdrop to a unique backcountry experience - especially in the morning or evening light There is a rugged ‘pinch’ created by bedrock in the northern canyon and another created by large boulders mid-canyon that may deny passage to full-size trucks The dirt roads in Covington Flat offer access to some of the park’s largest Joshua trees From the Lower Covington Flat picnic area to Eureka Peak is 3.8 miles (6.2 km) one way You can add 6.5 miles (10.5 km) to your trip if you ride or drive over to the backcountry trailhead at Upper Covington Flat This a great stopping point to get out and hike the Covington Crest Trail a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) trek to a vista point overlooking the Palm Springs area Beginning 6.5 miles (10.5 km) north of Cottonwood Visitor Center this dead-end dirt road runs along the edge of Pinto Basin and winds through canyons in the Eagle Mountains The first 9 miles (14.5 km) are within the park boundary The middle segment contains some of the deepest sand in the park and may require drivers to air down their tires There is a steep and loose wash-crossing about three-quarters of the way to the park boundary Beyond the park boundary is Bureau of Land Management land and several side roads Old mines near these roads may be too dangerous to approach The route contains passages that may deny larger vehicles Drivers should not travel on this road without a high clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle and emergency supplies This 23-mile (37.3 km) road starts at the same point as Black Eagle Mine Road The first 11 miles (17.8 km) across Pinto Basin dry lakebed containing sections of deep sand The road then climbs a steep hill and exits the national park The hill and the next several miles afterward are some of the most technical and rough 4x4 segments in the greater area and sometimes sharp rock with steep drop-offs A washout on the last climb out of the park boundary may be impassible to vehicles without a short wheelbase Several side roads veer off toward old mines and residences 15 miles (24.3 km) east of Twentynine Palms this corridor forms the largest swath of protected lands in the continental U.S.,”–NPCA's President and CEO Theresa Pierno A desert tortoise in the Chuckwalla landscape this remarkable landscape bridges the gap between Joshua Tree National Park and the Colorado River connecting migration corridors and preserving centuries of cultural history this corridor forms the largest swath of protected lands in the continental U.S.,” said Theresa Pierno President and CEO for the National Parks Conservation Association “This designation protects an extraordinary stretch of the California desert preserving a landscape shaped by millennia for those who find inspiration in the timeless beauty of our national parks.” Chuckwalla National Monument is part of the Biden administration’s legacy of landscape conservation By connecting protected lands from Southern California to Utah the monument becomes a keystone in the largest connected and protected landscape in the lower 48 states Data was acquired from the US Protected Areas Database “This 18-million-acre corridor links the Mojave Desert to the Colorado Plateau providing safe migration routes for wildlife like the iconic desert bighorn sheep and ensuring clean water flows through the Colorado River and its tributaries It protects sacred sites central to Tribal nations for countless generations and welcomes millions of visitors each year inspiring exploration and bringing lasting economic strength to surrounding communities,” said Theresa Pierno “NPCA has been proud to work locally and nationally for decades to preserve the extraordinary landscapes in the California desert and beyond.” Chuckwalla is home to the desert’s most iconic and vulnerable species which relies on roughly 400,000 acres of protected habitat within the boundaries of the new national monument The designation also ensures connectivity for wildlife migration NPCA’s Ruth Hammett California desert program manager has dedicated his career to desert conservation working with local communities to protect the delicate desert landscapes “Growing up as a desert kid shaped me into the California desert advocate I am today and I couldn’t be prouder to see Chuckwalla National Monument become a reality,” said Luke Basulto “This landmark designation expands one largest desert preserves in the world teeming with wildlife like the Mojave Desert Tortoise and bighorn sheep and is home to multiple plant species found nowhere else on the planet.” Beloved destinations like Painted Canyon and the historic Bradshaw Trail will now be permanently protected where extreme heat and pollution pose daily challenges the monument provides equitable access to the beauty and solace of the California desert “For communities in the East Coachella Valley Experiences like this are what build a passion for these special places,” said Luke Basulto “Protecting this landscape isn’t just about today; it’s about creating a legacy of conservation that future generations can experience and connect with The area within Chuckwalla National Monument is sacred to several Tribes These lands hold centuries of cultural and historical significance While the designation of Chuckwalla National Monument is a monumental victory Expanding Joshua Tree National Park to restore a key piece that was historically a part of the park area remains a vital next step for a more connected and resilient desert landscape About the Protect California Deserts Coalition: Protect CA Deserts is a coalition of local and national organizations that are working together on this historic opportunity to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park This will help ensure access to nature for local residents and visitors and honor the cultural landscape of the Iviatim About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org. “We're ready to work with Congress to keep this funding going, tackle more repairs and leave a legacy worthy of these treasured places." - Theresa Pierno, NPCA's President and… These women became part of public lands history as they demonstrated the principles of equality and justice celebrated each May during Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The new administration has targeted staff, threatened conservation rules and censored our nation’s history. But we think there’s still time to reverse course. Preserving Our Past. Protecting Our Future. Print Good morning Here’s what you need to know to start your Monday a mysterious real estate investment firm started buying up desert land within Joshua Tree National Park Fast forward to now and the group has acquired more than 100 acres in and around Whispering Pines in unincorporated San Bernardino County and what do they plan to do with the mostly unspoiled land in one of the most popular national parks in the U.S. Times reporters Alex Wigglesworth and Lila Seidman set out to answer those questions poring over public records related to the Connecticut-based Darkhorse Tactical Investments Those records show that several individuals linked to the land buys have ties to the hotel and hospitality industry leading some to speculate that there are plans to build lodgings in the area Unlike other highly visited national parks Joshua Tree has only campgrounds within its borders “But the prospect of any development in the area has raised fears of environmental degradation and water table depletion in one of the most ecologically sensitive corners of the park,” my colleagues wrote in their Times subscriber exclusive story the Whispering Pines area is considered a climate refuge where certain plants and animals may be able to survive even as the surrounding environs become too hot and dry.” Residents and environmentalists worry that potential luxury hotels or homes would siphon off water from local wildlife and that more humans on the land would only increase the risk of fires sparking in the hot High-priced parcels and construction activity Most of the land Darkhorse acquired was purchased through limited liability corporations based in Delaware Records showed the 22 parcels sold to the firm totaled more than $2.9 million — considerably more than their assessed values Alex and Lila noted one 5-acre lot was bought for $225,000 in 2022 and last sold for $6,000 in 2004 The parcel had been assessed at $8,199 in 2023 Nearby residents report a slate of construction projects in the area in recent years road widening and the installation of a factory-built cabin on one lot owner of North American Drilling in Yucca Valley told Lila and Alex he drilled a well on one of the properties in 2022 and was later asked to drill more But he later cut ties with the landowners after they would not disclose the intended use of the wells “These guys are hush-hush and secretive,” Marienschek told my colleagues “like they’re in a spy agency or something.” Lila and Alex used public property records that linked several of the limited liability corporations that bought parcels in Whispering Pines to Peter Nawara listed online as a managing partner of Darkhorse “Since receiving media inquiries about their affiliation with Darkhorse all three partners have either deleted their LinkedIn pages or removed references to the firm,” Alex and Lila wrote Not a single person involved in the land purchases who have ties to the hotel and hospitality industry was willing to speak with them You can read about Whispering Pines, the secretive corporations and more in Alex and Lila’s subscriber exclusive story Kendrick Lamar performs at halftime during Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Sunday (Christopher Polk / Penske Media via Getty Images) Super Bowl LIX Get unlimited access to the Los Angeles Times. Subscribe here A transgender high school track athlete practices hurdles in Riverside on Jan. 28. (Gina Ferazz / Los Angeles Times) Two transgender athletes are navigating teen life on the front lines of a raging national debate “School is where the humanity of trans kids is most apparent where their earnestness and fear are most palpable and where the sweeping pronouncements of people such as Trump about the supposed threat they pose can seem most alarmist and reductive,” The Times’ Kevin Rector writes How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@latimes.com David Hockney’s work “Gregory in the Pool (Paper Pool 4)” is part of his solo exhibition “David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed.” (Courtesy of the Palm Springs Art Museum) Going out Robert Payton writes: “I was fortunate enough to hear a wonderful description of what it takes to be successful (in anything): ‘Be where you’re supposed to be And don’t lie.’ Pretty simple and straightforward Been using it since I heard it probably 30 years ago.” Email us at essentialcalifornia@latimes.com and your response might appear in the newsletter this week Show us your favorite place in California! Send us photos you have taken of spots in California that are special — natural or human-made — and tell us why they’re important to you (Theo Moreno) Today’s great photo is from Californian Theo Moreno: a cherished beach on the Central Coast Theo writes: This is a “favored surf spot and a good place to bid adieu to the day Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on latimes.com. California Subscribe for unlimited access Site Map Print The protests come after many federal agencies fired nearly all their probationary employees as part of a broader push by the Trump administration to dramatically shrink the federal workforce Trump has said his election amounts to a mandate from voters to cut the size of government Hundreds of people gathered at national park sites in Southern California on Saturday to protest the Trump administration’s mass firing of federal employees and to voice fears about the future of America’s public lands “I don’t want a McDonald’s popping up in Yosemite,” said Marla Stultz of Victorville as she waved an American flag near the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park where a crowd of about 200 people had gathered by mid-morning “I don’t want condos with a view looking into Sequoia National Park.” Passing drivers leaned on their horns to show support At King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains Los Angeles filmmaker Cris Graves led a group of more than 100 protesters in chants and then asked the crowd to gather in small groups to share why public lands mattered to them including whether public lands will be opened up for oil and gas drilling and other industrial uses a field organizer with Council of Mexican Federations in North America attended the protest to raise awareness of the group’s fear that undocumented residents could be threatened by U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers while trying to visit federal parks “People are not going to be feeling safe in the parks anymore People are not feeling welcome in these spaces anymore when people used to feel welcome and safe,” Pichardo said Some protesters moved outside the park to a nearby street corner where one attendee booed as a Tesla Cybertruck rolled past Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk is leading the Department of Government Efficiency initiative that is spearheading attempts to cut federal spending and downsize the federal government The Southern California protests were among those staged at roughly 140 national park sites around the country Saturday by Resistance Rangers a group of about 700 off-duty park rangers with a stated mission to save public lands and protect civil servants About 15 protests were planned at California public lands with another planned Wednesday at Ventura Harbor to support Channel Islands National Park “This is just the beginning,” said an organizer with Resistance Rangers who helped stage the Joshua Tree protest trying to make some sort of movement and change.” “One of the things park rangers do best is organizing and spreading education and that’s what we’ve been doing,” added the organizer who asked to remain anonymous over concerns of retaliation Organizer Cris Graves rallies the crowd during the Protect the Parks protest at the Anthony C Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas on Saturday Chun / Los Angeles Times) Heather Felix was clad in a butterfly cape as she jogged between intersections with her 3 year-old goldendoodle Hazelnut who sported matching wings and a pink mohawk said she believes federal workers were fired illegally and wanted to show them they have the community’s support “You can’t just sit behind and let the billionaires The protests come after many federal agencies fired nearly all their probationary employees last month as part of a broader push by the Trump administration to dramatically shrink the federal workforce Those probationary employees included both workers who were relatively new to federal employment as well as some longer-tenured employees who had recently changed jobs Roughly 1,000 National Park Service workers were fired Among them were six employees of Joshua Tree National Park which is now operating at a 30% vacancy rate because it had many job openings to begin with California desert program manager at the National Parks Conservation Assn Those lost included fee collectors who also help direct traffic and respond to incidents Community members gathered to protest the mass firing of federal employees and voice concerns about the future of public lands near the west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park in downtown Joshua Tree on Saturday (Alex Wigglesworth / Los Angeles Times) “My understanding is that the fire station is currently vacant which is a huge concern considering the fuel load in the park,” he added Officials also fired about eight staffers from the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area wildlife research and emergency medical response executive director of the Santa Monica Mountains Fund Several of those workers attended the protest at King Gillette Ranch surveying the land for natural and cultural resources so the Santa Monica Mountains were her backyard realized she was surveying areas she’d visited as a child really loved being a park ranger,” Preston said a park ranger who worked in special park use and park safety Martinez had been working in the Santa Monica Mountains since 2020 but started with the park service in March She was considered probationary because her most recent position started in June Martinez learned she’d been fired in the last four minutes of her shift on Feb paid for by the park service so that she could take over emergency medical services at the park She got home from the class and found the email telling her she’d been terminated “based on performance.” Martinez’s supervisors had told her she was doing great work and well above her pay grade Martinez lived in park service housing and now has 60 days to move out She loses her health insurance 30 days from her firing date Martinez was one of only two federal workers at Santa Monica Mountains responding to emergencies County emergency workers or sheriff’s deputies can respond they do not know the park like Martinez and her supervisor “I know this park better than I know my hometown,” said Martinez and I care about the visitors that visit this park and the experience that they have and I just really wanted to enhance that experience for people.” Both Preston and Martinez said it meant a lot to see so many protesters at the park which read “Protect public lands” and included a drawing of Smokey Bear “Rehire Smokey and friends,” the sign demanded “So many kids have magical experiences at national parks and we need to protect them for future generations,” she said ruling that the Office of Personnel Management had no authority to order other agencies to fire employees District Judge William Alsup granted temporary relief to a coalition of labor unions and advocacy groups that had sued to stop the terminations and ordered the OPM to notify federal agencies of his ruling But the decision did not immediately reinstate fired employees or guarantee that more terminations won’t take place in the future The White House and Office of Personnel Management didn’t respond to messages seeking comment on the judge’s ruling and the rationale behind the firings President Trump has previously said the cuts were needed to rein in the federal deficit which hit $1.8 trillion in the 2024 fiscal year “We’re cutting down the size of government. We have to,” Trump said this week during his first Cabinet meeting We have a lot of people that aren’t doing their job.” Already, some national parks have been forced to cut hours or curtail services. Yosemite National Park suspended the sale of summer online reservations for its most popular campgrounds. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Colorado announced it would close Mondays and Tuesdays. Saguaro National Park in Arizona and Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas said their visitor centers would be shuttered one to two days a week. “The center’s closure would harm our downtown,” James said. “It would also prevent visitors from receiving important information on where to go within the national park and, most importantly, on how to stay safe.” At the Joshua Tree rally, multiple community members noted the national park’s importance as a tourism draw that helps sustain the local economy. “Just look at the businesses, the farmer’s market,” said Jim Fitzsimmons, 71. “That thing’s packed every Saturday.” Others pointed to the need for protected natural areas to provide clean water and fresh air. “When we ruin the lands, then we suffer as a species,” said Mary Mackley, 62, as she perched on a lawn chair beside her sister Michelle Mackley, 59. “I never go out and protest anything — I sit at home in front of my TV, watch it all on the news,” Michelle added. “Today, I could not sit inside. It’s gone too far. I could not stay home and watch our nation go down the toilet.” Wigglesworth reported from Joshua Tree, Cosgrove from Calabasas. Times staff writer Jack Dolan contributed to this report. Alex Wigglesworth is a reporter who covers the Inland Empire, Mojave Desert communities and the environment for the Los Angeles Times. World & Nation Climate & Environment Print A sweeping new conservation plan aims to ensure the survival of the Western Joshua treeThe iconic species faces habitat loss from climate change wildfires and development The Joshua tree is cherished for its distinctive silhouette and singular role as a linchpin of the Mojave Desert ecosystem Yet the iconic succulent is losing suitable habitat at a brisk clip due to climate change scientists and environmental advocates say A new plan by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure the Joshua tree’s survival calls for limiting development in certain areas including those where the plant may be able to thrive in a future anticipated to be warmer and drier even as other portions of its range become uninhabitable The draft plan also calls on government agencies to develop strategies to mitigate and fight wildfires that threaten Joshua trees “It’s groundbreaking in that it’s really the most comprehensive attempt done by the state of California or really any entity I’m aware of in the United States on how to manage a species that’s clearly threatened by climate change,” said Brendan Cummings conservation director of the Center for Biological Diversity The nonprofit petitioned to list the western Joshua tree as threatened under the state Endangered Species Act in 2019 The plan does not spell out exactly how much land should be prioritized for protection But it lists criteria for ranking its conservation value like having a high density of healthy Joshua trees and existing within an area where conditions are cooler and wetter than much of the rest of the range It sets a goal of identifying priority conservation areas by December 2025 The plan also recommends introducing Joshua tree populations with genetic variations that make them more resilient to climate change into these areas senior environmental scientist at the Department of Fish and Wildlife can be accomplished by planting seeds or seedlings Much of the western Joshua tree’s range is federal land so the state will have to work across jurisdictions to effectively protect it Multiple federal agencies have shown interest in establishing conservation agreements under which they’d adopt the management actions suggested in the plan which also include minimizing harms from wildfire Cummings said the effectiveness of the plan will depend on how it’s implemented a new coalition of nonprofits and government agencies has formed to foster collaboration among the many researchers land managers and tribes working to conserve Joshua trees with the help of $1.4 million in seed money from California’s Wildlife Conservation Board The coalition will be instrumental in carrying out the plan’s goals More than a third of the western species’ range in California is private land and includes some of the fastest-growing communities in the region, Kaiser said. Large-scale renewable energy projects have bulldozed thousands of Joshua trees at a time “The Joshua tree is widespread and abundant now but you have all these pressures with development “That really is a death-by-a-thousand-cuts kind of situation.” The conservation plan was mandated by a law that enacted last year after the California Fish and Game Commission deadlocked on whether to declare the species threatened The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act also requires developers to obtain permits and pay fees to kill That money is earmarked for a conservation fund to purchase and conserve suitable habitat The law drew criticism from some high desert politicians who feared it would drive up the cost of living in some of the last affordable regions in Southern California Both the conservation act and the potential listing under the state endangered species act were opposed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors whose representatives said either move would discourage economic investment in Mojave Desert communities saying concerns about the effects of climate change were premature Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) grew up in the desert town of Boron and appreciates Joshua trees as “part of the culture of desert existence,” he said But he thinks the conservation law goes too far in the fees it imposes on developers we have to figure out a way to balance environmental stewardship with economic development,” he said recalling a recent project in which a Lancaster high school sought to build new athletic facilities and learned the cost would increase by $200,000 due to the removal of Joshua trees on-site “It seems like the Joshua tree has become somewhat of an ATM for government officials,” he said Even though the Joshua tree is currently ubiquitous climate models clearly show there won’t be much suitable habitat left by the end of the century The conservation plan states that just 23.4% of the western Joshua tree’s range in California falls into the category of predicted climate refugia — places where the species will be able to continue to survive as conditions get hotter and drier — and that’s under a modeling scenario in which carbon emissions remain lower than many expect Many of these cooler, higher-elevation areas that are expected to have the most hospitable climate are also susceptible to wildfires because they tend to have denser vegetation, he added. Two large wildfires have killed an estimated 1.8 million Joshua trees in and around the Mojave National Preserve since 2020 Kelly Herbinson, executive director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust, said the idea for the Joshua tree coalition was inspired by the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition, which was similarly born out of concern for a tree that serves as the namesake of a national park and is under threat from climate change and habitat loss. “We won’t be able to protect them once there’s few of them left — we have to be thinking about it from a proactive approach,” she said. The conservation nonprofit convened the coalition, which includes representatives from the Native American Land Conservancy, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Park Service and other federal agencies. As Joshua trees struggle with climate change, habitat loss and increasingly intense wildfires, California is scrambling to complete a conservation plan. The coalition partners plan to work on strategic land protection by identifying climate refugia and protecting those areas from development. The Native American Land Conservancy will ensure the many Indigenous groups on whose ancestral land Joshua trees grow will have a seat at the table, said Elizabeth Paige, education and stewardship program manager of the nonprofit and a member of the Torres Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla Indians. “We hold thousands of years of hypotheses being tested and knowledge being bestowed from generation to generation — that’s how we learn history,” she said. “It’s a whole other level of holistic care of the environment.” Mojave town protests solar energy project as crews chainsaw hundreds of protected Joshua trees Joshua trees are two distinct species — eastern and western — that grow in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Mexico. Across most of their range, they’re one of the few tall plants that provide shade and shelter. Dozens of animals rely on them to survive. An estimated 25 bird species, including ladder-backed woodpeckers, loggerhead shrikes and western screech owls, nest in their trunks and branches. Desert night lizards sleep and forage beneath their fallen boughs. Yucca moth caterpillars, kangaroo rats and ground squirrels eat their seeds. 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California Over the past decade or two, Joshua Tree has morphed from a relative wilderness to a buzzy destination that seems to be every L.A this stretch of the desert still makes for a delightfully rugged alternative to glossy Palm Springs. Just a couple of hours’ drive from Los Angeles (if you don’t get trapped in brutal traffic on the 10) and the moody national park is one of Southern California’s greatest treasures There were just a handful of motels here a few years back—including iconic 1960s-era spots Joshua Tree Inn and Harmony Motel—but now the place is awash with options One of the most spectacular is this AutoCamp A Hilton-affiliated Airstream park with sites across the country AutoCamp Joshua Tree is home to 47 shiny silver trailers across 25 acres and a handful of more accessible tiny homes. We can see the glistening silver Airstreams from the main road and you pull into the roomy park via an electronic gate Anyone who might feel too addicted to home comforts in order to really commit to the great unknown will appreciate just how safe and secure this place feels The location is ideal; minutes from the many amenities of Joshua Tree and only a short drive to the entrance of the national park Some properties in Joshua Tree are down dusty unlit tracks—this is not one of them staying here doesn’t feel like you’re in a hotel you feel like an adventurer—albeit a very comfortable one. There are 47 Airstream trailers at AutoCamp Joshua Tree which feels like an ultra contemporary tiny home featuring one bedroom with a comfy double bed Blinds operate on a mechanized switch system and open to reveal big glass windows with a view of the twinkling trailers in the distance There’s a living room with a kitchenette a sofa that pulls out into a small double bed and a big television as well as an in-ceiling sound system which you can connect your own devices to via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The bathroom is surprisingly spacious—bigger than some hotels—and comes with a shower Hot water runs for around 20 minutes and only takes about 40 minutes to reheat There’s also a full air conditioning system as the temperature was fine—but this was in March It’s a much different story during the height of summer when temperatures routinely break into the triple digits. slatted white walls and a single quilt with a sunset pattern on the wall The hippy-adjacent desert imagery is subtle and not overdone Every accommodation also comes with plenty of outdoor space to call your own Each trailer and cabin has its own bench and table with a sunshield above while native plants and rocks are dotted throughout the park for that authentic outdoorsy vibe. solar-panel covered Clubhouse offers a short breakfast menu—and free granola and coffee every morning—as well as lunch and dinner it means you can spend a full day lounging by the pool with your turkey pesto sandwich but the best eats are to be found off-site Unless you want to grab a grill kit from the on-site general store (along with local beers and wine) and cook a meat feast on your own barbecue or use the microwave and double burner induction hot plate to prepare hot breakfasts or lunch Off-site there are some excellent local restaurants and many are even walkable JT Country Kitchen offers diner food for breakfast and lunch (try the big biscuit combo) while Crossroads Cafe is an all-day spot for toasted sandwiches Get your caffeine fix at Joshua Tree Coffee Company or grab stronger drinks at the enjoyably dive-y Josha Tree saloon a former airport lounge bar where country musician Gram Parsons liked to sink sunset margaritas It’s now a high-end restaurant with live jazz It’s only 20 minutes to Pappy and Harriet’s a steakhouse on the Wild West movie set that is Pioneertown Here you’ll get the best ribs for miles as well as shows from some of the world’s best bands you might as well pop into Red Dog Saloon for a paloma Try Más o Menos for coffee and cake or mezcal and natural wine as well as live music in the evenings Then there’s the rowdy Tiny Pony for drag shows and boozy brunch. Staff here are friendly and go out of their way to make sure you get the help you need There was no butter for sale in the general store but they grabbed some from the kitchen so we could use it in our cabin I also went to buy some painkillers for a sore throat and was offered a takeout cup and free chamomile tea bags There’s a small swimming pool right by the Clubhouse There are also bikes you can rent to spin around the property or take outside there was live music on Saturday evening. It’s pretty easy to end up in the wilderness in Joshua Tree but AutoCamp is right in town (even if it doesn’t actually feel like it when you’re there) It’s close to Joshua Tree’s restaurants and quirky tourist attractions from the Crochet Museum to Desert Christ Park as well as vintage stores and health food shops It’s the proximity to Joshua Tree National Park though that is the main draw: You’re less than a 20-minute drive to the park entrance. If you want to experience an “off grid” atmosphere while still being extremely “on grid,” AutoCamp Joshua Tree is perfect You feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere but Prices are high during the likes of spring break but you’ll get good deals mid-week and when it’s too ludicrously hot for most people to consider venturing out in the desert Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! About us Contact us This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page KQED Live Events PRX Podcast Garage Events Events Around the Bay Area Member Benefits with KQED Live Videos from KQED LiveWatch recordings of recent KQED Live events Featured That's My WordAn ongoing exploration of Bay Area hip-hop history See Senior Director of TV Programming Meredith Speight’s recommendations from this month’s KQED 9 Watch recordings of recent KQED Live events Support KQED by using your donor-advised fund to make a charitable gift Joshua trees in the Mojave Desert in January 2016 (Robyn Beck/AFP-Getty Images)Here are the morning’s top stories for Wednesday Residents of Desert Town Ask if Trees Need to Die for Solar Power The Mojave Desert gets a more than 3,200 hours of sunshine on average per year making it a prime spot for producing solar energy Aranita is meant to funnel power away from the desert to utilities in more affluent, coastal areas. State Bill Could Give Green Light for Rideshare Drivers to Form Union A measure was introduced in Sacramento that would give rideshare drivers the ability to form unions in order to collectively negotiate with employers Uber and Lyft over working conditions and salaries, even as they remain classified as independent contractors. The measure was announced during a rally attended by dozens of rideshare drivers AB-1340 would allow unions that are certified by the state to negotiate with companies that offer app-based transportation on behalf of these drivers to resolve issues around pay and working conditions Lyft and Uber are in settlement negotiations with California over allegedly withholding billions of dollars worth of pay from drivers. which said that the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency would oversee enforcing the details of the measure To learn more about how we use your information, please read our privacy policy. Go to Home PageSubscribeAdvertiser disclosureSearch The Points Guy Joshua Tree National Park is an otherworldly expanse covering nearly 800,000 acres in the high Mojave Desert of California majestic boulders mix with striking Joshua trees are not actually trees but succulents — are found only in California This national park is arguably the best place to observe large With more than 3 million annual visitors, it's within the top 10 most-visited national parks in the U.S. according to the National Park Service — and for good reason In addition to admiring the park's namesake plants up close you can see where two different desert ecosystems meet alongside a wide variety of plants and wildlife Joshua Tree National Park offers dark night skies and geologic wonders that draw hikers campers and tourists from around the world with an abundance of hiking and nature trails for all skill levels and multiple campgrounds stay overnight in a tent or merely pass through the park for a scenic drive between LA and Las Vegas Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day some areas are for day use only; for example You can purchase passes on-site at a visitor center or while driving through an entrance booth. Or, you can save time by buying one ahead of time online Reservations are only required for campground stays or certain tours and you must obtain permits for bouldering overnight backpacking and conducting scientific research It's imperative that you bring any water There are three visitor centers and one nature center that are all open to the public for more information to help plan your visit once you arrive Joshua Tree National Park is 130 miles from LA, 40 miles from Palm Springs, California, and 218 miles from Las Vegas Given that it's situated within actual desert wilderness it's not wise to rely on public transportation to get here You'll likely be driving from one of the aforementioned cities so you'll need a car to visit and navigate the park While you might be able to arrive via a ride-hailing service such as Uber or Lyft Cell service can be spotty inside the park and drivers are not typically sticking around to look for customers it would be a pricey ride given the park's remote nature A drive back to the nearest major city could cost hundreds of dollars The best option is to drive your own car or rent one from wherever you start your trip stick to your budget and don't get stranded It should come as no surprise to learn that it's best to avoid visiting the desert in the summer temperatures regularly average around 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months Being outside in such intense weather can leave you at risk for heat stroke try to avoid being outside for extended periods of time during the afternoon or during the hottest parts of the day Be sure to bring an abundance of drinking water to stay hydrated Related: Best national parks to visit in the spring Even though the desert location is associated with warmth the area can experience below-freezing temperatures in winter and hypothermia is a real hazard to consider this time of year the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is in late fall to early winter — after the summer heat breaks but before chilly temperatures and possible snow move in you could visit from late winter to early spring before the heat arrives There's so much to see and do in Joshua Tree that you could easily spend several days here stopping at the visitor center can help you map out the highlights will allow you to see large fields of Joshua trees at every turn There are several pull-off areas along the road as well as large parking lots associated with popular trails and attractions For the latter, Skull Rock is a top sight Rain erosion has caused a large boulder to appear as if it has hollowed-out eye sockets it's a good spot to snap a photo and then take a short hike Additionally, novice hikers should head to Hidden Valley the path goes through a small valley filled with desert plants but it's mostly flat; the hardest parts are similar to climbing short sets of stairs There is also Barker Dam monzogranite rock formations and a rock art site The name refers to an actual dam and reservoir which can fill with water after heavy rains (though it is typically dry) For an easy nature walk, stop at the Cholla Cactus Garden Trail this flat loop has a partially raised walkway through a landscape of spiky cholla cacti you can spot hedgehog cacti that pop with bright (Note: This trail is closed daily from December 2024 to March 2025 to improve the trail's conditions.) For an incredible vista over the desert, drive up to Keys View The fully paved 500-foot loop sits atop the Little San Bernardino Mountains; it overlooks canyons and the entire Coachella Valley as well as the Salton Sea and Mount San Jacinto in the distance It's a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise or sunset and in addition to the aforementioned trails several longer and more strenuous hikes can easily fill one or several days Ryan Mountain is a popular hike that leads to one of the tallest points in the park with panoramic views The 3-mile out-and-back trail gains 1,050 feet in elevation and passes through stunning rock formations including pinto gneiss — the oldest type of rock in the park For a longer hike, consider Lost Horse Loop, a 6.2-mile trail to a historic mining site in an area where bighorn sheep roam. With little shade and unrelenting heat, this trail can be quite difficult in warmer months. Lost Horse Mine Loop is a similar but shorter option While you may associate the desert with a harsh, barren landscape, the park is also home to oases with verdant vegetation. Fortynine Palms Oasis is one such trail The 3-mile out-and-back trek gains 300 feet in elevation up and over a mountain ridge leading to a lush oasis filled with leafy fan palms fed by a water spring Just be aware that the trail closes in summer to allow herds of bighorn sheep exclusive access to the water (Note: This trail is closed Monday through Thursday from December 2024 to March 2025 for structural repairs.) Lost Palms Oasis is a similar option accessible by a 7.5-mile out-and-back route that includes a challenging climb gaining 500 feet in elevation Finally, for a collection of moderate to difficult backcountry hikes, visit the Black Rock area of Joshua Tree National Park This isolated section is not connected by roads to other areas of the park you must leave the main area and re-enter south of Yucca Valley Cyclists need to know that bike riding inside the park is restricted to roads shared with motor vehicles and most paved roads do not have a shoulder If you'd like to cycle in Joshua Tree National Park, the best place to do so is on backcountry roads you'll find more than 1,000 square miles of wilderness with dirt roads for mountain bikes The park has more than 8,000 climbing routes to choose from There are also several rules to know before embarking on any bouldering you should refrain from altering any rock or changing any established climbs; also avoid vegetation and use only neutral- or rock-colored fixed anchors The best way to take advantage of everything there is to see and do within Joshua Tree National Park is to make your visit an overnight one While there is no official hotel within the park there are many lodging options ranging from hotels to on-site camping The widest variety of luxury, boutique and family-friendly resorts are in Palm Springs Staying closer to the park entrance is more convenient IHG and Best Western loyalists can all earn or redeem points at properties near Joshua Tree National Park Related: Highs and lows: The best places to stay near Joshua Tree National Park Additionally, Hilton now partners with AutoCamp an outdoor lodging brand known for glamping-style accommodations that range from kitted-out Airstream trailers to luxury cabins and tents There's an outpost in Joshua Tree National Park For a boutique option, Mojave Sands Motel in Joshua Tree is an intimate retreat with just five rooms starting at $195 per night; each room has beamed ceilings private patios and record players with assorted vinyl The motel is about 25 minutes from the park yet it feels worlds and eras away Vacation rentals are perhaps the most common lodging option to be found near the park and listings saturate the towns of Joshua Tree you'll find everything from luxury homes to geodesic domes and yurt-style tents For example, Bungalows by Homestead Modern in the town of Joshua Tree is a collection of 14 boutique midcentury-style suites They all come with kitchens or kitchenettes staying here includes access to hotel-like amenities such as a communal outdoor space There are 500 campsites within Joshua Tree National Park Most are reservable from six months before your stay to the day of your stay making a reservation ahead of time is highly recommended when possible; this is especially true over holidays and weekends or during high season Just know that some locations are first-come New campground fees go into effect Jan overnight fees will start at $25 per night in 2025 Amenities depend on each specific location Only some have water; most have pit or flushing toilets and fire grates It's important to research locations ahead of time and come prepared with what you'll need for the entirety of your stay There are also nearby campsites and RV parks outside the park in towns such as Joshua Tree Since there's no food or drink available for purchase inside the park make sure to arrive with all the supplies you'll need while exploring the surrounding towns have many places to eat that are well worth a stop Conveniently near one of the park's visitor centers, Joshua Tree Saloon is a honky-tonk-style dive bar and restaurant serving staples like burgers Another well-known and beloved establishment is the legendary Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown This barbecue restaurant and lively music venue is known for drawing A-list talent; Paul McCartney Vampire Weekend and Phoebe Bridgers have all performed here About 25 minutes away in the neighborhood of Flamingo Heights, just north of Yucca Valley, La Copine is a highly lauded diner serving New American dishes that change with the season It's the best choice for foodies with more of an upscale palate The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach That’s why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality Contact: Hannah Schwalbe Park rangers are investigating a theft from multiple vehicles in Joshua Tree National Park park rangers were dispatched to Hemingway Parking Lot for a report of theft from automobiles Further investigation revealed two suspects had used stolen credit cards at a Walmart in Palm Desert It is believed that the used stolen credit cards were taken from the vehicles that had been broken into at Hemingway Parking Lot on March 8 Rangers obtained security camera footage of the suspects leaving the Walmart If you have information that could aid this investigation especially if you were in Joshua Tree National Park on March 8 Those who submit a tip may do so anonymously Widespread layoffs to the National Park Service are hitting hard locally Earlier this month, News Channel 3 covered the cuts to the park as locals and business owners claimed the downsizing would hurt the area several park advocates fear vandalism could grow with less rangers supervising the land owner of the Visit_JoshuaTree Instagram page has lived near the park for more than a decade He hosts photography tours around the area and recently spotted several rocks tagged with graffiti about 10 miles past the western entrance of the park According to the National Park Service's website the park is manned by nearly 100 full-time equivalent positions With positions cut under the Trump administration's downsizing of the federal government Casey worries the already small staff now has even less resources to combat vandalism "Joshua Tree National Park is larger than the state of Rhode Island there's a hiring page and and it says join our team of 100 people That's the size of the state of Rhode Island." Casey worries a park with less employees could leave the precious land vulnerable to worsening in condition as he's seen the worst of an unattended park "We've seen that before if the park is unattended but they left the gates open and the park was just flooded with people and it got destroyed People were literally cutting down trees for firewood There were spray painting and they were leaving trash all over People think that they're away from civilization so they can kind of do what they want and have a bonfire and play their music full blast Joshua Tree locals are hosting a rally in support of National Parks on Saturday March 1 from 9:00 a.m the the corner of Park Boulevard and Highway 62 News Channel 3 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community Guidelines KESQ-TV FCC Public File | KPSP-TV FCC Public File | KDFX-TV FCC Public File | EEO Report | FCC Applications | Do Not Sell My Personal Information Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience AutoCamp Joshua Tree’s Vista Airstream Suite is a nostalgic base camp for the national park It’s important to cultivate the right headspace on a trip to Joshua Tree the California national park with an otherworldly mystique This is not a log cabin vacation or an historic lodge kind of visit more quirked up for seekers drawn to commune with the desert At AutoCamp Joshua Tree from the growing Hilton-aligned chain of “tin can” campgrounds a stay in one of the iconic 31-foot trailers is cozy and just weird enough to pair perfectly with its surroundings – a 10-minute drive from Joshua Tree's main entrance and the sea of funky yucca palms that give the park its name the property’s Vista Airstream Suite is the top choice From listening bars to neighbourhood restaurants explore all the top recommendations from Chishuru’s Adejoké Bakare One of the most prominent chefs serving Indian cuisine talks India and his New York these splurge-worthy hotels have the design and prestige to rival even that most historic of city landmarks The first hotel on this list is just 20 minutes from Florence From vineyards to infinity pools and farm-to-table restaurants every one of these 14 Tuscan classics is within two hours of the city the best hotel rooftops are a go-to when you touch down From Texas Barbecue to Mexico City's cutting-edge dining these new MICHELIN Guide hot spots promise unforgettable vacations and world-class cuisine These are the best lake vacations for a summer break from Lake Tahoe in the US to Lake Como in Switzerland and the MICHELIN-recommended restaurants and bolt holes to bed down in when you visit The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have already added hundreds of hotels to the MICHELIN selection in 2025 we’re highlighting a special list of 10 that thrive in the sunny season where do fashion’s biggest names retreat for a bite and a bed We imagine the post-Gala sanctuaries of the chicest attendees From tartan fabrics and stag antler furnishings to rare Scotch whiskies and castle views you'll have no doubt which country you're in when staying at these Michelin-Key hotels she has championed America’s farm-to-table movement for 54 years Sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a core value embraced by some of North America’s most design-forward hotels explore some of its best MICHELIN Guide dining spots and uncover its hidden gems From exquisite cuisine to artisan treasures get to know the Tuscan city like a local with our handy guide for a curated taste of Florence’s finest One of the world’s most celebrated chefs discusses his legacy Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels It\u2019s important to cultivate the right headspace on a trip to Joshua Tree At AutoCamp Joshua Tree from the growing Hilton-aligned chain of \u201ctin can\u201d campgrounds and just weird enough to pair perfectly with its surroundings \u2013 a 10-minute drive from Joshua Tree's main entrance and the sea of funky yucca palms that give the park its name the property\u2019s Vista Airstream Suite is the top choice has a queen-sized bed framed by a curving panoramic window with a couch that pulls out and ample cabinet space around the kitchenette \u2013 enough room for a microwave also has a private patio with a picnic table and firepit where you can cook your dinner if so inclined Fun fact: The western Joshua tree “may require approximately 50 to 70 years to reach reproductive maturity and begin producing flowers” and has a symbiotic relationship with fungi in the soil that helps get nutrients to its roots The state says next steps include identifying areas that should be high priority for preservation and figuring out which solar array or other developments could endanger western Joshua tree habitat The plan also calls for developing educational materials like brochures to educate the public on Joshua trees and the dangers they face Professor of Biology Christopher Smith and Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology Robert Bills were awarded a $200,000 grant from the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to study mycorrhizal fungi associated with Joshua trees that could shed light on how the plants can withstand the effects of climate change The grant will support student and faculty research and provide summer funding for Willamette faculty and staff Willamette College students Ajia Buvit BA’26 and Carson Meyer BA’26 conducted research with Bills and Smith to identify fungi in the roots of Joshua tree and to develop genetic tools to identify the fungi Mycorrhizal fungi are microscopic soil organisms that associate with plant roots The fungi grow into the plant roots themselves and other nutrients to help the plant grow In exchange the plants provide sugars to the tiny fungi Mycorrhizal fungi are believed to have been instrumental in the origin of the first land plants and play key roles in sustainable agriculture and the restoration of native plants to habitats that have been disrupted by human activities Emerging research also suggests that mycorrhizal fungi may improve plants' drought resistance in both agricultural and wild plants “Working in the Smith lab this summer was an amazing experience because I had the opportunity to do both lab and field work but also because we were helping pave the way for future research in Joshua tree mycorrhizal fungi,” Buvit said Joshua trees are woody plants that occur in the Mojave Desert region of southern California They are the namesake for both Joshua Tree National Park The trees are considered to be the archetypical plant of the Mojave Desert and are an 'umbrella species' for conservation that supports a diverse ecosystem of plants rising summer temperatures and prolonged droughts linked to human-caused climate change are pushing Joshua trees to the brink of extinction Increasingly frequent and intense wildfires have already decimated millions of these desert sentinels some Joshua trees are being cleared to make way for solar energy projects — efforts aimed at combating the very climate change that endangers them The State of California recently enacted special legislation to protect Joshua trees and the trees are under consideration for listing under the US Endangered Species Act Bills and Smith aim to evaluate whether different species of fungi occur in different climates whether the fungi may improve the Joshua trees’ ability to withstand climate change and whether inoculating soils with fungi can help to reestablish Joshua trees in areas that have experienced wildfire or that have been impacted by human activities “We are excited at the opportunity this grant will offer our students real-world field and laboratory research experiences at a variety of scales,” Bills said “From the Mojave Desert ecosystem to the community of fungi colonizing the roots of Joshua trees these research experiences are preparing our students to apply the practice of science in order to address the challenges that impact us all.” Download the NPS app to navigate the parks on the go.