The Desert isn’t Dead - Joshua Tree National Park

Day HikeRoad TripJoshua Tree National ParkiPhone 13 pro PhotographyExploratography
Written By Elliot Koeppel

Proof of Life: May 7th of 2023

Back in early May, opportunity presented itself and said, “Hey, your aunt and uncle will be in Twentynine Palms for a couple days, it would be great to spend some time with them and show off your vast knowledge of neat places to visit in the park.” That sounded like a splendid idea and so that’s what we did.

The 29 Palms Inn, in Twentynine Palms, is a wonderful place to stay if you’re visiting the park for a few days.

We spent parts of two days in the park, visiting some of my favorite spots. History, Rocks, Trails, Trees, Picnic. And Wildflowers. It was a great time with perfect weather and company. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any rattlesnakes. But following these words are some of the things we did see 😀 📸

Bumps on a log.

Diamondhead

Beavertail Cactus

Apricot Globe Mallow

Canterbury Bells

Desert Dandelion

Desert Larkspur

Dune Evening Primrose

Just a kid

From an earlier post

Closer. Just a bit closer.

Narrowleaf Goldenbush

Hairy-spined Prickly Pear Cactus

Hairy-spined Prickly Pear Cactus, flower shot

Travelers, in situ

Mojave Yucca Bloom

Mojave Yucca Bloom, not all the way bloomed

Hedgehog Cactus

Hedgehog Cactus

Woolly Daisy

Mojave Mound Cactus

Yucca Man’s Slingshot

Mojave Mound Cactus

Prickly Pear Cactus Bloom

The Keyhole of Space and Time

Woolly Bluestar

First time I’ve seen this bedrock mortar

Bricks

I always feel like, somebody’s watching me

Bye!

I’m still experimenting with only taking my iPhone 13 pro with me as my camera on hikes and explorations. For the most part, I’m pleased with how the photos turn out and don’t miss the extra weight of my Nikon. There have been a few situations where the Nikon would have come in handy, and I’ve heard some grumbling from inside my camera bag recently. I may have to break it out again on my next journey.

A note on my wildflower identifications: I’m in no way close to being even an amateur botanist, so please bear with me if I mis-identify something. If you spot a mistake, I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below so I can correct it. 🌼 🌺 🌸

Return to Joshua Tree Home Page

some recent instas

Did you know the same sculptor who made the Cabazon dinosaurs also worked at Knott's Berry Farm for many years and created most of the "Bench People" you see in Ghost Town. https://www.exploratography.com/blog-cal/the-bench-people-knotts-be
Santa Rex is back! Did you know the same sculptor who made the Cabazon dinosaurs also worked at Knott's Berry Farm for many years and created most of the "Bench People" you see in Ghost Town. https://www.exploratography.com/blog-cal/the-ben
Probably the two most famous "Bench People" at Knott's Berry Farm. They have a unique tie-in to those giant Dinosaurs out at Cabazon, along the 10 Freeway. Checkout this link to read about it: https://www.exploratography.com/blog-cal/cabazo
Tent or cabin site?
La Habra 300 Bowl. Just down the street from where I work. . . . . . #neonsign #bowlingalley #vintagesign #lahabra #california #whittierblvd #exploratography #iphone16pro #iphonephotography
The Airflite Cafe Does this building seem oddly familiar, like something out of a Twilight Zone episode perhaps? Read on, fellow travelers, searchers and explorers. At the signpost up ahead, you’ve entered the location known as “Grant.&rd
The Old Couple. Bench People. . . . . . . #knottsberryfarm #oldcouple #benchpeople #buenapark #california #exploratography #iphone16pro #iphonephotography #themepark #calico #ghosttown
The Lady and the Prospector. Check out the chunk of gold in his hand. I don't think he's impressing her. . . . . #knottsberryfarm #themepark #california #usa #beachblvd #exploratography #iphone16pro #iphonephotography #nostalgia #ghosttown #wildwest

Follow on Instagram: @exploratographer

Elliot Koeppel
Previous

Queen Valley Prospects Camp - Joshua Tree National Park
Next

Red, White & Blue! (orange, purple & yellow, too) - Joshua Tree National Park