The Joshua Tree is fascinating. It looks like a cross between a cactus and palm tree with it’s prickly bark and unruly branches. It looks like something Dr. Seuss would have drawn.

That’s why when you’re in Joshua Tree National Park you can’t help but feel like God got a little whimsical in his creation of this foliage. The park is definitely worth the trip. It boasts short trails, stunning desert views, and an impish smile over these trees that own the landscape.

A couple things to know if you do find yourself in Joshua Tree:

1. Go to 49 Palms Oasis in the morning, before the heat and the crowds. Crawl in, around, and through the “hide-outs” the trees make.

2. It’s hot. Bring plenty of water. In fact, bring more water than you think you might need. And a snack.

3. Don’t touch the Teddy Bear cactus. Seriously. They are not soft, no matter how much they look like it, and your finger will hurt for about 3-5 days. I may or may not have experience with this.

4. Do more than one trail in a day. The hikes are short; take advantage of that to see as much of the park as you can while you can.

5. Stop to appreciate the desert wild flowers. They are spectacularly colorful in a seemingly colorless landscape.

6. Sometimes it will feel like you should be underwater rather than in the middle of the desert. Perfect if scuba diving is not your thing.

7. Desert rocks are weird.

RQ: What is your favorite desert phenomenon?

Brooke Selb

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.