Joshua Tree National Park

Experienced hiker and guidebook author and Southern California native Scott Turner has been exploring Joshua Tree National Park for years, fostering a deep knowledge of its geography and natural and human history. Here he provides distinct guidance for choosing the perfect hike to experience the unique landscape of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. Attractive, all-color guidebook packed with info to help readers choose activities that meet their interests: Day hikes from 1 to 10 miles, with elevation from 250 to 1500 feet Distances and elevations measured in both US Standard and metric Information on park campgrounds and lodges Park basics: visitor centers, must-see sights and activities, permits and fees, fun facts, gateway towns, and more Overview of flora and fauna and the effects of climate change in the park

Includes Black Rock and Indian Cove, topo maps and trail descriptions for the best hikes, maps of campgrounds, history of the park, geology, ecology, wildlife, wildflowers, and more.

Human use of Joshua Tree National Park may extend as far back in time as 10,000 years. From the early Pinto Culture to modern tribes, native peoples have lived and hunted here for centuries. Indian trails helped guide Spanish, Mexican, and American explorers who gradually revealed the desert's secrets, leading to an influx of cattlemen, miners, and homesteaders between 1860 and 1930. As rugged as the desert itself, the area's pioneer history featured cattle rustlers, claim jumpers, and occasional gunfights. Grit, determination, and a fierce independence marked the lives of these early settlers, and the mines, ranches, and cabins they left behind hold many unforgettable stories. During the 1920s, Minerva Hamilton Hoyt found a unique beauty in the desert's sweeping vistas, and she worked tirelessly for the Joshua Tree area's preservation within the National Park System. Success came in 1936 when Pres. Franklin Roosevelt created Joshua Tree National Monument. With the Desert Protection Act, Joshua Tree was designated a national park in 1994.

A one-stop resource for hiking backpackers in beautiful British Columbia. Planning your next backpacking adventure? This book covers all the essentials including: 40 overnight hiking trails: discover the many different routes that BC has to offer Packing tips: take only the most essential items with you (plus a few comforts) Permitting: find out what permits you’ll need, and where to get them Camp set-up: tips for where to pitch your tent and how to find water Environmental impact: learn how to Leave No Trace behind in the wilderness This book features backpacking routes from the North Shore up to Pemberton and Lytton and from the Sunshine Coast out to the Similkameen Valley. Beautiful photographs showcase what you’ll see along the way: mountain peaks, alpine meadows, waterfalls, old-growth forests, and more. Every backpacking route in the book includes bonus features: Trail maps and route descriptions Elevation, distance and time information Points of cultural and natural history Pre-planning hints about fees, permits, and reservations Suggested side trips and points of particular interest Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia also shares options for extending an overnight excursion to several nights or a week, and for selecting hikes that match your timeline/fitness level.

National parks are different from other federal lands in the United States. Beginning in 1872 with the establishment of Yellowstone, they were largely set aside to preserve for future generations the most spectacular and inspirational features of the country, seeking the best representative examples of major ecosystems such as Yosemite, geologic forms such as the Grand Canyon, archaeological sites such as Mesa Verde, and scenes of human events such as Gettysburg. But one type of habitat--the desert--fell short of that goal in American eyes until travel writers and the Automobile Age began to change that perception. As the Park Service began to explore the better-known Mojave and Colorado deserts of southern California during the 1920s for a possible desert park, many agency leaders still carried the same negative image of arid lands shared by many Americans--that they are hostile and largely useless. But one wealthy woman--Minerva Hamilton Hoyt, from Pasadena--came forward, believing in the value of the desert, and convinced President Franklin D. Roosevelt to establish a national monument that would protect the unique and iconic Joshua trees and other desert flora and fauna. Thus was Joshua Tree National Monument officially established in 1936, with the area later expanded in 1994 when it became Joshua Tree National Park. Since 1936, the National Park Service and a growing cadre of environmentalists and recreationalists have fought to block ongoing proposals from miners, ranchers, private landowners, and real estate developers who historically have refused to accept the idea that any desert is suitable for anything other than their consumptive activities. To their dismay, Joshua Tree National Park, even with its often-conflicting land uses, is more popular today than ever, serving more than one million visitors per year who find the desert to be a place worthy of respect and preservation. Distributed for George Thompson Publishing

Moon Travel Guides: Make Your Escape The resort chic of Palm Springs and the alien beauty of Joshua Tree National park are linked by the perpetual sunshine of the California desert. See the best of both worlds with Moon Palm Springs & Joshua Tree. Strategic itineraries in an easy-to-navigate format, from a relaxing weekend in Palm Springs to a week-long best of Joshua Tree, along with the best hikes for every season Expert advice from local writer Jenna Blough, who shares her love of the California desert Activities and unique ideas for every traveler: Admire mid-century architecture and sip retro-chic cocktails in Rat-Pack-era hangouts. Sample the best of the party scene, from poolside resorts and live music venues to wild west saloons. Hike through shady canyons to a rare desert waterfall, or take a tram up snow-capped mountains. Scale granite monoliths, soak in local hot springs, and camp under the Milky Way. Full-color photos and detailed maps and directions for exploring on your own Background information on the landscape, history, and culture Essential insight for travelers on recreation, transportation, and accommodations for Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and the nearby travel hub of Los Angeles Recommendations for people traveling with children or pets, seniors, LGBTQ travelers, and visitors with disabilities In-depth coverage of Palm Springs, the Cochella Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, and The Yucca Valley With Moon Palm Springs & Joshua Tree's practical tips, myriad activities, and local insight, you can plan your trip your way. Exploring the national parks? Check out Moon Death Valley or Moon Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon.

Best Climbs Joshua Tree National Park gives climbers a selection of more than 280 of the very best routes at one of the country's most popular climbing destinations. Full color photographs along with a contemporary design make this book as visually appealing as it is useful.