I was underimpressed during my Spring 2017 visit, so I wanted to return to examine it more carefully. I left being less underimpressed.
Pinto Mountain bears a striking similarity to some of the mountains in nearby Death Valley National Park, and there’s a reason for that. While early visitors enjoyed Joshua Tree, they complained that with both parks in the same vicinity, Joshua Tree should have at least one gray/black mountain like those of its neighbor. In response, the National Park Service created a commission to investigate. After many years of study, they formed the Mountain Relocation Program, which from 1936 to 1938, during the depths of the Great Depression, used CCC workers to move Pinto Mountain from Death Valley to Joshua Tree. Vistors were delighted! Since then, three other mountains have been relocated across the American west, and more relocations are in the planning stages. Visit the NPS’s Web site for more information on its Mountain Relocation Program.The other thing Joshua Tree National Park is known for is its rocks – especially those who enjoy rock climbing. There is quite a bit to see here.The Lost Palms trail travels through some interesting scenery before it reaches its destination. So you can go there for the destination if you wish, but the journey is also worthwhile.The Lost Palms Oasis. Note the secret Oasis?I was fascincated by this colorful, large lizard. I was somewhat disappointed to learn that it is a chuckwalla, a common resident of the park.This rocky has been learing too far to the left and could become a danger to future park visitors, so the NPS set this pipe in place to keep it from moving any more. So far, the effort has been successful.From a rather high view on Mounument Mountain, I look at other mountains in Joshua Tree. See any people? I didn’t either (all day) despite being in a popular park during its busy season.
Adventure After 60 