Beginner

Cholla Cactus Garden

Distance 0.33 mi
Time 0.5 hrs
Elevation Gain 22 ft
Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Hike Info Hiker Info
Weather

Welcome to Joshua Tree’s most dangerous hike!  It’s not rugged trails or exposed ridges that make this trail so treacherous; it’s the Teddy Bear Cholla that you need to watch out for.  Ironically this is exactly the reason why you should absolutely stop here and stroll through this casual 1/3 mile garden trail.  As you are walking be aware that even slightly brushing against a cholla will cause the spines to dive into your shoes, clothes, and/or skin.  Speaking from personal experience, pulling out the spines is quite unpleasant. The cholla detaches its joints onto unsuspecting animals and birds as a means of dispersal; when these joints fall off they create new stands of cactus, just like this one.

Joints of a Teddy Bear Cholla

This trail is located on the lonely western edge of Pinto Basin.  More importantly, it’s located on the western threshold of the Colorado Desert, just as it starts to gain elevation.  This area provides a unique blend of seasonally plentiful water (4 inches) from Wilson Canyon, and a loose mixture of soil and rock (to trap and hold the water).

Topo

This trail is well worth the drive any time of the day, but if you can visit during the last hour of light before sunset the cacti really glow.  Spring bloom is another special time to stop by, which usually happens in March or April.

Cholla Cactus Garden

Grab a free interpretive brochure and start by hiking counter-clockwise.  16 markers are found along the trail, which refer to the topics in the brochure describing the unique blend of flora and fauna found within the garden.

A Dangerous Path

The trail focuses on teaching hikers why the cholla cactus garden is so unique and what adaptations plants and animals have developed to live here successfully.  Take your time and read through the brochure at each sign-post — there is a lot of good information here 0n both the plants themselves and the unique desert transition zone that makes up most of the land in Joshua Tree National Park.

Interpretive Trail

Close Up on a Cholla

Overview of the Gardens

If you plan on spending a day driving around the park, this is a great addition to your itinerary (along with other quick stops such as Key’s View, Skull Rock, Hidden Valley Trail, and Barker Dam Trail).  If you are coming in from the Cottonwood entrance (south side of the park), then this trail is an easy stop on your way in.  Even though it doesn’t offer a long or challenging experience (other than avoiding the cholla!) this hike is well worth the side trip next time you are in Joshua Tree.

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Accommodations near Cholla Cactus Garden

Trail Conditions

Flat, hard packed dirt. Some chollas reach out over the trail, so you need to pay attention to where you are going. This is a great family-friendly trail, but kids should be supervised so that they don't impale themselves on the cactuses.

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Camping Info

First-come, first-served camping is found nearby at White Tank, Jumbo Rocks, and Belle campgrounds. Other National Park campgrounds include Cottonwood, Ryan, and Hidden Valley. Reservable sites are located on the north side of the park at Indian Cove and Black Rock campgrounds.

Weekends fill up fast from the end of November through mid-April. Arrive early and secure your campsite right away if you are planning on visiting on a winter weekend.

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How to Get There

From the south entrance on I-10, take the Cottonwood Springs exit towards Twentynine Palms. Continue on Cottonwood Springs Road for 6.8 miles. Just after the visitors center continue on Pinto Basin Road for 19.9 miles, look for a large parking lot on your left.

Driving Directions

Use the ModernHiker mobile app to download this map and complete trail description for offline access.

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