Strange-looking flora in a sea of twisted rock formations make for a unique desert landscape.

Joshua Tree National Park (OFFICIAL WEBSITE) is one of a few US desert parks. Just minutes from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is much closer to civilization and more hospitable than Death Valley National Park to the north. Still, it can be dangerous and extremely hot during the summer months.

In addition to the desert climate, Joshua Tree N.P. is known for its unusual landscape... featuring huge, strange rock formations and the park's namesake, the Joshua Tree. The largest member of the yucca family, The Joshua Tree grows only in the Mojave desert and is completely dependent upon the female pronuba moth for pollination and propagation. Its unusual name is said to have originated from Mormon pioneers, who believed the tree, with its crooked gangly arms, resembled the prophet Joshua... waving them on toward the promised land.