Josua Tree National Park is locating in the southeastern part of California. It was established as a National Monument in 1936 and in 1994 it was declared a National Park.

Joshua Tree's nearly 800,000 acres were set aside to protect the unique assembly of natural resources brought together by the junction of three of California's ecosystems.

The Colorado Desert
A western extension of the vast Sonoran Desert, occupies the southern and eastern parts of the park. It is characterized by stands of spike-like ocotillo plants and jumping cholla cactus.

The Mojave Desert
The southern boundary of the Mojave Desert reaches across the northern part of the park. It is the habitat of the park's namesake: the Joshua tree. Extensive stands of this peculiar looking plant are found in the half of the park.

The Little San Bernarino Mountains
Joshua Tree's third ecosystem is located in the western most part of the park above 4,000 feet. The Little San Bernardino Mountains provide habitat for a community of California juniper and pinyon pine.