Last updated on December 29th, 2024
I love the desert in bloom and have long wanted to visit Death Valley when it was awash in blossoms. You can never predict exactly when it will be a good year or when the flowers will peak, but last winter’s flooding in southern California made us decide that this would be a good year to take a chance on it.
We think we did pretty well!
Our California desert wildflower itinerary
Day 1: March 26, 2011
Into the Mojave
After collecting our luggage and rental car in Las Vegas, we immediately head out of town and into the desert, ending our day at our lodging just outside Joshua Tree National Park.
Day 2: Joshua Tree, March 27
We have the Park mostly to Ourselves
I actually woke up a little after 6 but, for whatever reason, we laze around until 7.
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Now, out on the road in Joshua Tree National Park, I realize we should have gotten started much earlier, as the sun is quickly getting high and hot.
But, like Mojave, it feels as if we are the only ones here.
I like that.
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Discovering Hidden Valley
The Hidden Valley Trail showcases some of the Joshua Tree National Park’s best features, thus it tends to be one of the busiest spots in the park. We arrived relatively early, which gave us some time to explore pretty much all alone.
A Tree Blooms at Jumbo Rocks
Along with her recommendation to immediately head into Hidden Valley (to beat the crowds), the ranger at the gate also advised us where to find a Joshua tree in bloom (it’s still too early for most of them), so we head into the Jumbo Rocks Campground in search of site 37.
Sure enough, across from site 37 a Joshua Tree just coming into bloom. The tree is growing up against a large boulder and a quick climb takes me almost right up to the blossoms.
How convenient!
In Search of Wildflowers
I’m out here to see wildflowers, so it’s time to go find some.
Indian Cove Campground
The campgrounds at California’s Joshua Tree National Park are almost enough to make me want to come back with a tent – or maybe a camper.
The Good Life at Spin and Margie’s
Lane was in charge of finding lodging for our time at Joshua Tree. His choice was splendid.
Day 3: Joshua Tree to Palm Springs, March 28, 2011
Barker Dam Reflections
Another relatively early start that let us experience a magical place almost all alone. . . although we did miss the wildlife.
Joshua Blossoms
Someone we met along the way had told us that the streets of Yucca Valley were lined with Joshua Trees in bloom. That turned out to be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are a number of trees and a few are in bloom.
Wind Power
View from the Palm Springs Visitor’s Center
There are lots of incongruous sites in Palm Springs, California, some of which are visible right from the city visitor center.
Yes, those are wind turbines in the distance behind the palms. It’s a little unreal.
A Bit of Downtown Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a rather fascinating mix of old and new. . . not sure yet what to think of it all.
Day 4: March 29, 2011
Hiking Indian Canyons
Along one of the Indian Canyons trails.
View from the trail in Indian Canyons.
Day 5: March 30, 2011
Spring in Tahquitz Canyon
Disappointment at Big Morongo
Tramming
Day 6: March 31, 2011
The Natural Side of Coachella
A Cacti Extravaganza at Moorten Botanical Garden
Cactus blossoms are probably my favorite type of flowers, but they always seem rather elusive.
Visiting the wonderful international cactus collection at the Moorten Botanical Garden may be cheating, but it does satisfy some of my cacti cravings!
They even have a “cactarium” that houses particularly rare and exotic species!
(It is more evidence that the family’s cactus obsession remains completely out of control, but very cool.)
Unfortunately, it is still a little early in the trip to be buying cacti to haul home with me, so the nursery and retail shop will have to wait for another trip.
I’ve been back to Moorten Botanical Garden a couple times since this trip. (And I bought a few plants to take home). Learn more about the garden here and find more photos here.
Looking into the Devil’s Punchbowl
Poppies!
Day 7: April 1, 2011
Backin the Mojave
Day 8: April 2, 2011
Antelope Valley, Sans Poppies
On the road to Death Valley
Death Valley National Park
Day 9: April 3
Morning at Zabriskie Point
Afternoon at Mesquite Dunes
Day 10: April 4
I drive to the Race Track
Ubehebe Crater
Day 11: Driving to Las Vegas, April 5, 2001
Morning at Badwater Basin
Drive to Las Vegas
Night Lights and Dancing Waters
Day 12: Leaving Las Vegas, April 6, 2011
Las Vegas Sunrise (Natural Neon)
Our just-of-the-strip hotel in Los Vegas faces east.
The Details
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