Cholla Cactus Garden
An otherworldly desert landscape filled with thousands of 'jumping' cholla cacti, best experienced at sunrise or sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical golden hour glow
Cholla Cactus Garden
Best Time
Magical golden hour glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An otherworldly desert landscape filled with thousands of 'jumping' cholla cacti, best experienced at sunrise or sunset.
"The Cholla Cactus Garden offers incredible nature and breathtaking views, a must-see in Joshua Tree."
🚫 Don't Touch the Cacti!
Their spines 'jump' and stick easily. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
☀️ Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Even early in the morning, the desert sun is intense. Bring plenty of water.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Glowing Cholla Garden
Cholla Cactus Garden Trail
Thousands of fuzzy-looking cholla cacti create an otherworldly landscape, especially magical at sunrise and sunset.
+1
Teddy Bear Cholla Spines
Cholla Cactus Garden Trail
These cacti have barbed spines that detach easily and stick to clothing and skin. Admire from a distance!
Desert Wildlife Encounters
Cholla Cactus Garden Trail
Keep an eye out for desert critters like lizards and bees among the cacti.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beware the 'Jumping' Cholla!
Timing is Everything for Photos
+2 Early mornings can also be less intense heat-wise. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 Don't Touch the Cacti!
Their spines 'jump' and stick easily. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
☀️ Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Even early in the morning, the desert sun is intense. Bring plenty of water.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for stunning photos of the cholla.
🚶♀️ Easy Loop Trail
The 0.2-mile loop is flat and accessible for most visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 Don't Touch the Cacti!
Their spines 'jump' and stick easily. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
☀️ Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Even early in the morning, the desert sun is intense. Bring plenty of water.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for stunning photos of the cholla.
🚶♀️ Easy Loop Trail
The 0.2-mile loop is flat and accessible for most visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique beauty of the Cholla Cactus Garden, especially during sunrise and sunset when the cacti glow. The easy loop trail is a plus, though some mention bothersome bees and the intense desert heat even early in the day. The 'jumping' cholla's spiny nature is a constant reminder to admire from a distance.
"Cholla Cactus Garden is like someone dumped the entire cactus DLC into one spot but forgot to vary the models. Billions of them, all identical, all ready to stab you with love if you get even slightly cocky. One type only, but the sheer army of them makes it impressive.
The view is pretty sweet, especially in soft light when the cacti glow like hostile Christmas decorations. Walk slow, don’t touch anything, and enjoy the spiky beauty parade."
Wade Wilson
"Joshua Tree National Park is a hidden gem in LA. Must see if you happen to be in the LA area. Ideal place camping and star gazing."
Amar Prasad
"Joshua tree and all it has to offer is amazing. In this week's visit, we were planning for the new moon and astro photography.
We parked in the lot and walked in to set up the tripod for some long exposure shots. Clear skies, perfect weather in July, summer breeze, and only one other photographer so no light noise! I couldn't have asked for a better set up!"
Salvador R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cholla Cactus Garden is located in the southern part of Joshua Tree National Park, along Pinto Basin Road. It's about a 45-minute drive from Joshua Tree Village. There's a dedicated parking lot for the garden.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at the Cholla Cactus Garden. It can fill up, especially during peak sunrise and sunset times.
Yes, the garden is accessible at night, and it's a popular spot for stargazing due to its remote location and dark skies.
Yes, the Cholla Cactus Garden is a designated area within Joshua Tree National Park. You'll need a park entrance pass to visit.
Pinto Basin Road is the main route. Be aware that this road can be winding and remote. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need a valid Joshua Tree National Park entrance pass to access the Cholla Cactus Garden. Passes can be purchased at park entrances or online in advance.
The Cholla Cactus Garden is open 24/7 as it's within the national park. However, access to the trail itself might be subject to temporary closures for maintenance.
The entrance fee is for Joshua Tree National Park, not specifically for the Cholla Cactus Garden. Check the official NPS website for current park entrance fees.
The Cholla Cactus Garden Trail has experienced temporary closures for trail improvements. It's always best to check the official Joshua Tree National Park website for any alerts before your visit.
No, park passes are typically purchased at the main park entrances or visitor centers, not at individual trailheads like the Cholla Cactus Garden.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
It's a short, flat, 0.2-mile loop trail that winds through a dense concentration of cholla cacti. It's an easy walk suitable for most visitors.
No, the Cholla Cactus Garden trail is considered very easy. It's a flat, short loop, making it accessible for families and casual walkers.
Wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from spines. Long pants are also highly recommended to prevent cacti from sticking to your legs.
It's strongly advised not to go off the designated trail. The cholla spines are everywhere, and stepping off the path can damage fragile desert plants and increase your risk of getting pricked.
There are no restrooms directly at the Cholla Cactus Garden. The nearest facilities are typically at the Cottonwood Spring Oasis or other designated picnic areas within the park. Plan accordingly.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset are ideal for photography. The low-angle light creates a magical glow on the cacti, making them appear soft and ethereal.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the garden. Experiment with different angles to highlight the unique textures of the cholla. Be mindful of the sun's position for optimal lighting.
Drone usage is restricted in Joshua Tree National Park. Check the official NPS website for current regulations regarding drones before flying.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses is great for capturing detail. A tripod is essential for low-light photography during sunrise/sunset or for astrophotography.
Yes, as long as you set it up carefully on the designated trail and are aware of your surroundings to avoid disturbing the cacti or other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The main challenge is keeping children from touching the 'jumping' cholla cacti. Emphasize the 'no touching' rule from the moment you arrive and ensure they wear closed-toe shoes and long pants for protection. It's a great opportunity to teach kids about desert flora and the importance of respecting nature. Pack plenty of water, as the desert sun can be intense even in the morning. 📸 Photographers & Stargazers
+3 Bring your tripod for low-light shots and consider a wide-angle lens. The garden is also a fantastic spot for astrophotography due to the dark skies of Joshua Tree National Park. +1 Plan to stay after dark to capture the stars above the unique desert landscape. 🚶♀️ Casual Visitors & Day-Trippers
+1 It's an ideal spot for a quick exploration and some memorable photos. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and be mindful of the 'jumping' cholla. Combine this visit with other nearby attractions for a fulfilling day trip in the park. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Infamous 'Jumping' Cholla
Safety First: Always wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and long pants when exploring the Cholla Cactus Garden. If a spine does get stuck, avoid pulling it out with your bare hands. Use tweezers or a similar tool, and be very careful not to push it in further.
The trail is designed to keep you at a safe distance, so sticking to the path is your best defense. Ecological Role: Despite their prickly nature, cholla cacti play an important role in the desert ecosystem. They provide habitat and food for various desert animals, and their unique structure makes them a fascinating subject for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
+1Capturing the Magic: Photography at Sunrise and Sunset
+3 As the sun's rays hit the dense collection of cholla, the fuzzy spines catch the light, creating a warm, ethereal glow that transforms the landscape. This effect makes the otherwise sharp cacti appear soft and almost magical. Many visitors recommend arriving well before sunrise or staying past sunset to experience this phenomenon. +1Tips for the Best Shots: To truly capture the beauty, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the garden.
A tripod is essential for low-light conditions, allowing for sharper images and longer exposures, which can be particularly effective for capturing the subtle colors of dawn and dusk. Beyond the Golden Hour: While sunrise and sunset are prime times, the garden offers unique photographic opportunities throughout the day. Midday sun can create harsh shadows, but it also highlights the stark beauty of the desert. For astrophotography enthusiasts, the dark skies of Joshua Tree National Park make the Cholla Cactus Garden a stunning backdrop for capturing the stars.
+1Navigating the Garden and Park
+1 It's designed for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to immerse yourself in the unique environment without strenuous effort. However, it's important to remember that this garden is located in the southern, more remote section of Joshua Tree National Park, along Pinto Basin Road. Park Logistics: Getting to the garden requires driving through the park, and a park entrance pass is mandatory.
It's also worth noting that amenities like restrooms are scarce in this area, so plan your stops accordingly. Seasonal Considerations: The desert climate can be extreme. Summers are very hot, and even early mornings can be scorching.
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