The U.S. National Park Service has done a great service to mankind and planet Earth in their efforts to preserve and protect our treasured landscapes and wildlife, and educate others in the process. When you visit a national park, you are immediately impressed by the natural beauty and commitment to Leave No Trace principles the park rangers instill in all their guests.
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Joshua Tree National Park is one such place where man, wildlife, and God’s green earth come together for a common purpose. Located in Palm Springs, California, the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center is only a 49-minute drive from Cimarron Golf Resort. Joshua Tree is the 15th largest national park with 790,635 acres. In 2016, it was the 11th most visited national park with 2,505,286 visitors.
What makes Joshua Tree such a great place to visit?
The main attraction: wilderness.
In addition to the wilderness of this desert destination, the park “protects over 700 archeological sites, 88 historic structures, 19 cultural landscapes, and houses 230,300 items in its museum collection.” Joshua Tree park officials work hard to preserve both natural history and human history and culture of the thousands of people who have lived here in the last 5,000 years.
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that visitors have flocked to Joshua Tree in recent years. In fact, the past two years have seen an increase of 60% more visitors, a trend that has the attention of park officials. More visitors means more staff, more crowds in the gift store, and more parking needed.
Leave No Trace
These kinds of crowds make the Leave No Trace principles all the more important. Outdoor ethics is something for every visitor to the natural habitat of plants and animals, whether in a national park or not. Conservation is not just for wildlife experts. The National Park Service recommends we follow these guidelines to enjoy the outdoors responsibly:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For more information, watch this video (9:42 in length).
Joshua Tree National Park has so much to offer: hiking, beautiful American deserts, rare animal and plant species, American Indian history, and views every outdoorsman can appreciate. Adventure travelers should make Joshua Tree a high priority on their list of sites to visit. It’s the American West in a more primal state.
Where to Stay
Gorgeous mountain views and nearly year-round sunny weather make Palm Springs, California, a veritable golfing paradise. Stay at Cimarron Golf Resort and you’ll be just steps away from two of the best courses in Palm Springs. Spend a few hours on the golf course and return to the resort, where you can relax in the on-site swimming pool and hot tub or unwind in your comfortable home away from home.
Raintree Traveler 