The Cholla Cactus Garden is a true one-of-a-kind. Located where the upper Mojave Desert fuses with the lower Colorado Desert, this quarter-mile loop provides access to this intense concentration of Cholla Cacti. Perhaps the cutest cactus on the planet, the Cholla is know as the “teddy bear” cactus. But this is one teddy bear you should never hug! The Cactus is covered in spines that will latch in to your skin on the slightest touch. This defense mechanism is effective for desert survival but is inconvenient if say, you get carried away taking pictures and back into a Cholla… That is not a pleasant experience.

Cholla Cactus Garden

To get to the trailhead: The Cholla Cactus Garden is the main attraction on Pinto Basin Road on the way to Cottonwood Springs (and the trailhead to Lost Palms Oasis). From Park Boulevard, take Pinto Basin Road for 12 miles. The Cactus Garden is on the south side of the road.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                       

These photos were taken in May of 2006 and April of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Mastodon Peak This 2.6-mile loop visits a 3,400-foot summit with panoramic views of southeastern Joshua Tree.
	Lost Palms Oasis This 7.2-mile hike visits a desert oasis nestled between mountains in the southeast corner of the park.
	Desert Queen Mine This 1.6-mile hike follows a level trail to an overlook before crossing a canyon to visits the ruins of one the most profitable gold mines in the California desert.
	Barker Dam This level 1.5-mile loop visits a small foreign-looking reservoir within the Wonderland of Rocks.
	Fortynine Palms Oasis The 3-mile round trip hike visits a cool desert oasis.
	Hidden Valley This one mile loop circles the interior of a small valley surrounded by tall rocks that serves as an excellent bouldering arena.
	Indian Cove The 101-site campground is home to a 0.6-mile interpretive trail and endless bouldering and rock climbing opportunities.
	Ryan Mountain This 3-mile round-trip hike offers summit views from the center of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Lost Horse Mine This 4-mile round-trip trail visits a well-preserved mine and mill.
	Warren Peak This 5.5-mile hike summits a peak with impressive views over the west side of Joshua Tree.
	Lucky Boy Vista This level 2.5-mile hike visits a modest overlook at the site of an old mine.
	Arch Rock This 0.3-mile loop visits a natural arch in the granite formations around White Tank Campground.
	Inspiration Peak This 1.2-mile hike leaves the crowds at Keys View for even grander views at a 5,550-foot summit that looks out on the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, Mount San Jacinto, and much of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Camping

 

Joshua Tree Campgrounds There are nine campgrounds with 500 total sites spread throughout the park to facilitate your visit.

 

Wildflowers

 

Joshua Tree Wildflowers The desert in bloom is something any outdoor enthusiast in California should see.

 

More Info

 

The official website for Joshua Tree National Park