Trip Date: 11/27/2014
Location: Joshua Tree National Park
Permit/Pass: 7 Day Permit ($15), JT Annual Pass ($30) or National Parks Pass
Trails: NPS
Directions: From Interstate 10 about 25 miles east of Indio take the Mecca/Twentynine Palms exit and turn left (north) onto Cottonwood Springs Rd. Drive 1.5 miles north to the turnout for the Bajada Trail. Turn right into the parking lot.
Synopsis: The Bajada Trail introduces desert explorers to the plants of the deposition zones at the base of mountains. This is a flat, easy trail with several benches and good, informative signs. Fine for kids or the elderly and quite close to the freeway.
Trail sequence: Bajada Trail
Type: Loop
Distance: 0.3 miles
Elevation: Min. - ’, Max. - '
Rating: Easy (factors: heat)
Trail notes: Keep an eye out for cholla encroaching on the path
Turn by turn:
-- Pick up the trail just to the right of the information board as it crosses a small bridge. Follow as it trends east, passing several plant exhibits and eventually reaching one of several benches.
-- As the path works its way back to the parking area there is a nice shaded bench with a view of the mountains to the north. A good place for some rest or a quick bite.
Photos: Flickr