Explore one of the most unique areas in Joshua Tree National Park. Cholla Cactus Garden is full of prickly cacti and scenic views of the desert and mountains. This garden mainly consists of the famous teddy bear cholla cactus. They are able to easily multiply and thrive in this area.
There is a very short and easy trail that takes you through the Cholla Cactus Garden. We highly recommend visiting during sunrise or sunset to see the beautiful colors not only in the sky but also reflecting off of the chollas. In the spring, you will be able to see flowers blooming, too. This is a stunning spot in Joshua Tree National Park that you don’t want to miss!
Table of Contents
Know Before You Go
Entrance Pass
Entrance into Joshua Tree National Park is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you have the America the Beautiful Pass then you get in for free. If you don’t have an America the Beautiful Pass and you visit National Parks frequently, we highly recommend making the purchase! It costs $80 for one whole year.
Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus
The Cholla Cactus Garden is dominated by teddy bear cholla cacti. This type of cacti is characterized by yellow spines, clustered stems, and dark lower trunk. Real quick… let’s make it clear that you should NOT pet or hug this cute-sounding cactus. The stem joints of the teddy bear chollas can easily become detached and latch onto you. This is where they get their nickname the “jumping cholla”. Don’t worry, they don’t actually jump, but may seem that way with how easily they can hitch a ride on anyone who walks too close!
The bundles of spines on the teddy bear chollas give a fuzzy appearance (like a teddy bear!) but this cactus is in fact NOT fuzzy. The sharp spines of the teddy bear cholla makes it difficult to remove and can be very painful. Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves if hiking through the Cholla Cactus Garden. Also, make sure to stay on the designated trail to help protect this delicate ecosystem.
Best Time to Visit
Honestly, there is never a bad time to visit the Cholla Cactus Garden. It’s beautiful all year round but has something different to offer each season. Despite whatever season you plan to visit the Cholla Cactus Garden, the absolute best time of day to go is either during sunrise or sunset!
In the spring, expect to see beautiful yellow flowers blooming on the chollas. Also, in the spring, beware of bees! They have been known to swarm the flowers on the chollas.
Also, in both spring and fall you can expect milder temperatures. And in the winter, just imagine a snow-dusting on the chollas with a glow from the sun as it rises over the mountains. Now that would be breathtaking! I think I’ll add that to our bucket list right now.
Summer in Joshua Tree
I want to specifically mention visiting Joshua Tree National Park in the summer in its own section because the heat can be dangerous! Always check the local weather forecast prior to going so you can plan your day around the heat. The smart thing to do would be explore and hike early in the morning and later in the evening to avoid the peak summertime heat.
Bring plenty of water, salty snacks, and other items to replenish your electrolytes if you are out hiking in the heat and sweating a lot. Also, protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen and SPF lip balm and wearing sun-protective clothing.
Be smart and be safe out there if visiting in the summer!
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- 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 others
About the Trail
Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail
Location: 12 miles south of Joshua Tree National Park’s north entrance.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 0.25 miles with negligible elevation gain.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 30 minutes to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is a loop hike.
Difficulty Rating: It’s considered easy.
Terrain: This trail consists of dirt, footbridges, and lots of cacti!
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead to Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is located off of Pinto Basin Road just 12 miles south of the Park’s north entrance and 20 miles north of the Cottonwood Visitor Center.
There is a small parking area which holds about 20 vehicles. There are no restrooms at the trailhead. Make sure to arrive early to beat the crowd! Sunrise is a popular time to visit the Cholla Cactus Garden, but we had no issues finding a parking spot just prior to the sunrise when we visited in March 2023.
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
Put this address in Google maps: Cholla Cactus Garden Trail, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Trail Directions
Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail
Like I mentioned above, the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is a short and easy trail. This trail will take you through the Cholla Cactus Garden offering amazing views of the surrounding landscape. Just don’t get too close to the teddy bear chollas (aka the jumping chollas)!
It is a loop, so you can start from either direction. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. Again, make sure to stay on the designated trail to prevent damaging the fragile ecosystem. I would say this trail is kid-friendly based on the ease of the hike, but please keep a close eye on them. You don’t want them getting close to any of the pointy cacti!
Once you get back to your car, make sure to check your shoes, pants, and shirt for any stray spines from the chollas that may have hitched a ride.
🌵 Check out more amazing hikes in Joshua Tree National Park: Arch Rock & Heart Rock, Skull Rock, Split Rock Trail, Hidden Valley Trail, and Wall Street Mill.
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