When you think of Joshua Tree, you automatically think U2 and their iconic album cover. I’m not a huge U2 fan (these days), but they did have something special when Photographer, Anton Corbijn (who directed Control) shoot these young Irish lads in the raw-Californian deserts. You can see original footage by Corbijn, U2 before they became prima donnas ;)

Anyway, we were lucky enough to visit Joshua Tree National Park over New Years. From Palms Spring it’s a solid 45 min. drive and so worth the trip that we went two days in a row. The drive into the park opens with dirt roads then morphs into these odd/amazing rock formations (like someone took a handful of rocks, threw them up in the air to see how they fall).

It’s a haven for climbers and hikers. Some trails we were able to check out were Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and made it in time up to Key View for the sunset. On a clear day you can see all the way to Mexico.

Sunset at Key View

The climbers call this rock the “Great Burrito”

This is a picture taken off the trail of Barker Dam. These are original Indian cave drawings that Disney (when filming there in the 60’s) painted over to make them prettier, what a shame.

Tip:The best time to go to Joshua Tree is late March/early April when the flowers are in bloom. So next time you head into the desert for Coachella, swing over to JT.

Oh, and on your drive down, don’t stop or mingle in those nearby towns — they’re chock full of crazy desert folk. ;)