Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski

Cholla Cactus Garden Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy Easy
 4.3 (18)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Deserts
  4. Joshua Tree National Park
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“This completely level loop visits a wonderfully dense concentration of cholla cactus. ”

Megan W
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

0.2

Miles

0.4

KM

Loop

2,197' 670 m

High

2,185' 666 m

Low

12' 4 m

Up

14' 4 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

4%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Wildflowers

Family Friendly Kids will love meandering through the whimsical-looking cholla along this classic trail.

Overview

Take care to not touch the "fuzzy" teddybear cholla as you wind your way through this unique cactus garden.

Description

From the Pinto Basin Road, stop at the well marked parking area for the Cholla Cactus Garden. The very short path is a dirt loop with zero elevation gain. It winds delightfully through a forest of cholla cactus. One species of this cactus looks exceptionally fuzzy and, for this reason, it is commonly known as "teddy bear cholla".

Obviously, you should not touch the cactus - it damages the plant and will leave you with hooked spines embedded in your flesh and clothing. Otherwise, enjoy this profusion of stubby, cute desert life!

Flora & Fauna

Cholla cactus!

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Joshua Tree National Park

Shared By:

Megan W
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 18 votes

#8

in Joshua Tree National Park

#1163

Overall
  4.3 from 18 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#8

in Joshua Tree National Park

#182

in California

#1,163

Overall
12 Views Last Month
1,086 Since Apr 23, 2015
Easy Easy
100%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Droves of cholla are highlighted by the setting sun at Cholla Cactus Garden. Photo credit: NPS/Brad Sutton.
May 25, 2017 near Twentyn…, CA
Some beautiful Cholla Cactus.
Dec 8, 2015 near Twentyn…, CA
View from the Parking Lot
Mar 15, 2022 near Twentyn…, CA
A sea of cholla cacti
Mar 29, 2018 near Twentyn…, CA
Cholla cactus
Mar 21, 2019 near Twentyn…, CA
Cholla Cactus Garden Trail in Joshua Tree National Park
Apr 22, 2015 near Twentyn…, CA

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 15, 2023
Dan Shemon
No Joshua Trees yet hmmm 0.2mi — 0h 12m
Feb 27, 2023
Hugh Jass
Feb 17, 2023
Deacon Klemme
Feb 4, 2023
Peder Bisbjerg
Worthwhile loop. 0.2mi — 0h 15m
Dec 31, 2022
Saravanan Varadan
Dec 29, 2022
Rosie Betenbaugh
0.2mi — 4h 07m
Dec 28, 2022
Rosie Betenbaugh
4h 07m
Sep 16, 2022
Neha M

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started