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Cholla Cactus Garden Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy
 4.3 (12) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Deserts
  4. Joshua Tree National Park
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“This completely level loop visits a wonderfully dense concentration of cholla cactus. ”

Megan W
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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 12 votes

#9

in Joshua Tree National Park

#2255

Overall
  4.3 from 12 votes
5 Star
58%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#9

in Joshua Tree National Park

#301

in California

#2,255

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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
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
Double Rainbow At Sunset
Jan 28, 2018 near Twentyn…, CA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 30, 2021
Rick Brunet
Jan 18, 2021
Janice Jiang
Jan 3, 2021
Lou Hibbard
With Janelle - unique density of plants 0.2mi
Nov 28, 2020
Bruno Guisard
Nov 25, 2020
Jon C
Nov 11, 2020
Casey Chu
Jul 16, 2020
Jessie Smith
Mar 9, 2020
Michelle F

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