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Cholla Cactus Garden Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy
 4.2 (15) 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

  4.2 from 15 votes

#9

in Joshua Tree National Park

#2237

Overall
  4.2 from 15 votes
5 Star
47%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#9

in Joshua Tree National Park

#303

in California

#2,237

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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
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

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Check-Ins

May 18, 2022
George Vogel
Mar 15, 2022
Stewart Carnes
Feb 9, 2022
Jeff McCarthy
Nov 23, 2021
Amy Kolor
Nov 12, 2021
Ellie Sveum
May 10, 2021
Ebert Cabrera
Mar 30, 2021
Rick Brunet
Jan 18, 2021
Janice Jiang

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