Cholla Cactus Garden: Overview

The Cholla Cactus Garden is a popular destination in Joshua Tree National Park, thanks to its breathtaking desert landscape, ideal vantage points for sunrise and sunset, and a family-friendly hiking trail that’s perfect for all ages.

Cholla Cactus Garden is located off Pinto Basin Road just 14 miles from the North Entrance, 33 miles from the West Entrance, and 25 miles from the South Entrance.

There is a small, paved parking area which holds about 20 vehicles. There are no on-site restrooms.

Joshua Tree Entrance Fee

Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park costs $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free! For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!

Most Unique Feature – Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus

The Cholla Cactus Garden is dominated by teddy bear cholla cacti. Let’s make it clear that you should NOT pet or hug this cute-sounding cactus. The stem joints of the teddy bear cholla can easily detach and latch onto anyone who comes too close, earning it the nickname “jumping cholla.” While they don’t literally jump, the cacti can seem to spring toward you with how effortlessly they attach.

The teddy bear cholla’s spines give it a fuzzy, cuddly appearance, but don’t be deceived – those “fuzzy” spines are anything but soft. In fact, they’re sharp and can be incredibly painful if they get stuck. If you’re planning to explore the garden, be sure to wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves to protect yourself. Also, stay on the designated trail to preserve this delicate ecosystem and avoid disturbing the cactus garden.

Best Time to Visit Cholla Cactus Garden

Seasons

The fall and spring months offer mild temperatures, making these seasons the most comfortable for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot, so visit early or later in the day.

In the spring, expect to see beautiful yellow flowers blooming on the chollas. But beware of bees! They have been known to swarm the flowers on the chollas.

⚠️ Here are a few safety tips if visiting in the summer:

• Carry plenty of water and include electrolytes to stay hydrated.
• Hike early or late to avoid the hottest part of the day.
• Use sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lightweight sun-protective clothing.
• Check the weather and avoid hiking in extreme heat.
• Pack snacks, a first-aid kit, and a map or GPS device.
• Wear moisture-wicking clothing and sturdy footwear.
• Watch for signs of heat-related illness, like dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, and confusion, and act quickly if symptoms appear.
• Take breaks in the shade and pace yourself to prevent overexertion.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles by carrying out trash and staying on trails. (this rule applies for any day of the year – help keep the outdoors pristine for future visitors!)

Sunrise and Sunset

The best time to visit the Cholla Cactus Garden is during sunrise or sunset. During these times, the soft, golden light creates a magical atmosphere, casting beautiful colors on the cacti and surrounding desert landscape.

The low-angle light also enhances the textures and shadows of the teddy bear cholla cacti, making it an ideal time for photography.

Cholla Cactus Garden Trail

Length: 0.25 miles

Elevation Gain: 10 feet

Hiking Time: 30 minutes

Route Type: Loop

Difficulty Rating: Easy

Pet-friendly? No

Hike Features: Teddy bear chollas and desert landscape with mountains in the distance

As I mentioned above, the Cholla Cactus Garden Trail is a short, 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!

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.

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.

Photography Tips

Cholla Cactus Garden Sunrise

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to get set up and capture the changing light as the sun rises.
• Focus on using the low-angle light to create long shadows and emphasize the unique spines of the cacti.
• Position yourself so the light is hitting the cacti from the side, which helps reveal texture and detail in the spines.
• Use wide-angle shots to include the desert landscape and distant mountains in your frame to give context to the cacti and add depth to your photos.
• A tripod is essential for stability, especially in low light when you might need longer exposure times.
• To capture the warm tones of sunrise, set your white balance to “Daylight” or adjust it manually to emphasize the golden hues.
• If you’re comfortable with manual settings, shoot in aperture priority (f/8 to f/11) for a sharp depth of field. This will ensure both the foreground and background are in focus.
• Adjust the ISO to keep it low (around 100-200) to avoid noise and use a slightly slower shutter speed to let in more light as needed.
• The light you see in the moments before the sun breaks the horizon is different from the golden light right after sunrise. Take several shots at different exposures and compositions to capture the evolving scene.

More Things to Do in Joshua Tree

• Hike along the Split Rock Trail and take a side quest to see unique rock formations, including Face Rock and Skull Rock.

• Hike the Wall Street Mill Trail and discover the incredible history of Joshua Tree’s land.

• Hike the Arch Rock Trail and see the iconic Arch Rock as well as Heart Rock.

Conclusion

The Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park is one of the park’s most enchanting and unique spots, offering a captivating desert experience. A short, easy trail winds through the garden, making it an ideal option for families, including children. However, it’s important to keep little ones close, as the area is home to numerous cacti, including the striking Teddy Bear Cholla, known for its dense spines.

While it’s a popular spot and you may encounter other visitors, the garden’s beauty makes it well worth the visit. Even with the crowds, the magic of the Cholla Cactus Garden is something you won’t want to miss.

🌵 READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors

If this guide inspires you to visit the Cholla Cactus Garden, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!