Natural History Wanderings

Joshua Tree National Park  posted a new wildflower report:

“The wildflower bloom is now at its peak in the southern area of the park. Hike the Mastodon Peak trail or stop safely along the road south of Cottonwood Visitor Center and walk into the washes for nice displays. The southern margin of the Cottonwood Mountains is an excellent wildflower area for those willing to walk a ways into the desert.
Further north, Smoke Tree Wash, at mile-marker 33.7 on Pinto Basin Road, is a good pullout for wildflower viewing right beside the road. A few Mojave yuccas are blooming along the road in Pinto Basin and Wilson Canyon, and Joshua trees are blooming in the northern and western parts of the park.”

To see the full report which includes detailed locations and abundance of each species that is in bloom go to http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/upload/bloom_report.pdf