If you know Joshua Tree National Park (www.nps.gov/jotr), and you are not a rock-climber, chances are you have the superstar rock band U2 to thank. Bono and the boys named their 1987 album after the park’s namesake plant (a spiky Joshua tree was pictured on the cover). Joshua Tree was established as a national monument in 1936 and has enjoyed protection as a national park since 1994. A popular daytrip from Los Angeles, more than 18 million people live within a three-hour drive of the park, which is often known as ‘JT’. In addition to hiking and camping, technical rock-climbing is extremely popular. With 4,121 sq km to explore, there are family-friendly day activities as well. In addition to LA, the nearby town of Palm Springs offers golfing and luxurious resorts for those who would rather not camp out.





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