Desert wildflowers bloom with rain

Desert wildflowers only become abundant with rain during the winter — and this year has been one of extraordinary beauty.

Search for the wildflowers started in the Coachella Valley where one day there was nothing and the next day all the vacant land was carpeted with white and yellow flowers with some brilliant pink in between. Two locations seem to be the favorite spots to view the abundance of flowers — and we headed to both of them during March.

Joshua Tree National Park was the first destination, starting at the lower elevations off Interstate 10 at Cottonwood and slowly traveling north. This park has excellent spots to pull off the road both to read about the scenery and history and to walk paths of botanical or historical interest. Before we arrived at the lower park office we stopped at a botanical path explaining several varieties of flowers, bushes and trees.

While the wind was blowing fiercely and the morning was nippy, learning the names of the vegetation we would later see was worth it.

Lots of yellow and pink flowers carpeted both sides of the road as we traveled the lower elevation north. As we drove higher Ocotillo dominated the landscape with their red flowers just starting to bloom. What was especially fascinating were all the green leaves sprouting on the Ocotillo. So many times I’ve seen only the gray trunk of this cacti. With the rain, bright green leaves appeared on all the plants with the flowers a deeper red.

As the road continued to climb, we pulled off to learn about the mines and the prospectors who came to the area.

They were hearty people who had cold temperatures in winter and sizzling heat in summer. Guess that dream of gold, silver or copper was above any inconveniences.

The next stop to walk through and learn more was at the Cholla Garden. Cholla cacti spread in all directions for about a square mile. Again, with the rain the cholla were bright white as far as we could see.

The park climbs up to 4,700 feet before dropping down into Twentynine Palms. At the higher elevations all the Joshua Trees were in bloom. They have a lovely white flower sprouting from the top. Again, the rain has revived these beautiful trees with not only the flowers but the entire tree looking fresh and healthy.

Now a word about the Joshua tree, including how it received its name. The Joshua tree is a member of the Agave family and not to be confused with the Mojave yucca which also has a white bloom. The Cahuilla Native American tribe used the tree for crafts and for food. The tough leaves were worked into baskets and sandals. The flower buds and raw or roasted seeds were part of their diet.

When Mormon immigrants made their way across the Colorado River and into the Mojave Desert they saw these interesting trees.

To them the limbs of the tree seemed to be outstretched to guide them west.

This reminded them of Joshua going into the Promised Land. Thus, they called the tree Joshua, a name that has remained.

One other note about the Joshua tree is that while it is abundant in the park, there is one place where I’ve seen even more. The Mojave National Monument northeast of Joshua Tree has one section that is filled with the trees in all directions — up and down hills for miles. That also is a fascinating park to visit.

Joshua Tree Park is often a destination for hiking and exploring. When we can, and if our hike isn’t too long, we try to end in Twentynine Palms at the Twentynine Palms Inn. This restaurant and lodge has been in existence since 1928. It is at the outer edge of the park when you leave via Highway 195.

The food always is fresh and good. We also enjoy walking around the premises.

They have a vegetable garden which supplies the restaurant food.

There’s also a pond surrounded by palm trees because the site is right on an earthquake fault. There are about eight cottages for rent, all painted in bright colors. It takes you back to the past — which is nice once in a while.

Next week more wildflowers — this time in the Anza-Borrego Desert.