Bajada Nature Walk

Just east of the Cottonwood Visitor Center. This scenic spot provides access to cottonwood spring. The spring is a short walk down from the parking lot, and was formed from earthquakes! It was a popular spot for natives and settlers to gather water back in the day. As you approach the springs you are among towering palms, larger and wider than most. It's a worthwhile spot to stop and take in so...

The trail is typically used for hiking, nature trips, and trail running. There are lots of opportunities to see desert plants and flowers. On clear days, you can see the Salton Sea. There is an old mine to explore from the outside, as the entrance has been sealed.  If you plan on going to the top of the rock formation, you'll need to go to the back (east) side of the rock formation and you will...

The Cottonwood Campground is roughly 40 minutes south of the main attractions in Joshua Tree on Pinyon Canyon Rd and is located right next to the visitor center The biggest advantage of this site is that it is less popular than many of the other sites in Joshua Tree. It also has potable water and group sites unlike the other campgrounds.There are also a few beautiful hikes than you can do out o...

From Box Canyon Road turn on to Painted Canyon Road a dirt road that will lead you to the trailhead. From the trailhead start into the canyon. After a few hundred feet there will be rocks forming an arrow pointing you towards a ladder. Go up the ladder and follow the trail from here. There will be a few ladders on the way up. You will climb up to top of the canyon and get some great views. Foll...

From Interstate 10, take State Highway 195 (Box Canyon Road) to Painted Canyon Road. This well-maintained, dirt road goes for about 4 miles and leads into the sandy wash which runs the length of the canyon for approximately 1.7 miles. There are a few narrow side canyons which can be explored on foot. Motor vehicles are not allowed past the wilderness boundary markers. Do not go if it is raining...

Big Painted Canyon is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Mecca, California.