Oasis of Mara Home - Joshua Tree NP

04/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaTreeNPS/posts/pfbid02TvntRH6xazhgBCij9D1VUKtKrmygXd4xZLnnq2N9sRfRWAFTPuX8KaCpdkBEEQeAl

🚨 MOOSE SEEN AT BARKER DAM! 🚨

This morning, a female moose was seen wading through Barker Dam. While previously unheard of, it’s thought that she may have been drawn to the water as the summer temperatures begin.

A witness to the sight says, “At first, I couldn’t believe what we were looking at! Especially since moose are a lot larger than other animals I’d expect to come across.”

It’s hard to predict what you’ll run into on your park visit, but April Fools’ Day seems just as good a day as any other to spot a moose!

Edited Photos by NPS

04/26/2024

04/04/2023

Why don't you make like a tree and leaf!  

Ocotillo: I'm on it 🫡
 
Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), pronounced oh-koh-TEE-yoh, is no tree, but you can see it standing tall across the largely flat terrain of the Pinto Basin. These common desert plants can often grow up to 20 feet throughout the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts.  

Ocotillos are efficient in how they spend their energy to grow and collect energy from photosynthesis. The stems may appear leafless most of the time but look closer, and you'll see their stems are green too. They use the chlorophyll in their branches to photosynthesize, saving the valuable energy needed to grow leaves for optimal conditions after good soaking rains. Plants can go through the process of developing and losing leaves several times a year if they receive enough stimulating rain.  

Their flame-red flowers helped them earn their name, "little torch." Flowers bloom from March through June and sporadically throughout the summer, depending on the rain they receive.  

Branch out to new areas of the park! An excellent place to see these plants up close is Ocotillo Patch along the Pinto Basin Road in the park's eastern side.  

Have you ever seen Ocotillos in bloom?  

NPS Photo/ Kurt Moses

03/11/2023

Visiting Joshua Tree this spring?

For faster entry, use the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms or the South Entrance off Interstate 10. The West Entrance in the town of Joshua Tree is our busiest. Buy your pass ahead of time at Recreation.gov to help reduce the wait time at the entrance. To beat the crowds, arrive before 8 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Weekdays are less crowded. For more info on trip planning, FAQ’s, trails, and more, check out nps.gov/jotr.

NPS Photo/Bill Bjornstad

03/02/2023

It's a rare and very beautiful snow day in 29 Palms today ❄️

This doesn't happen often, so do enjoy the views! If you are traveling to or through the area today, please take care and extra caution on the roadways!

03/02/2023

Snow at Oasis of Mara Home today.

03/01/2023

It’s snowing!

08/17/2022

FYI

07/09/2022

Speed limits are lower in national parks to help protect the wildlife. So slow down and enjoy the ride 😎

Animals get hit by cars every year. Help us protect the wildlife by observing the speed limit and staying alert to animals crossing.

Photo courtesy of Shijo Joy

06/22/2022

04/27/2022