Eastern Sierra

Eastern Sierra
Eastern Sierra snow October 2010

Monday, February 18, 2013

Cottonwood Springs





You know there is water in the desert if you see cottonwoods and palms.  Cottonwoods have large root systems (we have one in our back yard), but they need water.  Palms will often sprout and grow along earthquake faults here in the Coachella Valley.  Cottonwood Springs, at the eastern entrance to Joshua Tree national park, has both cottonwoods and palms.  You can park your car in the parking area and walk down a short walk to the wash where many of the cottonwoods bloom.  At this time of year, they are bare, but I did see some buds peeking out!  There is a ranger station and visitor's center at the turnoff, so be sure to check in and pay your fee.  If you are age 62 or older, you can get a FREE lifetime pass to the national parks.  Hubby has one of the Golden Age passports, so I always bring him along with me !  :-)

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