Thanks to some seriously torrential downpours last month, there is a nice fall bloom going on in parts of the Mojave Desert, including parts of Joshua Tree National Park. These are from Sunday, September 21. It's mostly clinchweed, but some other yellows are also blooming, and some sacred datura.
Not really a hike, but I thought I would post, in case you're able to make it out there the next few weeks. If I did have time for a hike, I'm thinking the east end of the California Riding and Hiking Trail, between Arch Rock and the service road near Pinto Wye has some good potential. Undoubtedly other areas, but I did not have time to explore.
Not sure how long the bloom will last. It depends if we get another hot streak (definitely possible) or an early freeze (highly unlikely). With moderate temperatures, some cloud cover, and maybe additional showers, the flowers could last several weeks, for sure.
These were all near Pinto Wye, where the road splits between the North Entrace (towards Twentynine Palms), the South Entrance (Cottonwood Springs), and Skull Rock (continuing towards the West Entrance).
I only went as far as Twin Tanks Campground, but I understand they go quite a distance to the south. If past experience is a guide, there may also be some flowers further south, closer to the South Entrance. Very few flowers once I headed on Park Blvd, towards the West Entrance. May have been more further from the road, at lower altitude and with more soil.
Anyway, just thought I'd post, if you have some free time coming up soon.
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