Joshua Tree National Park celebrates its 75th birthday in 2011 with events that include a photo contest (ends on July 15,) and a concert in the park at the Indian Cove Amphitheater with Rita Cooledge. There are supposed to be other events throughout the year, but those who want to have their award-winning photography immortalized can submit pictures on a Facebook page and the winner gets to see their photo used on the annual pass. The contest rules are located on joshuatree.org.

This national park is home to the Joshua tree, a plant that is unique throughout the Southwest U.S. Joshua Tree NP is located near Palm Springs, and includes two deserts ecosystems (low desert & high desert) that come together in the park. Predictably hot in the summer, the average temperatures in June are 101 degrees; July 106 degrees; and August 104 degrees. Because Joshua Tree can become extremely hot in the summer, you are advised to carry water in your car.

Inside the park are 4 visitor centers, 9 campgrounds, 180+ miles of hiking trails, and over 500 archaeological sites. There are several entrances to the park but the main address is: Joshua Tree National Park, 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA 92277. Cost of admission is around $15. joshuatree.org