Humans have occupied the area encompassed by Joshua Tree National Park's nearly 800,000 acres for at least 5,000 years. The first group known to inhabit the area was the Pinto Culture, followed by the Serrano, the Chemehuevi, and the Cahuilla.
In the 1800s cattlemen drove their cows into the area for the ample grass available at the time and built water impoundments for them. Miners dug tunnels through the earth looking for gold and made tracks across the desert with their trucks. Homesteaders began filing claims in the 1900s. They built cabins, dug wells, and planted crops.
Each group left its mark upon the land and contributed to the rich cultural history of Joshua Tree National Park. The park protects 501 archeological sites, 88 historic structures, 19 cultural landscapes, and houses 123,253 items in its museum collections.
The Black Rock Canyon page describes the campground, hiking trails, and wildlife that you might see at this area just south of Yucca Valley, in the northwestern corner of the park. The Black Rock area is home to a beautiful Joshua tree forest.
Cottonwood Spring, located seven miles inside the South Entrance, lies in the Colorado Desert. There is fascinating cultural history associated with the Cottonwood Spring Oasis, as well as great opportunities for birding and hiking.
Covington Flats, located in the northwestern part of the park, is accessible via a dirt road; high clearance vehicles are recommended.
West of Twentynine Palms, Indian Cove is the site of a popular campground, a nature trail, and access to the aptly named Wonderland of Rocks.
Keys View is a favorite destination for those seeking panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, and the high peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio.
Skull Rock is a popular stop along the main park road, near Jumbo Rocks Campground