Joshua Tree National Park trails are heavily used. Ranger Pam Tripp tells us how they’re kept in shape…
At Joshua Tree NP, visitors come from all over to hike desert trails. Within the park there are approximately 270 miles of back-country and wilderness trails, as well as almost nine miles of nature trails. Because of human and wildlife traffic, along with natural weather systems, there is a need for upkeep and maintenance of the trails system.
The park’s Trails crew works tirelessly to keep our trails in the best condition possible. Their duties include constructing stone steps and clearing vegetation within the trail corridors, and re-routing existing trails to make a safer and sustainable design. They also design, fabricate, and install road and trail signs that help visitors and staff navigate the park. Our trails branch also runs an annual summer Youth Conservation Corps program. This program provides youth in the community with hands-on work experience, including labor intensive projects, trail construction, and trail maintenance.
We wish to thank our Trails Branch for providing safe, challenging, and enjoyable trail use for our visitors, staff, and future generations to enjoy.
MAINTAINING THE TRAILS AT JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
