MDLT Acquires Joshua Tree National Park Climbing Access Point

From the Mojave Desert Land Trust: The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) has acquired a property bordering Joshua Tree National Park that could provide access to hiking and climbing opportunities inside the park. The "Desert Knoll" property is in an ideal location for future public access opportunities given its location between the city of Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree National Park’s North Entrance.

Desert Knoll is a 20-acre parcel that boasts high quality desert tortoise habitat adjacent to additional habitat inside the park, as well as native jojoba, cholla cactus, and catclaw acacia populations. Vehicle access is via a single-lane dirt road off Utah Trail. (See attached map.)

Planning for public access opportunities will take place in the coming year. It could be used as an access point to reach the "Indian Head" formation to the west of Utah Trail. This formation and several others in the vicinity have climbing routes that vary in difficulty, including the “Goof Proof Roof”, a 200-feet high-aid climb.

The property also has the potential to connect downtown Twentynine Palms with the California Hiking and Riding Trail, a 37-mile-long trail through the park from Black Rock to Twentynine Palms. MDLT is currently working with Joshua Tree National Park staff to consider possibilities.

“This project builds on our effort to conserve local lands in and around Joshua Tree National Park,” commented Frazier Haney, conservation director, MDLT. “We want to increase public access and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to these special places. Hopefully with Desert Knoll, we can do just that.”

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