Park Core Area, Joshua Tree National Park (April, 2002)

 
Joshua Tree National Park got its name from a desert tree actually named the Joshua Tree.  They can range in size and "complexity" (number of branches) and are pretty much unique to this area.  (The tree you see in the picture is a joshua tree.)  If large enough, they can even produce shade...something not easily come by in Joshua Tree.

An area of the park (that I keep referring to as the "core" area) contains most of the joshua trees and consequently it has most of the unique geologic features.  The combination leads to more park facilities and more visitors; therefore deeming it the "core" area of the park!

 
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