The Split Rock Loop in Joshua Tree National Park comes highly recommended for its delightful scenery, imaginative boulder gardens, light use and ease of travel. The trail is highlighted by Tulip Rock, The Tooth and Face Rock - three geologic formations with uncanny likenesses to their given names.

A fiery orange glow is cast over the Split Rock area as the sun sets to the west

The 'sticky' rock and boulders within Joshua Tree are a climber's dream

The Tooth rock formation - named for its striking resemblance to a 'molar'

Unusually sculpted boulders line the trail

The Face rock formation along the Split Rock Loop Trail

The Tulip rock formation off the Split Rock Loop Trail

Early evening along the Split Rock Loop Trail

A Joshua Tree peeks out behind a massive slab of rock

An egg-shaped boulder stands alone just off trail

Encounters are rare - but be careful where you place your hands as rattlesnakes inhabit the Split Rock area