The Boy Scout Trail spans an 8 mile transition zone between the high Mojave and low Mojave Desert, showcasing a wide range of plants, cacti, trees and terrain along its path. The southern portion travels through an archetypal Joshua Tree forest, then edges higher into the lower reaches of a pinyon-juniper ecosystem. Moving north, the trail drops into a rugged canyon and emerges in a bajada rife with diverse brush and succulents from the low Mojave and Sonoran deserts. Hikers will see how subtle elevation changes bring forth new plant compositions along each mile of trail.

It's believed that freezing temperatures may damage the growing end of Joshua Tree branches, which stimulates flowering and leads to branching

The Joshua Tree is a member of the Agave family; until recently, it was considered a giant member of the Lily family

Mt. San Gorgonio seen from the south terminus

A bee relishes this blooming Desert Willow

Jackrabbits are common throughout Joshua Tree and a familiar sight on the Boy Scout Trail

The Boy Scout Trail descends sharply into a rugged, narrow canyon

Mojave Zebra-Tailed Lizards inhabit open sandy flats, washes and alluvial fans

Heading into the high mojave desert on the Boy Scout Trail

Mesquite, pinyon and oak flourish in these higher elevations

Beaver Tail Cactus are common along the Boy Scout Trail

A hiker reaches the canyon floor and heads north down the slot

A Beaver Tail Cactus in full bloom

A Western Tanger rests on the limbs of a creosote bush

A jackrabbit grooms itself along the trail

Mojave yucca dominates areas of the Boy Scout Trail

Cactus grow directly out of the Joshua Tree rock

An indistinguishable trail negotiates steep terrain en route to the canyon floor

Despite harsh dry landscapes, a variety of flora flourishes within the Joshua Tree biotic communities