We have spent the past three days wandering throughout Joshua Tree National Park. While the park is only two hours from Los Angeles, it feels worlds away from the constant crush of humanity that is Southern California.

Our final hike was to one of the more fascinating places I’ve yet been: a true desert oasis, complete with flowing water and fan palms. Once we arrived, I sat on a rock, hot from the desert sun, and listened to birds singing and frogs croaking…I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

Throughout our exploration of the park, I was struck by the strange beauty of the Joshua Trees, but more so the bizarre landscapes in which they endemically thrive. Set through the park are massive fields of boulders, scattered and stacked into impossible piles. I could not help but think of an image of ancient giants stacking the square stones like a child stacks blocks, only to leave their masterpieces unfinished, to wither and wear for untold centuries.

I’ve collected below some of my favorite shots from our days in the park, I hope you enjoy them.

Joshua Trees along the Boy Scout trail, with Mt. San Gorgonio in the distance

An honest to goodness Roadrunner…I’m sad to say I didn’t see the Coyote

A red Barrel Cactus, hiding in among dry scrub

Monzogranite formations below Arch Rock

“Jumping” Cholla Cactus. Nasty buggers…my curiosity got the best of me and I had to touch.

Joshua Trees

Fortynine Palms Oasis

Monzogranite in the Jumbo Rocks formations

And finally, my favorite, taken during our last few moments in the park