The Cholla Cactus Garden is located on the gentle northwestern bajadas of Joshua Tree’s Pinto Basin. This area lies within the ecological transition zone between the Mojave and Colorado deserts. Loose gravel and sand brought down from nearby mountains form alluvial fans and bajadas at their base; these loosely-packed, well-drained slopes are ideal for prolific cacti growth – especially the Teddy Bear Cholla.

Teddy Bear Cholla (Opuntia bigelovii) is distinguished by its soft brown and beige colors

A nice wide path prevents visitors from getting stuck with needles - please stay on the trail

The Teddy Bear Cholla averages 4 - 7 feet high

The setting sun casts a beautiful glow over the garden - sunset is a great time to view this area

The Cholla Cactus Garden is literally brimming with Teddy Bear Cholla

A Teddy Bear Cholla about to bloom

The density of Teddy Bear Cholla in this area is amazing

The spines of a Teddy Bear Cholla are about 1 inch long and are covered with a thin, detachable sheath

Up close and personal with a budding Teddy Bear Cholla

Although it appears soft and fuzzy, the thin spines of the Teddy Bear Cholla are painful and difficult to remove