Trail Description

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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. The basin formed as opposing fault lines stretched and pulled the earth’s crust apart, forcing mountainous uplifts on either side while the expanding space in between sank. This depression once held a shallow lake that disappeared with a warming climate.

The Hexie Mountains (south) and Pinto Mountains (north) – once much taller than we see today - have since layered the basin’s perimeter with sand and gravel eroded from its steep, sparsely vegetated slopes. Loose gravel and sand brought down from the 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.

All cholla have woody skeletons and jointed branches. Its stem segments are not truly cylindrical, but rather a series of connected, raised tubercles from which spine-bearing areoles emanate. The spines of most cholla are covered with a papery sheath that reflects sunlight and protects the stems from overheating. This feature is especially pronounced in the Teddy Bear Cholla.

Teddy Bear Colla (Opuntia bigelovii) appear covered with soft beige bristles, which account for its common, innocuous name. However these bristles are hardened spines, each tipped with a microscopic barb, or glochid. These unperceivable barbs earn it its second nickname, ‘Jumping Cholla’, because entire joints can detach and imbed a transgressor with even the slightest touch.

They average 4-7 feet high with a dark base (where older joints have dislodged) and lightly colored extremities of new growth. Although Teddy Bear Cholla flower, they rely on fallen joints for reproduction, which root easily where they land. Known as clonal propagation, it’s common that any local population consists of genetically identical individuals.

The Cholla Cactus Garden Trail circles through a dense forest of Teddy Bear Cholla, Silver Cholla and Creosote. An interpretive brochure is available at the trailhead for a small fee, and comes highly recommended. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most dramatic lighting. Visitors – especially those with children – should be mindful of their proximity to cholla and proceed cautiously. Watch your step and be cognizant of fallen joints, which typically maintain barbs and easily latch onto footwear. Cholla barbs often require pliers for removal.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N33 55.516 W115 55.733 - Cholla Cactus Garden Trailhead

Worth Noting

• Cholla species are often difficult to tell apart because they can hybridize, leading to intermediate forms. The Teddy Bear Cholla is one of the most discernable species.



• Teddy Bear Cholla are also known as ‘Bigelow’ Cholla, derived from its scientific name - Opuntia bigelovii.



• These plants are closely related to the prickly pear (also of the Opuntia species), which have large, flat pads.



• Parking is limited and roadside parking is restricted.

Directions to Trailhead

The Cholla Cactus Garden is located 20.8 miles north of the Cottonwood Spring Visitor Center on the west side of Pinto Basin Road.

Contact Information

Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597

Visitor Information
760.367.5500

Park Headquarters
760.367.5502