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Smoketree Wash
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Smoke Tree Wash is one of the more prominent features of the Pinto Basin in the southern part of Joshua Tree National Park. Its name comes from the smoke tree (Psorothamnus spinosus), a native desert plant that has distinctively bluish-gray foliage with bright purple flowers. They grow in desert washes and are very well adapted to the harsh, arid environment.
Pinto Basin Road, a main thoroughfare that winds through the park, crosses Smoke Tree Wash approximately 10.3 miles north of the Cottonwood Visitor Center. Here this section of road offers a view to the visitor that is nothing short of enthralling: the unique smoke trees and the better-known sweeping panoramas of the Pinto Basin.
For those who want to explore this region further, there is backcountry hiking and the chance to discover petroglyphs at Smoke Tree Wash. However, this area has no developed trails, so traveling is difficult. Those planning to visit this section of the park should be well-equipped and experienced in off-trail travel.
Whenever visiting Smoke Tree Wash and the surrounding areas, always bring enough water, wear the right shoes, and note in mind the extremely hot conditions of the desert. Also, be alert to possible flash flooding in washes, even in clear weather, and plan accordingly.
