Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree from The Joshua Tree

This is the joshua tree that stood behind the band U2 in a series of arty black and white photos on their 1987 album, The Joshua Tree. Except that it isn't standing any more; it fell over and died in 2000, possibly from so many fans stomping off the highway to visit it (unmolested Joshua trees can live hundreds of years).

Since it's in the Mojave Desert, the dead tree hasn't completely decayed and people still come to see it. In fact, they've added to it. A metal plaque on the ground asks, "Have you found what you're looking for?" Stone circles mark where each band member stood. A "U Tube" contains visitor memorabilia and a guest log.

In all, there's a lot more to see now then there was in 1987 -- including the joshua tree, even though it's dead.

Joshua Tree from The Joshua Tree

Address:: Hwy 190, Lone Pine, CA
Directions:: In the Mojave Desert. From Hwy 58 west of Barstow, drive north on US 395 for 97 miles. At Olancha (an abandoned gas station) turn right at the Death Valley sign onto Hwy 190. Drive 14.5 miles until the road ends. Turn right at the sign for Death Valley/Furnace Creek to continue on Hwy 190. Drive a little over eight miles. The road bends gently to the left. Just after this, on the right, you'll see a lone Joshua Tree (not the famous one). You'll probably also see tire tracks on the shoulder where others have pulled off. The dead Joshua Tree and its tributes are a few hundred feet to the left of the standing Joshua Tree, a couple hundred feet off the right shoulder of the road. If you go, make sure that you have a full gas tank and plenty of water.
Admission:: Free

More on Joshua Tree from The Joshua Tree

Nearby Offbeat Places

Lemon House Inn, Cartago, CA - 16 mi.

Junk Art Sculptures - Give/Take, Olancha, CA - 15 mi.

Mysterious Moving Rocks, Death Valley National Park, CA - 25 mi.

In the region:

Lone Pine Film History Museum, Lone Pine, CA - 26 mi.

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