Joshua Tree National Park adapts to increasing visitor numbers
David Smith, director of Joshua Tree National Park, talks about dealing with the increasing number of visitors.
Jay Calderon, Palm Springs Desert Sun
Visitors to Joshua Tree National Park will have one less campsite to choose from after authorities closed a campground and visitor center earlier this week due to a swarm of thirsty bees that was spectacularly captured on video.
The affected area is the Cottonwood area, which consists of a 62-site campground, a parking lot, restrooms, and the Cottonwood Visitor Center. The nearest town is in the southeastern part of the park, Coachella is about 24 miles away.
In the video commentary, park officials explained that when water becomes scarce in the summer, bees, like other wildlife in the park, will search for water sources, including condensation from air conditioning units, sweat from visitors and bathrooms.
The closure is for the safety of visitors and to reduce the humidity that attracts the bees. It also gives the bees time to leave the area, the post continues.
Does the weather matter in Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree National Park is hot in the summer, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) during the day, according to the park service, and rarely cooling below 75 degrees F (24 degrees C) at night. Because of the sweltering temperatures, park officials recommend that visitors bring water and drink frequently and limit hikes to before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Winter is cooler, averaging 16 °C (60 °F), with frigid nights and occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Temperatures are most pleasant in spring and fall, with an average high of 29 °C (85 °F) and a low of 10 °C (50 °F), the website adds.
Where is Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree National Park is located near the southern Californian town of Joshua Tree, about 205 kilometers east of Los Angeles.
