by Suzy Strutner: and it’s NOT a beach…

Awaken

• Joshua Tree covers 800,000 acres in both the Colorado and Mojave Deserts.
• The federal government recently recognized the land around Joshua Tree — 1.8 million acres of desert — as official national park land.

The Golden State is known for its many wonders… but massive, shrub-filled desertsaren’t usually counted among them.

Please direct your attention to Joshua Tree National Park, a gem of the U.S. National Park System that deserves your attention right now:

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Joshua Tree covers a stunning 800,000 acres in both the Colorado and Mojave Deserts. It’s long been visited by intrepid travelers who pilgrimage out to scramble its towering boulders and hike deep into its blazing desert sunsets.

Don’t get us wrong: We love the beach. But can a coastline do THIS?!

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It gets better: As of last week, the federal government officially recognizes the land around Joshua Tree — a total 1.8 million acres of California desert — as official national park land.

That means more hiking, more stargazing and a whole lot more nature staying preserved for future travelers to enjoy.

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Source: AWAKEN