If you know Joshua Tree National Park (www.nps.gov/jotr), and you are not a rock-climber, chances are you have the superstar rock band U2 to thank. Bono and the boys named their 1987 album after the park&rsquos namesake plant (a spiky Joshua tree was pictured on the cover). Joshua Tree was established as a national monument in 1936 and has enjoyed protection as a national park since 1994. A popular daytrip from Los Angeles, more than 18 million people live within a three-hour drive of the park, which is often known as &lsquoJT&rsquo. In addition to hiking and camping, technical rock-climbing is extremely popular. With 4,121 sq km to explore, there are family-friendly day activities as well. In addition to LA, the nearby town of Palm Springs offers golfing and luxurious resorts for those who would rather not camp out.
