Lee Flat Joshua Trees
Death Valley, CA
JOSHUA TREEs AT LEE FLAT
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF JOSHUA TREEs AT LEE FLAT
The National Parks Service describes Death Valley as the “hottest, driest, and lowest national park” with steady drought and record summer heat. And to many folks, much of the park is destitute and void of natural beauty. However, beauty can be found almost anywhere - if you know where to look.
In the middle of absolute nowhere, in the most barren part of Death Valley you will find the wonder that is the Joshua Tree grove at Lee Flat. This vast forest of twisted, spiky trees looks like a scene straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. Miles and miles of pristine Joshua trees and surrounding mountain ranges provide unlimited photographic opportunities.
If you like star gazing and astrophotography, Lee Flat is a perfect place as the Joshua Trees make for a great foreground and the dark skies illuminate the stars like few other places. And if you like to get off the beaten track and enjoy seeing unmarred natural landscapes, Lee Flat is a place you won't regret.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
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DATA POINTS INCLUDED WITH JOSHUA TREEs AT LEE FLAT SUMMARY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 3 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). Although the distance to the Joshua Tree grove is an easy walk from the parking area – the travel to this location can be challenging as the road is old (previously paved), bumpy, rocky and sandy toward the end. I would suggest a 4 wheel drive vehicle for the last mile or so.
From a composition standpoint, you have endless opportunities. I would strongly recommend arriving early and scouting out the best locations before sunset or evening. If you are going to shoot astrophotography, it is very difficult to focus in total darkness.
Again, to accentuate the trees it is best to get down low to the ground and shoot upward with an ultra wide angle lens. I have also seen other very good images of Joshua Trees with telephoto lens and a more compressed look.
There are many, many compositions you can pick using the Joshua Trees. However, to accentuate the trees you would be best to shoot with an ultra wide (11-16mm lens).
1,024 Ft. Elevation
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KMZ Trail File
Directions
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Best Time of Year to Shoot
Equipment Needed
Permits Required
Direction of Shot
Google Maps Birds-Eye-View
Number of Photographers to Expect
Cell Service
Overnight Lodging/Camping
Nearby Restaurants
Area Guides and Workshops
Other Resources
LOCATION SUMMARIES WRITTEN BY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
