Bruce Grubbs is an avid camper, backpacker, hiker, mountain biker, and cross-country skier who has been exploring the American desert for more than thirty years. A professional outdoor writer and photographer, he has written nine previous FalconGuides, including Hiking Arizona, and his photographs have been published in Backpacker and other magazines. An active charter pilot, he lives in Flagstaff, Arizona.

• Introduction How to use this Guide Zero Impact Make It a Safe Trip Weather Heat and dehydration Hypothermia Water purification Old Mines Cactus and Other Plant Hazards Animal Hazards Wildfires History Natives Explorers Miners and Ranchers National Monument to National Park Natural History Why a Desert? Geography and Geology Two Deserts Meet Sonoran - 1,000 to 3,000 feet Mojave - 3,000 to 5,000 feet Desert Adaptations Plants Animals Joshua Tree National Park Getting to the Park Getting Around the Park Visitor Centers and Amenities Campgrounds and Picnic Areas Scenic Drives Desert Wildflowers Stargazing Bicycling the Park Rockclimbing Hiking Trails Appendix A: For More Information Appendix B: Resources Index About the Author