Cottonwood Spring is the southern gate of Joshua Tree, and it feels like a different park. At around 900 metres, it is lower and hotter than the northern section, with a small visitor centre, a campground and a palm oasis. A short walk from the parking area leads to a grove of California fan palms and cottonwoods around a spring that has been used by people for thousands of years. The Cahuilla people camped here, and in the late nineteenth century miners and teamsters used the water for their animals and for processing gold ore. The ruins of an old arrastra, a primitive ore-crushing mill, can still be seen nearby.
The ride from the Cholla Cactus Garden to Cottonwood Spring is a long, gradual descent through the Pinto Basin, with wide views of the Eagle Mountains and the Cottonwood Mountains. The road is straight and empty, with gentle curves and a few dips, and it is a pleasant cruise. From Cottonwood Spring the road continues south for a few more kilometres to Interstate 10, the main highway between Los Angeles and Phoenix.
Lost Palms Oasis, a longer hike from Cottonwood Spring, leads to the largest grove of fan palms in the park, hidden in a rocky canyon. The round trip is about twelve kilometres and takes several hours, so it is only for those with time and proper footwear. The trail is hot and exposed, and you should carry plenty of water.
South of Interstate 10, Box Canyon Road winds through a narrow, colourful canyon toward the town of Mecca and the Salton Sea, a fun ride with tight turns and dramatic rock walls. To the east, at Chiriaco Summit, a museum remembers General George S. Patton, who trained his troops for the North African campaign in the deserts around here during World War Two.
The visitor centre has water and toilets, but the park sells nothing else, so plan your fuel carefully. The nearest stations are at Chiriaco Summit, along Interstate 10 to the east, or in the Coachella Valley towns of Indio, Coachella and Mecca to the west. In summer, the heat at this lower elevation can be extreme, often over 40 degrees, so try to ride in the morning and take breaks in the shade.