Joshua Tree location question

[Howard Smith]

Look below in the Anza-Borego post.

The sunsets are good if it is smoggy toward LA, which is often.  The smog makes the sky yellow-ornge even if no clouds are around.  There are lots of interesting rock formations for both sunset and sunrise.  Just look around during the day and plan ahead.

[chrisn]

I've heard Cholla Cactus Garden and Sheep Pass are good for sunsets, but I haven't tried those spots myself. And a lot of photographers like Keys View for sunsets -- it's a beautiful view across a huge valley.

When I was at Joshua Tree last spring I found much more fodder with the post-sunset skies than I did with the sunset event itself. But that's just me.

There's an article about shooting at Joshua Tree on my website, if you're interested in any more info.

Have a great trip. Joshua Tree is one of my favorite national parks.

--Chris Nicholson,
NicholsonPrints.com

[eric]

thanks, you've all been very helpful.

[Eric]

will be going to Joshua tree in february.  unsure what locations would be good for sunrise/sunset photos

any suggestions?

[dlashier]

It's been a couple decades since I've been to Joshua Tree but I recall an overlook on the south side were the view west includes SJ/SG and should be spectacular with a good sunset. I would think many other spots in the interior or north would also make nice shots with rocks and/or Joshua Trees (!) in the shot.

- DL

[jeffball]

Hello Eric,
I just returned from Joshua Tree.  Here are my thoughts:  Cholla in the morning.  The backlight from the rising sun is better than that available in the evening.  The wind was calm in the mornings and picked up by the late afternoon in almost all areas of the park.  Keys View, in my opinion is too hazy to really capture the valley at sunrise or sunset.  I went to Keys View for sunrise and in the afternoon.  When I visited in the afternoon the wind was unmerciful.  The morning I imaged was very calm and quiet.  It was a beautiful sunrise, but I think I could have a better image from the valley with a Joshua tree.  My advice is to explore the tree/rock combinations for sunrise and sunset in the Hidden Trail area.  Best of luck.  
Jeff Ball