The famous U2 Joshua Tree. It fell over many years ago and now is a shrine to the band and the album. It is surprisingly easy to reach and not in Joshua Tree National Park.
Directions
To get to the U2 Joshua Tree Shrine, start from the intersection of highways US 395 and CA 136 just south of Lone Pine, California. Here at the corner is the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center. It is worth the visit if you haven’t been there before. Head east on highway 136 for 25.9 miles (41.7 km) to the parking spot on the side of the road.
On the way, you will drive passed Owens Dry Lake and up on to the sage brush covered Darwin Plateau. You will pass an intersection where CA 190 joins in at 17.5 miles (28.1 km) but continue straight up into the volcanic hills. You’ll probably be thinking “I don’t see any Joshua Trees out here.” And think I’m pulling your leg. I’m not. Joshua Trees are few, but they are here.
Park off of Hwy 190 here: 36.3345, -117.7447. It is passed mile post 32 and just beyond a slight curve in the road. Be sure to park all the way off of the pavement and on the dirt. It is a short walk (0.25 mile, 415 m) south across the flat high desert plateau to the shrine. The Fallen Tree is at 36.3309, -117.7453. It can’t be seen from the highway. Even without a GPS you can find it. Bring a copy of the album cover and line up the hills in the background.
Last Updated on May 11, 2021 by Guy Starbuck
