Joshua Tree Wildflowers, Stargazing, and
Mineral Hunting
Joshua Tree Wildflowers
March, April, and May are generally the best time of year to visit Joshua Tree. The weather is beautiful, not too warm, and wildflowers are in bloom.
The Joshua Tree National Park Wildflower Watch site uses citizen science to collect data about what flowers are blooming, where they are, and when they are seen each year. Check the site out here to keep track of the best locations to view the annual display.
World-Class Joshua Tree Stargazing at "The Bird"
One of the best features of Thunderbird Lodge Retreat is our location near the remote Covington Flats entrance to the park. We are a few miles out of town, away from light pollution. This translates to spectacular Joshua Tree stargazing! The Milky Way is visible on most clear nights.
The very best time of the month to visit is during the New Moon when the sky is at its darkest. One of the best times of the year to see the stars is in mid-August for the Perseid Meteor Shower -- the most stunning meteor shower of the year. Check the National Park Service site here for additional important celestial dates throughout the year.
Come visit the Milky Way at the Thunderbird Lodge Retreat! You will see stars that you have never seen before while staying with us.
Rocks and Minerals
Characteristic of Joshua Tree geology are pre-Cambrian gneiss and blonde granite. Geology clubs are invited to come and explore blonde, sepia, and waving bands. Rockhounds are welcome to collect limited amounts of minerals, rocks, and gems from most federal lands. Check here for additional general info on local rockhounding.
The Shell House - Under the Night Skies (photo by Joshua Obers)
For Reservations & Inquiries, Please Contact Lori Portillo, Owner:
Email: lori@thunderbirdlodgeretreat.com
Phone: 
760-408-0768
Check Availability Online!
Lori Portillo (Owner)