If you enter the park from I-10; on Cottonwood Springs Road, this turnout explains the significance of the Colorado Desert. It's about 3 miles north of the exit from I-10. From the Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms entrances the roads lead south, through the park to the Cottonwood Visitor Center. This interpretive turnout is about 3 miles south of the center. It explains the environmental geography of the southeastern half of Joshua Tree National Park. The scene, top right, displays the ubiquitous creosote bush, which thrives in this climate. Rising behind are the Cottonwood Mountains to the west.