Sacred Lands: Indigenous Peoples of the Mojave Desert

Meet the sweeping landscape of the park in its original form. Learn about the indigenous peoples who have called the area now designated as Joshua Tree National Park home since time immemorial. 

• This class is held in Joshua Tree National Park.

• Anyone may attend! No history expertise is required.

• Entry to Joshua Tree National Park is included in the cost of enrollment.

• No meals or equipment are provided.

• Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Carpooling is encouraged.

Activity level: This class is leisurely. It requires less than 2 miles of walking with shade, seating, consistent terrain, and little to no elevation gain.

Required items for participants: 

• Water

• Daypack

• Salty snacks

• Proper clothing attire with closed-toe shoes

• Pen and paper for note-taking

Your instructor: Elizabeth Paige is a desert naturalist and a member of the Torres Martinez Band of Cahuilla Indians. She has worked with organizations such as the Mojave Desert Land Trust, Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, and Cactus to Clouds Foundation, also serving as a cohort on the 2021 Desert Keepers Council for the National Parks Conservation Association. She is dedicated to cultural preservation and the advancement of indigenous people working in science and conservation. She is currently the Education and Stewardship Program manager for the Native American Land Conservancy.

Photo credit: NPS/Rentata Harrison