The Grapevine Mesa Joshua Tree Forest, located in northwestern Arizona near Meadview in Mohave County, is one of the largest and densest stands of Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) outside of California’s Mojave Desert. Nestled along the Grapevine Mesa, a plateau stretching between the Grand Wash Cliffs and the western reaches of the Grand Canyon, this high desert forest spans elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 feet. The area is marked by its abundance of mature Joshua trees, many reaching heights of 30 feet, and by the presence of Mojave yucca, creosote bush, and desert sage, offering a biologically rich desert ecosystem.
The forest sits atop ancient volcanic soils and is part of a transition zone between the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. The climate, topography, and soil composition create ideal conditions for Joshua trees to thrive. Unlike some more fragmented populations, the trees here form a contiguous forest, a rarity that adds ecological significance. The area provides valuable habitat for desert wildlife, including desert tortoises, jackrabbits, roadrunners, and a variety of reptiles and birds.
In 1967, the National Park Service designated the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Tree Forest a National Natural Landmark. This designation was part of a broader federal effort launched in 1962 under the Kennedy administration to identify and preserve sites that represent the country’s natural heritage. The program aimed to highlight areas with outstanding biological and geological resources, and Grapevine Mesa was recognized for its exceptional example of a Joshua tree forest in Arizona, a botanical phenomenon typically associated with California. Its elevation, tree density, and ecological continuity were among the reasons for its selection.
The Grapevine Mesa Joshua Tree Forest stands as a testament to the ecological diversity of Arizona’s desert landscapes. It remains less visited than its more famous counterparts in California, offering a quieter, less disturbed setting for appreciating these iconic trees.
