Joshua Tree and Arches National Park Both Had Rare Snowfalls After Christmas

Cailey Rizzo

A Christmas miracle fell upon Joshua Tree National Park last week: the dry landscape was covered in a layer of rare white snow as a storm passed through California.

On December 26, a blanket of white temporarily covered Joshua Tree. Temperatures regularly fall below freezing in the desert so typically, Joshua Tree only receives about 5.5 inches of precipitation per year. But this time, it came during the most wonderful time of the year.

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Last week’s storm brought precipitation and combined with the winter temperatures so those who trekked through Joshua Tree after Christmas were treated to a rare sight.

Rangers said it was the most snow the park had seen since 2010, although there has been minor snowfall in the years between.

Joshua Tree wasn’t the only national park to have a rare snowfall last week. Arches National Park closed over the weekend due to snow and ice accumulation, however snow-lovers still got their fun in. The park's Twitter account kept visitors posted on its closing times.

And 25 miles of State Route 64 in Grand Canyon National Park were closed due to snowfall.

Below-normal temperatures are expected in the area for the next few days, although temperatures could return to normal by the end of the week. According to the National Weather Service, precipitation has slowed down.