Along Highway 62 in Joshua Tree, you’ll find the whimsical metal dinosaur art installations known as the Dinosaurs of 29 Palms. This roadside attraction features a golden mom and baby Brontosaurus alongside two fierce, toothy carnivores, all placed in front of Desert View Homes to draw attention. These quirky sculptures make for a fun and free photo op, perfect for a quick stop on your way to Joshua Tree National Park.
Update 2022: These dinos are not in as pristine of shape as they were when these photos were taken. They’re a little more run down now.
Cabazon Dinosaurs
Alternatively, you might want to check out the Giant Roadside Cabazon Dinosaurs. Located about 25 minutes from Palm Springs and 45 minutes from Joshua Tree, these massive sculptures are a landmark in their own right. The site also features a museum and a gift shop, making it a great destination for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.
To Get There
To visit these unique dinosaur sculptures, head to 62842 Twentynine Palms Highway. The location is right along Highway 62, making it an easy and accessible roadside stop.
- Location: 62842 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
- Free to visit
- Off Highway 62, plenty of space to park along the highway
When To Go
Visit the dinosaurs of 29 Palms at golden hour for the perfect photo op. The soft, warm lighting adds a magical touch to these unique sculptures, making your snapshots even more memorable.
For a fun photo session, let your creativity shine! Strike a playful pose with the golden Brontosaurus and its baby, capturing their shimmering charm in the golden hour light. Get up close with the toothy T-rex and snap a shot mid-dance for a quirky and dynamic photo. Whether you’re playfully interacting with the dinosaurs or framing them against the desert backdrop, these sculptures make for memorable and Instagram-worthy shots. Don’t forget to experiment with angles and perspectives to make your pictures truly stand out.
These sculptures bring to mind the work of Ricardo Breceda, famously known as the “Metal Sculptor of Borrego Springs.” Breceda has crafted over 130 remarkable sculptures that dot the desert landscape, commissioned by philanthropist Dennis Avery. His creations include a diverse array of creatures, from dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals to desert wildlife and even mythical beings like a colossal sea serpent rising dramatically from the sand. These iconic installations are an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Borrego Springs!
Know of any other quirky art installations in the desert? Leave them in the comments below.
Dinosaur Tees
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