The predominant shrub all around you is creosote. While most shrubs lose their leaves in winter, creosote can maintain its resinous foliage year round. During drought, the leaves will appear golden brown. After a rainstorm, the shrubs "green-up" again and often produce small yellow flowers several times a year.

The desert disciplines its inhabitants, but it is far from lifeless. In fact, over 1,200 species of plants are found here. Because the land and climate can be uncompromising, life forms have adapted in remarkable ways. Dark colors absorb too much heat, so a strategy for plants to survive in the desert is to be light-colored. At some point during your visit, look closely at the plants (but not too close) and note that most of them are armed with thorns, spines, or barbs. The needles on plants prevent animals, including humans, from bothering them. On some plants the tightly netted spines provide shade and act as a windbreak.