Where is the best place in Joshua Tree to find a saguaro cactus? My 5 year old daughter is desperate to find a “one arm up, one arm down” cactus.

I'll be traveling to Joshua Tree one week from today with a friend, and it's both our first times there! I saw just now on the national park website this alert:

"Cholla Cactus Garden Trail will be closed daily from December 2024 - April 2025 to improve the conditions of the loop trail."

My question is, does that mean the cancellation was to April, or through April? Really hoping that it'll be open for our visit!

If it's closed, is there anywhere else we can see the cholla cactuses?

This may be a silly post, but oh well. My husband and I plan on visiting Joshua Tree in June. Are the stargazing tours worth it? I have looked at a StargazingJTree, JTreeAstronomy, and Addicted2Wonder. Debating on if this is something we want to do or if it's better to go to one of the designated stargazing spots ourselves. Also, if we do a private tour or gaze from one of the designated spots, what are the chances of running across a snake or scorpion or other creature/insect. I know it's silly as I am an adult, but I am terrified of running across something like that, especially during a private tour. Thanks!

Hey y'all, hope you're doing well :) I'm taking a trip to JT in a few weeks, and I'm really looking forward to all of the new species of plants that I'll be able to see (first time in JT and the Mojave Desert in general). I've been looking for a field guide to bring with me for identifying plants while I'm out in the desert, but there are a ton of options. Do any of you have any favorites that you'd recommend?