For the Serrano and Cahuilla peoples, the desert was home. For hardy prospectors and ranchers, for William Keyes and his family, the desert offered the less-traveled path through life... at times revealing riches... at other times bring little more than hardship and death. Desert: the ancient Roman word really doesn't apply here. Countless plants and animals contribute to a vibrant, living landscape. the desert forest of Joshua Tree isn't deserted at all.