About as scenic as I-80 from Rawlins to Green River, Wyoming. Not quite as long.
I have a number of observations and opinions I want to put out on this subject in general as well as comments directed to the specifics.
I went to JT about 18 months ago. I thought it was much better than I expected. I had been familiar with Joshua Trees here in Arizona as there are a few regions that have clusters, notably northwest of Wickenburg. The park was much more than just the JT habitat.
I found the communities nearby somewhat in the hippie/biker/Burning Man genre but enjoyed myself nevertheless. I thought the trails and layout made for great hikes for a senior couple with grandkids along — something a great many of the national parks can’t achieve.
The restroom areas were not very well maintained, but it was a crowded weekend.
I have family members that were impacted by the shutdown and they know it goes with the turf. There have been about a dozen shutdowns in the last twenty years since the Democrats hamstrung the normal budget process that used to be a matter of course.
I am not very fond of visiting California despite its number of great features and some fine people. It is too much like going to a foreign country where everyone is rude, of lower intelligence but also think their culture knows everything of value. I will, however, visit Joshua Tree again, it is time well spent and enjoyable.
I think that government employees that want to grandstand on political issues should be seen for the drama queens they are trying to be by such actions.