{"id":"nps-jotr","slug":"joshua-tree-national-park","name":"Joshua Tree National Park","designation":"National Park","category":"national-park","categoryLabel":"National Park","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"JOTR","designation":"National Park","sourceId":"nps-jotr"}],"states":["CA"],"stateNames":["California"],"location":{"lat":33.91418525,"lon":-115.8398125},"bbox":[-116.4577,33.6702,-115.2623,34.1294],"acres":{"value":798431,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself!","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=34.1294&b_tl_lng=-116.4577&b_br_lat=33.6702&b_br_lng=-115.2623","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Joshua%20Tree%20National%20Park","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/306D0D93-9CCA-76E1-AD48268F8D7A7E3E.jpg","title":"Quail Springs Area at Sunset","alt":"The sky turns hues of pink and purple over a field of Joshua trees.","caption":"Quail Springs area at sunset","credit":"NPS / Emily Hassell","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C85EDAE-1DD8-B71B-0B3E7EAC7E299A23.jpg","title":"Jumbo Rocks at Sunset","alt":"people climbing on boulders are silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky","caption":"Jumbo Rocks Campground is a fun place to explore the park's bouldered landscape.","credit":"NPS/Brad Sutton","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C85EC5C-1DD8-B71B-0B3B00469411625A.jpg","title":"Joshua Tree Junior Ranger","alt":"a little girl smiles while wearing a Jr. Ranger hat and badge","caption":"Kids of all ages can take part in Joshua Tree National Park's Junior Ranger program.","credit":"NPS/Kurt Moses","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C85E84D-1DD8-B71B-0B188E7820D60F14.jpg","title":"Hidden Valley Hiker","alt":"hiker looks over Hidden Valley","caption":"Scrambling to the top of boulders in Joshua Tree can get you a great view.","credit":"NPS/Hannah Schwalbe","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C85EA46-1DD8-B71B-0B28B646B53F0C37.jpg","title":"Historic Keys Ranch","alt":"an historic wood house seen through the missing windshield of an old, rusty vehicle","caption":"The historic Keys Ranch can be visited only on a ranger-guided tour.","credit":"NPS/Kurt Moses","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C85EF02-1DD8-B71B-0B467F2B5F7483AC.jpg","title":"Lost Horse Valley","alt":"Joshua trees grow on a flat plain with boulder outcrops and mountains in the distance","caption":"Take in views of the park's iconic Joshua trees and rock outcrops in Lost Horse Valley.","credit":"NPS/Brad Sutton","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C85E941-1DD8-B71B-0BCAA9F8A0BD4E0F.jpg","title":"Joshua Tree Sunset","alt":"a fiery sky behind the silhouette of a Joshua tree","caption":"The wide-open desert of Joshua Tree National Park makes for stunning sunsets.","credit":"NPS/Brad Sutton","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C85EB5A-1DD8-B71B-0BACA59CC5E5A620.jpg","title":"Stars Over the Park Entrance","alt":"night scene showing stars of the Milky Way over a sign saying \"Entering Joshua Tree National Park\"","caption":"Enjoy some of the darkest night skies in Southern California.","credit":"NPS/Lian Law","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Auto and ATV","Scenic Driving","Astronomy","Stargazing","Biking","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)","Group Camping","Climbing","Rock Climbing","Food","Picnicking","Guided Tours","Self-Guided Tours - Walking","Self-Guided Tours - Auto","Hiking","Backcountry Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horse Camping (see also camping)","Horseback Riding","Junior Ranger Program","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching","Museum Exhibits","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store"],"topics":["Archeology","Farming and Agriculture","Ranches","Industry","Mining","Native American Heritage","Westward Expansion","Homesteading","Animals","Birds","Tortoises and Turtles","Climate Change","Geology","Groundwater","Freshwater Springs","Night Sky","Trails","Unique Species","Endangered","Wilderness"],"fees":[{"title":"Entrance - Private Vehicle","cost":"30.00","description":"7-day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days."},{"title":"Entrance - Motorcycle","cost":"25.00","description":"Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers."},{"title":"Entrance - Per Person","cost":"15.00","description":"7-day entrance fee, per person on foot or bike."}],"passes":[{"title":"Annual Entrance - Park","cost":"55.00","description":"This pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. It covers the entrance fee to Joshua Tree National Park for the pass signee and accompanying passengers entering in a single, non-commercial vehicle. Joshua Tree Annual Passes are available at park entrance stations and visitor centers."}],"hours":[{"name":"Joshua Tree National Park","description":"Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Visitation increases as temperatures moderate in the fall, peaks during the spring wildflower season, and diminishes during the heat of summer. Some areas of the park are designated for day use only. Visitor centers keep separate hours; please see descriptions.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"From I-10, take exit 117 for CA Hwy 62 toward 29 Palms/Yucca Valley. This will allow you to access the West Entrance, the North Entrance, Black Rock, and Indian Cove. Take exit 168 off I-10 to come in at the park's South Entrance.","weatherInfo":"Days are typically clear with less than 25% humidity. Temperatures are most comfortable in the spring and fall, with an average highs around 85°F (29°C) and average lows around 50°F (10°C) respectively. Winter brings cooler days, around 60°F (15°C), and freezing nights. It occasionally snows at higher elevations. Summers are hot, over 100°F (38°C) during the day and not cooling much below 75°F (24°C) at night.","contacts":{"phone":"7603675500","email":"jotr_info@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Cottonwood Visitor Center","description":"Located on Pinto Basin Road, approximately 7 miles north of Interstate 10 (exit 168), the Cottonwood Visitor Center is a convenient stop for those entering and exiting the park from the south. It has educational exhibits, a bookstore, visitor resources, and restroom facilities. You can grab a park map, buy an entrance pass, fill up your water bottle, and chat with a park ranger to get all your questions answered. The flush toilets are currently out of service.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":33.7485107554,"lon":-115.824081943},{"name":"Black Rock Nature Center","description":"Located in the heart of the beautiful Black Rock Campground, the Nature Center offers a bookstore, art gallery, visitor resources, and a picnic area. Visitors can chat with a park ranger, shop at the bookstore, and observe exhibits in the art gallery. There is also a water-bottle filling station and a restroom with flush toilets. The Nature Center is open on weekends from 8:00-11:00am 12:00-4:00pm. Hours may vary depending on staff availability, especially in the summer.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":34.07335886247938,"lon":-116.39063817010287},{"name":"Joshua Tree Visitor Center","description":"Located in downtown Joshua Tree just five miles from the West Entrance, the Joshua Tree Visitor Center offers educational exhibits, a bookstore, and visitor resources. Grab a park map, buy an entrance pass, and chat with a park ranger to get all your questions answered before heading into the park! The parking lot at the visitor center has 2 standard accessible spaces and 40 other spaces. The restrooms have grab bars available in all larger stalls intended for wheelchair users and running water.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":34.13387197423593,"lon":-116.31545986179077},{"name":"Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center","description":"The Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center is located in downtown Twentynine Palms and features educational exhibits, a bookstore and giftshop, and visitor information.","url":"","lat":34.13488358033109,"lon":-116.05708122253418}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Jumbo Rocks Campground","description":"There are 124 individual/family sites in Jumbo Rocks Campground. Reservations are required. The campground is centrally located and offers great views of rock formations. This campground is very popular, and sites book up quickly. Campsite fees will increase to $30 per site starting January 1, 2025.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/jumbo-rocks-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272300","sites":124},{"name":"Hidden Valley Campground","description":"The Hidden Valley Campground has 44 sites. There are pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. There is no water so bring plenty of your own. To secure a campsite, 1. Locate an empty campsite. 2. Occupy the site (set up a tent or leave personal items to show site occupancy). 3. Proceed immediately to an entrance station to complete registration and pay. You must pay for the site within one hour of set up. If arriving after entrance stations close, payment may be delayed until the following morning.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/hidden-valley-campground.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":44},{"name":"Indian Cove Campground","description":"Indian Cove Campground is located off of Highway 62, thirteen miles east of Joshua Tree Village and ten miles west of Twentynine Palms. It has 101 campsites, including thirteen group campsites. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there are 39 reservable sites. There are vault toilets but no water at the campsites. There is a water bottle/jug filling station at the small ranger station roughly two miles north of the campground. For a RV-filling station, there is one at our headquarters in 29 Palms.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/indian-cove-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232472","sites":101},{"name":"Ryan Campground","description":"Ryan Campground has 31 campsites. All campsites are reservation only. The campground is centrally located in the park and is adjacent to the California Riding and Hiking Trail. There are 4 designated equestrian sites and reservations are required. For more equestrian campsites, see Black Rock Campground. There is no water available at Ryan Campground. There are 3 bicycle sites available at $5 per night, with no more than 3 tents and 3 people per campsite.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/ryan-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10056207","sites":32},{"name":"Sheep Pass Group Campground","description":"Sheep Pass Group Campground has 6 group campsites and is centrally located within Joshua Tree National Park and is easily accessible to hiking trails and rock climbing routes. All campsites are by reservation only. It is one of three group campgrounds in the park. Towering rock formations and uniquely-shaped Joshua trees surround the facility. There is no water available in the campground. Campsite fees are increasing to $55 starting January 1, 2025","url":"https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/sheep-pass-group-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232470","sites":6},{"name":"White Tank Campground","description":"This is small campground with 15 sites. There are pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. There is no water available. RVs and vehicles with trailers may not exceed 25 feet. To secure a site, 1. Locate an empty campsite. 2. Occupy the site (set up a tent or leave personal items to show occupancy). 3. Proceed immediately to an entrance station to complete registration and pay. You must pay for the site within one hour of set up. If entrance stations are closed, payment may be delayed until morning.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/white-tank-campground.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":15},{"name":"Black Rock Campground","description":"This large (99 site) campground is located in the northwest corner of the park. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring with rest rooms and water nearby. Shopping facilities are only five miles away in the town of Yucca Valley. Campsites vary in size and can accommodate both tents and RVs. A day-use picnic area and a dump station are also available. For horse owners, a separate area is provided for camping or for staging a ride.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/black-rock-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232473","sites":99},{"name":"Belle Campground","description":"This small campground has 18 sites. There are pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. There is no water so bring plenty of your own. To secure a campsite, 1. Locate an empty campsite. 2. Occupy the site (set up a tent or leave personal items to show site occupancy). 3. Proceed immediately to an entrance station to complete registration and pay. You must pay for the site within one hour of set up. If arriving after entrance stations close, payment may be delayed until morning.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/belle-campground.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":18},{"name":"Cottonwood Campground","description":"The Cottonwood Campground is reservation only and has 62 sites, potable water and flush toilets. The Campground is near the Cottonwood Visitor Center in the southeast part of the park. The closest metropolitan area is Indio about 30 miles away. Cottonwood Campground fees will increase to $35 per site starting January 1, 2025. Cottonwood Group Campground fees will increase to $55 per site starting January 1, 2025.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/cottonwood-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272299","sites":62}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"coachella-valley-national-wildlife-refuge","km":47},{"slug":"santa-rosa-san-jacinto-mountains-national-monument","km":64},{"slug":"browns-canyon-national-monument","km":73},{"slug":"tahquitz-national-game-refuge","km":76},{"slug":"sonny-bono-salton-sea-national-wildlife-refuge","km":79},{"slug":"sand-to-snow-national-monument","km":84}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=jotr"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.615Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Park Closure","title":"Geology Tour Road Temporarily Closed","text":"The park received a significant amount of rain. Due to flooding, Geology Tour Road is temporarily closed. Please use caution while traveling on all other roads in the park.","url":null,"updated":"2026-10-27 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-7EF77FAD-22F2-4656-B915-C4661CF7DAD1"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure","text":"Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closed past the Oasis.","url":null,"updated":"2026-03-19 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-B28BDD5D-BBC4-454C-A34B-BE47D64A1C3A"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Inaccurate Third-Party Apps","text":"Some third-party hiking apps are providing inaccurate trail and safety information to users. Please use the official NPS app for accurate information.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps.htm","updated":"2024-03-11 16:20:08.0","id":"nps-5B4D4734-2C5C-4782-8DBD-0CFB38C8A14B"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/joshua-tree-national-park/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/joshua-tree-national-park.geojson"}