Joshua Tree National Park

Overview

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!

From the National Park Service

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

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

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Joshua Tree National Park: 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.

Fees and passes

• Entrance - Private Vehicle — $30.00
• Entrance - Motorcycle — $25.00
• Entrance - Per Person — $15.00
• Annual Entrance - Park — $55.00

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at federal recreation lands across all four agencies.

Getting there

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.

Visitor centers

• Cottonwood Visitor Center
• Black Rock Nature Center
• Joshua Tree Visitor Center
• Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center

Campgrounds

• Jumbo Rocks Campground (124 sites) — reserve
• Hidden Valley Campground (44 sites)
• Indian Cove Campground (101 sites) — reserve
• Ryan Campground (32 sites) — reserve
• Sheep Pass Group Campground (6 sites) — reserve
• White Tank Campground (15 sites)
• Black Rock Campground (99 sites) — reserve
• Belle Campground (18 sites)
• Cottonwood Campground (62 sites) — reserve

Weather

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.

Phone: 7603675500

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

Pair it with

• Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 29 miles
• Santa Rosa-San Jacinto Mountains National Monument BLM · 40 miles
• Browns Canyon National Monument BLM · 45 miles
• Tahquitz National Game Refuge USFS · 47 miles
• Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 49 miles
• Sand to Snow National Monument BLM · 52 miles