Joshua Tree National Park

The basics

Whether you want to visit on a day trip from Palm Springs or take a multi-day hiking tour, Joshua Tree National Park tours are perfect wilderness escapes. Hiking and mountain biking trails abound in the park: Visitors can stroll through Hidden Valley, bike down old country roads, or get completely off the grid on a customized hiking tour. Rock-climbing enthusiasts can perfect their solo climbing skills with a top-rope anchors class or take a beginners rappelling course, while photographers can snap photos of bighorn sheep, birds, and black-tailed jackrabbits.

Those wishing to cover more ground can venture deep into the desert on a van tour or luxury Hummer day trip and see highlights such as the inselberg rock formations, San Andreas Fault, and Keys View atop Ryan Mountain—the highest point in the park at 5,500 feet (1676 meters) above sea level.

Things to know before you go

• Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water.

• Desert weather can change swiftly and dramatically; always check the forecast before heading out.

• There are four visitor centers in the park, each equipped with water, restrooms, and picnic areas.

• Pets must be leashed at all times and are not permitted on backcountry trails.

• Very few areas in the park have cellphone coverage.

• Some trails and campgrounds are wheelchair accessible; see the National Parks Service website for more details.

• Purchase Joshua Tree National Park tickets and passes online, at the entrance stations, or visitor centers.

How to get there

Joshua Tree National Park is located roughly 140 miles (225 kilometers) east of Los Angeles. The nearest airport is in Palm Springs, roughly one hour by road from the park's south entrance. The best way to get to Joshua Tree is by road; you can approach the park from Interstate 10 or California Highway 62. Be careful not to rely on GPS directions, which can route you onto potentially impassable backcountry roads.

When to get there

Peak season in Joshua Tree runs from October through May, with most visitors arriving in the spring and fall. Summers are hot here, with temperatures above 100°F (38°C). In the spring, wildflowers bloom and speckle the desert with bright red, purple, and orange hues.

Attractions near Joshua Tree

The towns of Palm Springs and Palm Desert are good jumping-off points for excursions into Joshua Tree National Park. Coachella Valley Preserve, located near the Palm Springs area, is a popular destination for picnicking and hiking, as well as a hub for wind farming and agriculture. Mojave National Preserve, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and Cabrillo National Monument are also within driving distance of the park.

What is the best month to go to Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is open year-round; however, February–April and October–November maintain the most comfortable temperatures. Spring has the additional benefit of being wildflower season. Heat can be searing in summer, and nightly freezing temperatures are not uncommon in winter.

Do you need a reservation to get into Joshua Tree National Park?

No, you do not need a reservation to get into Joshua Tree National Park. However, all visitors must pay an entrance fee (US$15–$30) or use an interagency pass, such as the America the Beautiful Pass. There are also a handful of fee-free days listed on the park's website.

How much does it cost to drive through Joshua Tree National Park?

It costs between US$15–$30 to enter Joshua Tree National Park (depending on if you enter via foot, motorcycle, or car), and there are five fee-free days. Interagency passes, such as the American the Beautiful Pass, can also be used or you can buy an annual pass.

Which entrance to Joshua Tree is the best?

The best Joshua Tree National Park entrance depends on your point of origin and your park itinerary. The West (Main) Entrance is well-positioned if you're coming from LA, San Diego, or Palm Springs, and beyond it is the North Entrance at Twentynine Palms. There's a South Entrance near Cottonwood Spring.

How many days do you need to explore Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors can see most highlights of Joshua Tree National Park in one day. However, two or more days is ideal for relaxing and making a comprehensive visit both inside and outside the park, especially for those who wish to do multiple hikes, ranger programs, rock climbing, and stargazing.

Do I have to pay to just drive straight through Joshua Tree National Park on my way to another destination?

Yes. Every visitor must pay an entrance fee, whether they camp, walk, or drive through Joshua Tree National Park. Some low- or no-cost ways to enter include visiting on a fee-free day (see the park’s website), being a fourth grader, or using a senior, military, or access pass.

Ways to explore

Joshua Tree National Park is an easy day trip from Palm Springs or a weekend escape from Los Angeles, and you can save time at the entrance by booking your pass in advance. Hiking trails and campsites abound in the park, as do guided tours. Join a naturalist-led hike to learn more about Joshua Tree's unique geology, or tackle its towering boulders on rock-climbing excursions for beginners, families, and experienced rappellers alike. If you'd prefer to explore from behind the wheel, you can do so on a self-guided audio driving tour or group off-roading adventure.

Accessibility

Some trails, campgrounds, and visiting areas are wheelchair accessible; see the National Park Service website for more details.

Age limits

None

What to pack

There are only a few places to fill your water bottle in the park, so bring plenty of drinking water, as well as food, sunscreen, and outdoor gear.

What to wear

Dress in layers—warm daytime desert temperatures drop significantly at night—and wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes for outdoor activities.

Not allowed

Hiking with pets, feeding wildlife, littering, or driving off designated traffic routes

Amenities

There are four visitor centers in the park, most equipped with water, restrooms, information, and picnic areas.

Address 

Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) east of Los Angeles. The closest airport is in Palm Springs, roughly an hour by road from the park's north and south entrances.

Driving

You can drive into Joshua Tree from Interstate 10 or California Highway 62, then find parking at campgrounds, visitor centers, and other attractions. Come with a full tank of gas and plan your route in advance—cell service is sparse.

Public transportation

Public transportation to and within the park is limited. The best way to get to and around the park is by driving or joining a guided tour with included transportation.

Best times to visit

Joshua Tree is open 24 hours, which means you can visit for a sunrise hike or midnight stargazing. Avoid hiking during the hot midday hours.

Best days to visit

The park is especially busy on weekends and holidays, so aim to go on a weekday for a quieter wilderness experience.

Best months to visit

Plan your Joshua Tree trip for October–November or March–May. Though crowded, these months offer comfortably warm daytime temperatures and, in the spring, wildflowers in all shades.

Special events

Music fans head to the Joshua Tree Music Festival in May and October, while stargazers shouldn’t miss fall’s Night Sky Festival.