Slightly greater than two hours east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is an otherworldly expanse masking almost 800,000 acres within the excessive Mojave Desert of California.
Right here, majestic boulders combine with putting Joshua bushes, recognized for his or her spiky, spiny, twisty profiles. These vegetation — which, enjoyable reality, are usually not truly bushes however succulents — are discovered solely in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. This nationwide park is arguably one of the best place to watch massive, undisturbed clusters of them.
With greater than 3 million annual guests, it is inside the prime 10 most-visited nationwide parks within the U.S., in response to the Nationwide Park Service — and for good motive. Along with admiring the park’s namesake vegetation up shut, you may see the place two totally different desert ecosystems meet alongside all kinds of vegetation and wildlife. Plus, Joshua Tree Nationwide Park affords darkish night time skies and geologic wonders that draw hikers, campers and vacationers from world wide.
The park is a must-see, with an abundance of climbing and nature trails for all ability ranges and a number of campgrounds. You’ll be able to go to on a day journey, keep in a single day in a tent or merely go by the park for a scenic drive between LA and Las Vegas.
Here is all the things it’s worthwhile to know.
Earlier than you go
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days every week for the complete yr, even on holidays reminiscent of Christmas. Nonetheless, some areas are for day use solely; for instance, customer facilities function on a set schedule.
Like at different nationwide parks, you will pay an entrance price. A personal automobile prices $30, a bike prices $25, and a person strolling in or being dropped off is $15. You would additionally buy an annual go to Joshua Tree Nationwide Park for $55. When you plan to go to greater than a few nationwide parks a yr, your finest guess is to purchase the annual nationwide parks go for $80 (which covers one automobile or 4 per-person charges).
You should purchase passes on-site at a customer heart or whereas driving by an entrance sales space. Or, it can save you time by shopping for one forward of time on-line.
Reservations are solely required for campground stays or sure excursions, and you should acquire permits for bouldering, in a single day backpacking and conducting scientific analysis.
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As soon as contained in the park, there are not any fuel stations, accommodations, eating places or grocery shops, however public restrooms can be found. It is crucial that you just convey any water, meals or provides it’s possible you’ll want.
There are three customer facilities and one nature heart which might be all open to the general public for extra info to assist plan your go to when you arrive.
Getting there and round
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is 130 miles from LA, 40 miles from Palm Springs, California, and 218 miles from Las Vegas. Provided that it is located inside precise desert wilderness, it is not smart to depend on public transportation to get right here. You will probably be driving from one of many aforementioned cities, so you will want a automobile to go to and navigate the park.
When you may be capable of arrive by way of a ride-hailing service reminiscent of Uber or Lyft, relying on one to depart might be dangerous. Cell service might be spotty contained in the park, and drivers are usually not usually sticking round to search for clients. Even should you did discover one who was, by probability, dropping another person off, it might be an expensive journey given the park’s distant nature. A drive again to the closest main metropolis might value a whole bunch of {dollars}.
The best choice is to drive your individual automobile or hire one from wherever you begin your journey. This can make sure you arrive as deliberate, follow your finances and do not get stranded.
Greatest time to go to
It ought to come as no shock to be taught that it is best to keep away from visiting the desert in the summertime.
Although the park is open year-round, temperatures commonly common round 100 levels Fahrenheit through the summer time months. Being outdoors in such intense climate can depart you in danger for warmth stroke, dehydration and even dying.
When you do plan to go to in the summertime, attempt to keep away from being outdoors for prolonged intervals of time through the afternoon or through the hottest components of the day. You should definitely convey an abundance of consuming water to remain hydrated.
Associated: Greatest nationwide parks to go to within the spring
Regardless that the desert location is related to heat, the realm can expertise below-freezing temperatures in winter, too. Snow occurs, and hypothermia is an actual hazard to think about this time of yr.
As such, one of the best time to go to Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is in late fall to early winter — after the summer time warmth breaks however earlier than chilly temperatures and doable snow transfer in. Alternatively, you may go to from late winter to early spring earlier than the warmth arrives.
What to see and do
Fashionable driving routes and points of interest
There’s a lot to see and do in Joshua Tree that you may simply spend a number of days right here. When you solely have someday, stopping on the customer heart may help you map out the highlights.
Even only a drive alongside Park Boulevard, the principle street that goes by the park, will let you see massive fields of Joshua bushes at each flip. There are a number of pull-off areas alongside the street, in addition to massive parking heaps related to in style trails and points of interest.
For the latter, Cranium Rock is a prime sight. Rain erosion has brought on a big boulder to look as if it has hollowed-out eye sockets. With an adjoining 1.7-mile nature path, it is a great spot to snap a photograph after which take a brief hike.
Moreover, novice hikers ought to head to Hidden Valley, a comparatively straightforward 1-mile loop. Surrounded by magnificent boulders, the trail goes by a small valley crammed with desert vegetation. It may be rocky in locations, nevertheless it’s largely flat; the toughest components are just like climbing quick units of stairs.
There’s additionally Barker Dam, a largely flat, 1.1-mile loop by Joshua bushes, monzogranite rock formations and a rock artwork website. The title refers to an precise dam and reservoir, which might fill with water after heavy rains (although it’s usually dry).
For a simple nature stroll, cease on the Cholla Cactus Backyard Path. At only a quarter of a mile, this flat loop has {a partially} raised walkway by a panorama of spiky cholla cacti, affectionately referred to as teddybear cholla. Whereas the title may sound cute, be cautious: The spikes are extremely sharp. When you go to in spring, you may spot hedgehog cacti that pop with vibrant, stunning magenta blooms. (Be aware: This path is closed every day from December 2024 to March 2025 to enhance the path’s situations.)
For an unimaginable vista over the desert, drive as much as Keys View. The totally paved 500-foot loop sits atop the Little San Bernardino Mountains; it overlooks canyons and the complete Coachella Valley, in addition to the Salton Sea and Mount San Jacinto within the distance. It is an exquisite spot to observe the dawn or sundown.
Climbing trails
Joshua Tree is a hiker’s dream, and along with the aforementioned trails, a number of longer and extra strenuous hikes can simply fill one or a number of days.
Ryan Mountain is a well-liked hike that results in one of many tallest factors within the park with panoramic views. The three-mile out-and-back path good points 1,050 ft in elevation and passes by beautiful rock formations, together with pinto gneiss — the oldest kind of rock within the park, estimated to be 1.8 billion years outdated.
For an extended hike, think about Misplaced Horse Loop, a 6.2-mile path to a historic mining website in an space the place bighorn sheep roam. With little shade and unrelenting warmth, this path might be fairly troublesome in hotter months. Misplaced Horse Mine Loop is an identical however shorter choice.
When you could affiliate the desert with a harsh, barren panorama, the park can be dwelling to oases with verdant vegetation. Fortynine Palms Oasis is one such path. The three-mile out-and-back trek good points 300 ft in elevation up and over a mountain ridge, resulting in a lush oasis crammed with leafy fan palms fed by a water spring. Simply remember that the path closes in summer time to permit herds of bighorn sheep unique entry to the water, which they depend on to outlive. (Be aware: This path is closed Monday by Thursday from December 2024 to March 2025 for structural repairs.)
Misplaced Palms Oasis is an identical choice, accessible by a 7.5-mile out-and-back route that features a difficult climb gaining 500 ft in elevation.
Lastly, for a group of average to troublesome backcountry hikes, go to the Black Rock space of Joshua Tree Nationwide Park. This remoted part will not be related by roads to different areas of the park. To entry it, you should depart the principle space and re-enter south of Yucca Valley.
Biking
Cyclists must know that bike driving contained in the park is restricted to roads shared with motor automobiles, and bike driving is forbidden on trails. There are not any bike lanes within the park, and most paved roads wouldn’t have a shoulder.
If you would like to cycle in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, one of the best place to take action is on backcountry roads. There, you will discover greater than 1,000 sq. miles of wilderness with filth roads for mountain bikes, in addition to four-wheel-drive automobiles.
Mountain climbing
With such spectacular boulders on show, mountain climbing can be a significant draw.
The park has greater than 8,000 climbing routes to select from, however permits are required to put, substitute or take away mounted anchors. There are additionally a number of guidelines to know earlier than embarking on any bouldering. For example, it is best to chorus from altering any rock or altering any established climbs; additionally, keep away from vegetation and use solely neutral- or rock-colored mounted anchors.
The place to remain
One of the best ways to benefit from all the things there’s to see and do inside Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is to make your go to an in a single day one. Whereas there isn’t a official lodge inside the park, there are various lodging choices starting from accommodations to on-site tenting, in addition to trip leases and glamping.
Accommodations
Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Greatest Western loyalists can all earn or redeem factors at properties close to Joshua Tree Nationwide Park.
Within the adjoining city of Twentynine Palms, Vacation Inn Specific and SureStay Plus by Greatest Western provide customary however snug lodging with one or two beds and out of doors swimming pools. Each are a brief drive from the park’s entrance and embrace breakfast. Vacation Inn charges begin at $115 or 24,000 IHG One Rewards factors per night time, and SureStay begins at $98 or 20,000 Greatest Western Rewards factors per night time.
At Marriott’s Fairfield Inn & Suites, additionally in Twentynine Palms, rooms vary from studios to suites. Facilities embrace a complimentary breakfast buffet and an outside pool, and charges start at $145 or 21,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time.
Related: Highs and lows: The most effective locations to remain close to Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Moreover, Hilton now companions with AutoCamp, an outside lodging model recognized for glamping-style lodging that vary from kitted-out Airstream trailers to luxurious cabins and tents. There’s an outpost in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park.
Every AutoCamp location is distinct, however all function signature facilities reminiscent of a clubhouse for gathering and eating, in addition to grab-and-go gadgets to buy for a campfire or grill. The Joshua Tree location, particularly, has a pool, bicycle leases and morning yoga. Charges begin at $192 or 82,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time.
For a boutique choice, Mojave Sands Motel in Joshua Tree is an intimate retreat with simply 5 rooms beginning at $195 per night time; every room has beamed ceilings, platform beds, personal patios and report gamers with assorted vinyl. Some have out of doors showers or kitchens, too.
Pioneertown is a bit farther from the park entrance however not fairly so far as Palm Springs; it is a former working film set from the Forties for outdated Western flicks that is been preserved for vacationers. Right here, you will discover the Pioneertown Motel, which was initially in-built 1946 to accommodate visiting film stars who had been on the town to movie. Famously, Gene Autry performed poker till dawn in Room 9. Charges start at $175 per night time. The motel is about 25 minutes from the park but it feels worlds and eras away.
Trip leases
Trip leases are maybe the most typical lodging choice to be discovered close to the park, and listings saturate the cities of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley. Right here, you will discover all the things from luxurious properties to geodesic domes and yurt-style tents. Airbnb and Vrbo are good locations to start out, however different choices exist, too.
For instance, Bungalows by Homestead Trendy within the city of Joshua Tree is a group of 14 boutique midcentury-style suites. All of them include kitchens or kitchenettes, personal patios, heating, air-con, web, luxe Parachute linens, and Malin + Goetz toiletries. Whereas these are trip leases, staying right here contains entry to hotel-like facilities reminiscent of a communal out of doors house, a pool, a sizzling tub, grills, a hearth pit and wellness actions. Within the offseason, costs begin at $185 per night time.
Tenting
There are 500 campsites inside Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, most of which function year-round. Most are reservable from six months earlier than your keep to the day of your keep. Whereas 500 websites may appear to be so much, making a reservation forward of time is extremely advisable when doable; that is very true over holidays and weekends or throughout excessive season. Simply know that some areas are first-come, first-served.
New campground charges go into impact Jan. 1, 2025. As an alternative of beginning at $15 per night time, in a single day charges will begin at $25 per night time in 2025. Facilities depend upon every particular location. Just some have water; most have pit or flushing bathrooms and hearth grates. It is vital to analysis areas forward of time and are available ready with what you will want for the whole lot of your keep.
There are additionally close by campsites and RV parks outdoors the park in cities reminiscent of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley and Pioneertown.
The place to eat
Since there is not any meals or drink out there for buy contained in the park, ensure to reach with all of the provides you will want whereas exploring.
When you exit, the encircling cities have many locations to eat which might be effectively price a cease.
Conveniently close to one of many park’s customer facilities, Joshua Tree Saloon is a honky-tonk-style dive bar and restaurant serving staples like burgers, tacos and wings. It is open day by day of the yr, with dwell music on weekends.
One other well-known and beloved institution is the legendary Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown. This barbecue restaurant and energetic music venue is thought for drawing A-list expertise; Paul McCartney, Vampire Weekend and Phoebe Bridgers have all carried out right here.
About 25 minutes away within the neighborhood of Flamingo Heights, simply north of Yucca Valley, La Copine is a extremely lauded diner serving New American dishes that change with the season. It is your best option for foodies with extra of an upscale palate.
For a candy deal with or straight-from-the-oven baked items, do not miss Campbell Hill Bakery in Twentynine Palms. The house owners labored in well-known New York Metropolis bakeries like Metropolis Bakery and Chicken Bathtub Bakery earlier than relocating to the desert to open this tiny store; the menu adjustments every day. Locals wait in lengthy queues for unimaginable muffins and cookies, scrumptious sandwiches, and fresh-baked loaves. Arrive early at first sells out.
Suggestions
- When navigating a harsh desert surroundings like Joshua Tree, it is vital to reach overprepared, irrespective of how lengthy you propose to remain.
- Staying hydrated is of the utmost significance, each within the intense summer time warmth and within the winter, to keep away from hypothermia. Water bottle filling stations can be found in three areas, and you may fill water jugs at sure stations and campgrounds, as effectively. Nonetheless, a lot of the park doesn’t have potable water, so convey extra water than you suppose you will want. Equally, there are not any eating places or fuel stations, so arrive totally fueled with each fuel and nourishment.
- When you plan to drive the whole lot of the park, it’ll take roughly 45 minutes to journey between the west and north entrances. Driving between the north and south entrances takes round an hour; between the west and south is the longest drive, about an hour and a half.
- Cellphone service is thought to be very spotty, although there’s free public Wi-Fi inside customer facilities. Obtain free offline maps from the Nationwide Park Service earlier than you arrive, or seize a bodily copy from the customer heart or an entrance sales space to make sure you do not get misplaced.
- Given the various temperatures, it is smart to decorate in layers. Even should you’re visiting in spring when the times are heat, the nights and mornings might be chilly.
- One of the crucial vital issues to know when visiting a nationwide park is to depart no hint. There are seven rules to observe: eliminate all waste correctly, depart all pure objects — even one thing as seemingly easy as a rock — behind, chorus from taking something dwelling as a memento, respect wildlife by retaining a protected distance, keep on designated trails and inside campsites, be courteous to different guests, and observe all NPS guidelines and rules.
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