The whole lot it’s essential to find out about visiting Joshua Tree Nationwide Park

Editorial Team December 4, 2024

0 12 minutes read

The whole lot it’s essential to find out about visiting Joshua Tree Nationwide Park

Just a little greater than two hours east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is an otherworldly expanse overlaying almost 800,000 acres within the excessive Mojave Desert of California.

Right here, majestic boulders combine with putting Joshua bushes, identified for his or her spiky, spiny, twisty profiles. These crops — which, enjoyable reality, aren’t truly bushes however succulents — are discovered solely in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. This nationwide park is arguably the perfect place to look at massive, undisturbed clusters of them.

With greater than 3 million annual guests, it is throughout the high 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 crops up shut, you possibly can see the place two completely different desert ecosystems meet alongside all kinds of crops and wildlife. Plus, Joshua Tree Nationwide Park provides darkish evening skies and geologic wonders that draw hikers, campers and vacationers from all over the world.

The park is a must-see, with an abundance of mountaineering and nature trails for all talent ranges and a number of campgrounds. You may go to on a day journey, keep in a single day in a tent or merely move via the park for a scenic drive between LA and Las Vegas.

Here is every little thing it’s essential to know.

Earlier than you go

Joshua Tree Nationwide Park customer heart. IRFAN KHAN/LOS ANGELES TIMES/GETTY IMAGES

Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days every week for the complete 12 months, even on holidays resembling Christmas. Nevertheless, 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 charge. 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 move to Joshua Tree Nationwide Park for $55. In the event you plan to go to greater than a few nationwide parks a 12 months, your finest wager is to purchase the annual nationwide parks move for $80 (which covers one automobile or 4 per-person charges).

You should purchase passes on-site at a customer heart or whereas driving via 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 need to get hold of permits for bouldering, in a single day backpacking and conducting scientific analysis.

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As soon as contained in the park, there aren’t any gasoline stations, inns, eating places or grocery shops, however public restrooms can be found. It is crucial that you simply convey any water, meals or provides you might want.

There are three customer facilities and one nature heart which are all open to the general public for extra data 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 sensible 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 automotive to go to and navigate the park.

Whilst you may be capable to arrive through a ride-hailing service resembling Uber or Lyft, relying on one to depart may very well be dangerous. Cell service might be spotty contained in the park, and drivers aren’t sometimes sticking round to search for prospects. Even when you did discover one who was, by probability, dropping another person off, it might be an expensive experience 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 automotive or lease one from wherever you begin your journey. This may make sure you arrive as deliberate, stick with your finances and do not get stranded.

Greatest time to go to

It ought to come as no shock to study that it is best to keep away from visiting the desert in the summertime.

Although the park is open year-round, temperatures recurrently common round 100 levels Fahrenheit through the summer season months. Being exterior in such intense climate can depart you in danger for warmth stroke, dehydration and even demise.

In the event you do plan to go to in the summertime, attempt to keep away from being exterior for prolonged intervals of time through the afternoon or through the hottest elements of the day. Remember to convey an abundance of ingesting water to remain hydrated.

Associated: Greatest nationwide parks to go to within the spring

Though the desert location is related to heat, the world can expertise below-freezing temperatures in winter, too. Snow occurs, and hypothermia is an actual hazard to contemplate this time of 12 months.

As such, the perfect time to go to Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is in late fall to early winter — after the summer season warmth breaks however earlier than chilly temperatures and potential snow transfer in. Alternatively, you can go to from late winter to early spring earlier than the warmth arrives.

What to see and do

Barker Dam in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park. JEFFGOULDEN/GETTY IMAGES

Well-liked driving routes and points of interest

There’s a lot to see and do in Joshua Tree that you can simply spend a number of days right here. In the event you solely have sooner or later, stopping on the customer heart might help you map out the highlights.

Even only a drive alongside Park Boulevard, the principle street that goes via the park, will can help 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 common trails and points of interest.

For the latter, Cranium Rock is a high sight. Rain erosion has precipitated 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 place 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 via a small valley crammed with desert crops. It may be rocky in locations, nevertheless it’s largely flat; the toughest elements are much like climbing quick units of stairs.

There may be additionally Barker Dam, a largely flat, 1.1-mile loop via Joshua bushes, monzogranite rock formations and a rock artwork web site. The title refers to an precise dam and reservoir, which might fill with water after heavy rains (although it’s sometimes 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 via a panorama of spiky cholla cacti, affectionately referred to as teddybear cholla. Whereas the title may sound lovable, be cautious: The spikes are extremely sharp. In the event you go to in spring, you possibly can spot hedgehog cacti that pop with vivid, lovely magenta blooms. (Notice: This path is closed each day from December 2024 to March 2025 to enhance the path’s circumstances.)

For an unbelievable vista over the desert, drive as much as Keys View. The absolutely 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 a stupendous spot to look at 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 features 1,050 ft in elevation and passes via gorgeous rock formations, together with pinto gneiss — the oldest kind of rock within the park, estimated to be 1.8 billion years previous.

For an extended hike, think about Misplaced Horse Loop, a 6.2-mile path to a historic mining web site in an space the place bighorn sheep roam. With little shade and unrelenting warmth, this path might be fairly tough in hotter months. Misplaced Horse Mine Loop is the same however shorter possibility.

Whilst you could affiliate the desert with a harsh, barren panorama, the park can be residence to oases with verdant vegetation. Fortynine Palms Oasis is one such path. The three-mile out-and-back trek features 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 bear in mind that the path closes in summer season to permit herds of bighorn sheep unique entry to the water, which they depend on to outlive. (Notice: This path is closed Monday via Thursday from December 2024 to March 2025 for structural repairs.)

Misplaced Palms Oasis is the same possibility, 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 reasonable to tough backcountry hikes, go to the Black Rock space of Joshua Tree Nationwide Park. This remoted part is just not linked by roads to different areas of the park. To entry it, you need to depart the principle space and re-enter south of Yucca Valley.

Biking

Cyclists have to know that bike using contained in the park is restricted to roads shared with motor automobiles, and bike using is forbidden on trails. There aren’t any bike lanes within the park, and most paved roads would not have a shoulder.

If you would like to cycle in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, the perfect place to take action is on backcountry roads. There, you will discover greater than 1,000 sq. miles of wilderness with grime roads for mountain bikes, in addition to four-wheel-drive automobiles.

Mountain climbing

With such spectacular boulders on show, mountaineering can be a serious draw.

The park has greater than 8,000 climbing routes to select from, however permits are required to position, substitute or take away fastened anchors. There are additionally a number of guidelines to know earlier than embarking on any bouldering. For example, you need to chorus from altering any rock or altering any established climbs; additionally, keep away from vegetation and use solely neutral- or rock-colored fastened anchors.

The place to remain

The Autocamp Joshua Tree can now be booked with Hilton Honors factors. AUTOCAMP/FACEBOOK

One of the simplest ways to make the most of every little thing there may be to see and do inside Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is to make your go to an in a single day one. Whereas there is no such thing as a official resort throughout the park, there are lots of lodging choices starting from inns to on-site tenting, in addition to trip leases and glamping.

Inns

The widest number of luxurious, boutique and family-friendly resorts are in Palm Springs, although that is about 45 minutes away. Staying nearer to the park entrance is extra handy, although lodging might be extra restricted.

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 commonplace however snug lodging with one or two beds and outside 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 evening, and SureStay begins at $98 or 20,000 Greatest Western Rewards factors per evening.

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 evening.

Related: Highs and lows: The very best locations to remain close to Joshua Tree Nationwide Park

Moreover, Hilton now companions with AutoCamp, an outside lodging model identified 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 characteristic signature facilities resembling a clubhouse for gathering and eating, in addition to grab-and-go objects to buy for a campfire or grill. The Joshua Tree location, specifically, has a pool, bicycle leases and morning yoga. Charges begin at $192 or 82,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening.

For a boutique possibility, Mojave Sands Motel in Joshua Tree is an intimate retreat with simply 5 rooms beginning at $195 per evening; every room has beamed ceilings, platform beds, personal patios and document gamers with assorted vinyl. Some have outside 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 Nineteen Forties for previous Western flicks that is been preserved for vacationers. Right here, you will discover the Pioneertown Motel, which was initially in-built 1946 to deal with 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 evening. 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 every little thing from luxurious houses to geodesic domes and yurt-style tents. Airbnb and Vrbo are good locations to begin, 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 resembling a communal outside house, a pool, a scorching tub, grills, a hearth pit and wellness actions. Within the offseason, costs begin at $185 per evening.

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 seem to be loads, making a reservation forward of time is very beneficial when potential; that is very true over holidays and weekends or throughout excessive season. Simply know that some places are first-come, first-served.

New campground charges go into impact Jan. 1, 2025. As an alternative of beginning at $15 per evening, in a single day charges will begin at $25 per evening in 2025. Facilities depend upon every particular location. Just some have water; most have pit or flushing bathrooms and fireplace grates. It is essential to analysis places 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 exterior the park in cities resembling Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley and Pioneertown.

The place to eat

Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown, California. JIM STEINFELDT/MICHAEL OCHS ARCHIVES/GETTY IMAGES

Since there is no meals or drink out there for buy contained in the park, make certain to reach with all of the provides you will want whereas exploring.

When you exit, the encompassing cities have many locations to eat which are nicely 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 each day of the 12 months, with reside 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 understood 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 homeowners 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 modifications each day. Locals wait in lengthy queues for unbelievable desserts and cookies, scrumptious sandwiches, and fresh-baked loaves. Arrive early at the start sells out.