Joshua Tree National Park

Designated as a national park in 1994, Joshua Tree National Park is where the Colorado/Sonoran and Mojave Deserts come together to create a diverse area of high and low desert that is well worth exploring. Yet, except for a small piece of the San Bernardino Mountains in the far western portion of the park, it is still quintessentially desert – with startlingly high temperatures, little rain except for the occasional torrent, and dry stream beds that offer little comfort to local creatures.

That said, Joshua Tree National Park is still an interesting place to visit, despite its extremes. Plant life – including the namesake Joshua Tree and of course, cactus – is fun to view and photograph. Also, the park lies within the Pacific flyway of many migratory birds so many stop there for a rest. Joshua Tree National Park is also home to a number of unique geological features that make it a beautiful place to explore, from granite monoliths to surprisingly rugged canyons.

Joshua Tree is not the kind of national park where you can hike for days and days on end. The conditions don’t really allow that. However, there are 12 self-guided nature trails available that give visitors a good look at the park’s diverse ecosystem. Trails range from just a quarter mile to a mile and a half, and provide views of the Salton Sea, Mt. San Gorgonia and Mt. San Jacinto, and even the San Andreas Fault. 

Backpackers can explore a bit more widely but should always be sure to bring ample water and other necessary supplies. The water in the park is not potable. Hats, sunscreen, and a first aid kit are also essential. Remember, it’s easy to get disoriented in the desert, especially when the temperatures are high and you haven’t had enough water.

Rock climbers love the more than 400 climbing formations and 8,000 climbing routes at Joshua Tree National Park. It’s easy to find a route for any skill level. It’s best to climb when the weather is a bit cooler, such as in the spring or fall. Climbing within 50 feet of the park’s amazing prehistoric “rock art” is prohibited and many other rules pertain to the specifics of rock climbing inside the park. It’s best to review them before planning a climbing excursion.

For a bit of history, consider a ranger-led tour of the Keys Ranch, where William F. Keys and family lived and thrived despite the harshness of the desert. Guests will hear the colorful stories of the Keys family and their struggles to make the desert a home and tour several remaining structures. There is an extra fee to tour this National Historic Register site.

Nine campgrounds are available throughout the park but less primitive facilities can only be found outside of Joshua Tree in the towns of Palm Springs, Indio, Twenty-nine Palms, and Yucca Valley. There are no hook-ups for RVs (which must not exceed 25 feet) and water and flush toilets are only available at the Black Rock and Cottonwood Campgrounds. Reservations are suggested during the spring and fall.

Summers are brutal in Joshua Tree National Park, so the best time to visit is during the other three seasons. Winter nights, however, can be very cold and snow is a possibility at higher elevations. Spring and fall highs/lows average 85 and 50 degrees F so exploring is pleasant during those times of year.

Joshua Tree National Park is located 140 miles east of Los Angeles, 175 miles northeast of San Diego, and 215 miles southwest of Las Vegas. The park can be reached from Interstate 10 and Hwy 62 (Twenty-nine Palms Highway).

Contact:

Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive
Twenty-nine Palms, CA 92277-3597

760-367-5500