A bit greater than two hours east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is an otherworldly expanse masking practically 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 crops — 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 high 10 most-visited nationwide parks within the U.S., based on the Nationwide Park Service — and for good cause. Along with admiring the park’s namesake crops up shut, you’ll be able to see the place two completely different desert ecosystems meet alongside all kinds of crops and wildlife. Plus, Joshua Tree Nationwide Park presents 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 mountain climbing and nature trails for all ability ranges and a number of campgrounds. You may go to on a day journey, keep in a single day in a tent or merely cross by the park for a scenic drive between LA and Las Vegas.
Here is every little thing it’s worthwhile to know.
Earlier than you go
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days every week for all the 12 months, even on holidays corresponding to Christmas. Nevertheless, some areas are for day use solely; for instance, customer facilities function on a set schedule.
Like at different nationwide parks, you may pay an entrance price. A personal automobile prices $30, a motorbike prices $25, and a person strolling in or being dropped off is $15. You may additionally buy an annual cross to Joshua Tree Nationwide Park for $55. If you happen to plan to go to greater than a few nationwide parks a 12 months, your finest guess is to purchase the annual nationwide parks cross for $80 (which covers one automobile or 4 per-person charges).
You should purchase passes on-site at a customer middle 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 could 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 fuel stations, inns, eating places or grocery shops, however public restrooms can be found. It is crucial that you simply deliver any water, meals or provides you might want.
There are three customer facilities and one nature middle 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 possible be driving from one of many aforementioned cities, so you may want a automotive to go to and navigate the park.
Whilst you would possibly have the ability to arrive by way of a ride-hailing service corresponding to Uber or Lyft, relying on one to go away could possibly be dangerous. Cell service may be spotty contained in the park, and drivers are usually not usually sticking round to search for prospects. Even should you did discover one who was, by likelihood, dropping another person off, it could be an expensive journey given the park’s distant nature. A drive again to the closest main metropolis might price tons of of {dollars}.
The best choice is to drive your personal automotive or hire one from wherever you begin your journey. It will make sure you arrive as deliberate, stick with your finances and do not get stranded.
Finest 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 repeatedly common round 100 levels Fahrenheit throughout the summer season months. Being exterior in such intense climate can depart you in danger for warmth stroke, dehydration and even demise.
If you happen to do plan to go to in the summertime, attempt to keep away from being exterior for prolonged durations of time throughout the afternoon or throughout the hottest components of the day. Remember to deliver an abundance of consuming water to remain hydrated.
Associated: Finest nationwide parks to go to within the spring
Although 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 12 months.
As such, one of the best 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 doable snow transfer in. Alternatively, you could possibly go to from late winter to early spring earlier than the warmth arrives.
What to see and do
In style driving routes and points of interest
There’s a lot to see and do in Joshua Tree that you could possibly simply spend a number of days right here. If you happen to solely have someday, stopping on the customer middle may help you map out the highlights.
Even only a drive alongside Park Boulevard, the principle highway that goes by the park, will assist you to see massive fields of Joshua bushes at each flip. There are a number of pull-off areas alongside the highway, in addition to massive parking tons related to common trails and points of interest.
For the latter, Cranium Rock is a high sight. Rain erosion has triggered a big boulder to seem 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 full of desert crops. It may be rocky in locations, however it’s largely flat; the toughest components are just like climbing quick units of stairs.
There may be 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 may fill with water after heavy rains (although it’s usually dry).
For a straightforward 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 often known as teddybear cholla. Whereas the title would possibly sound lovely, be cautious: The spikes are extremely sharp. If you happen to go to in spring, you’ll be able to spot hedgehog cacti that pop with vibrant, lovely magenta blooms. (Notice: This path is closed each day from December 2024 to March 2025 to enhance the path’s circumstances.)
For an unimaginable 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 all the Coachella Valley, in addition to the Salton Sea and Mount San Jacinto within the distance. It is a stupendous spot to observe the dawn or sundown.
Mountaineering 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 positive factors 1,050 ft in elevation and passes by 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, take into account 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 may be fairly tough in hotter months. Misplaced Horse Mine Loop is an identical however shorter possibility.
Whilst you might 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 positive factors 300 ft in elevation up and over a mountain ridge, resulting in a lush oasis full of leafy fan palms fed by a water spring. Simply remember 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 by Thursday from December 2024 to March 2025 for structural repairs.)
Misplaced Palms Oasis is an identical 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 could depart the principle space and re-enter south of Yucca Valley.
Biking
Cyclists must 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 shouldn’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 may discover greater than 1,000 sq. miles of wilderness with dust roads for mountain bikes, in addition to four-wheel-drive automobiles.
Mountain climbing
With such spectacular boulders on show, mountain climbing can be a serious draw.
The park has greater than 8,000 climbing routes to select from, however permits are required to put, substitute or take away fastened 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 fastened anchors.
The place to remain
The easiest way to benefit from every little thing 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 any official lodge inside the park, there are various 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 will probably be extra restricted.
Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Finest 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 Finest Western supply normal however comfy lodging with one or two beds and out of doors swimming pools. Each are a brief drive from the park’s entrance and embody breakfast. Vacation Inn charges begin at $115 or 24,000 IHG One Rewards factors per evening, and SureStay begins at $98 or 20,000 Finest Western Rewards factors per evening.
At Marriott’s Fairfield Inn & Suites, additionally in Twentynine Palms, rooms vary from studios to suites. Facilities embody 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 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 characteristic signature facilities corresponding to a clubhouse for gathering and eating, in addition to grab-and-go gadgets 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 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 Nineteen Forties for previous Western flicks that is been preserved for vacationers. Right here, you may discover the Pioneertown Motel, which was initially inbuilt 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 commonest 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 may discover every little thing from luxurious houses 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 consists of entry to hotel-like facilities corresponding to a communal out of doors house, a pool, a sizzling tub, grills, a fireplace 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 would possibly look like quite a bit, making a reservation forward of time is extremely really helpful when doable; 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 a substitute 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 bogs and fireplace grates. It is necessary to analysis places forward of time and are available ready with what you may want for the whole thing of your keep.
There are additionally close by campsites and RV parks exterior the park in cities corresponding to Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley and Pioneertown.
The place to eat
Since there is not any meals or drink obtainable for buy contained in the park, ensure that to reach with all of the provides you may want whereas exploring.
When you exit, the encircling cities have many locations to eat which are properly 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 on daily basis 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 vigorous 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 the only 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 Chook Bathtub Bakery earlier than relocating to the desert to open this tiny store; the menu adjustments each day. Locals wait in lengthy queues for unimaginable desserts and cookies, scrumptious sandwiches, and fresh-baked loaves. Arrive early at first sells out.
Suggestions
- When navigating a harsh desert setting like Joshua Tree, it is necessary to reach overprepared, irrespective of how lengthy you propose to remain.
- Staying hydrated is of the utmost significance, each within the intense summer season warmth and within the winter, to keep away from hypothermia. Water bottle filling stations can be found in three places, and you’ll fill water jugs at sure stations and campgrounds, as properly. Nevertheless, a lot of the park doesn’t have potable water, so deliver extra water than you assume you may want. Equally, there aren’t any eating places or fuel stations, so arrive absolutely fueled with each fuel and nourishment.
- If you happen to plan to drive the whole thing of the park, it can 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 middle or an entrance sales space to make sure you do not get misplaced.
- Given the various temperatures, it is sensible to decorate in layers. Even should you’re visiting in spring when the times are heat, the nights and mornings may be chilly.
- One of the vital necessary issues to know when visiting a nationwide park is to depart no hint. There are seven rules to comply with: 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 holding a secure distance, keep on designated trails and inside campsites, be courteous to different guests, and comply with all NPS guidelines and rules.
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