About Joshua Tree National Park
Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself!
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
7-day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
7-day entrance fee, per person on foot or bike.
Operating Hours
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Visitation increases as temperatures moderate in the fall, peaks during the spring wildflower season, and diminishes during the heat of summer. Some areas of the park are designated for day use only. Visitor centers keep separate hours; please see descriptions.
Activities
Getting There
From I-10, take exit 117 for CA Hwy 62 toward 29 Palms/Yucca Valley. This will allow you to access the West Entrance, the North Entrance, Black Rock, and Indian Cove. Take exit 168 off I-10 to come in at the park's South Entrance.
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Entrance Passes
This pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. It covers the entrance fee to Joshua Tree National Park for the pass signee and accompanying passengers entering in a single, non-commercial vehicle. Joshua Tree Annual Passes are available at park entrance stations and visitor centers.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Stargazing at Joshua Tree
Enjoy Joshua Tree National Park's amazing night sky.
Hike Cholla Cactus Garden
An easy quarter mile hike through a cholla patch along Pinto Basin Road.
Hike Skull Rock
A relatively flat, 1.7-mile loop trail. Hike through the large, granite boulder fields around the Jumbo Rocks area, including one…
Attend a Ranger Stroll
Join a ranger on an educational stroll.
Birding at Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park offers a wide range of birds for birders to discover.
Hike Boy Scout Trail
Explore the Wonderland of Rocks on the Boy Scout Trail.
Visitor Centers
Black Rock Nature Center
Located in the heart of the beautiful Black Rock Campground, the Nature Center offers a bookstore, art gallery, visitor resources, and a picnic area. Visitors…
Hours: The Nature Center is open seven days a week from 8:00-11:00am and 12:00pm-4:00pm. It is closed from 11:00am - 12:00pm. Hours may vary depending on staff availability, especially in the summer. Summer Hours (June 1st): The Nature Center is open Thursday through Sunday from 9am-4pm and closed Monday through Wednesday.
Cottonwood Visitor Center
Located on Pinto Basin Road, approximately 7 miles north of Interstate 10 (exit 168), the Cottonwood Visitor Center is a convenient stop for those entering…
Hours: Open all year.
Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center
The Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center is located in downtown Twentynine Palms and features educational exhibits, a bookstore and giftshop, and visitor information.
Hours: Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center is located in Twentynine Palms, California.
Joshua Tree Visitor Center
Located in downtown Joshua Tree just five miles from the West Entrance, the Joshua Tree Visitor Center offers educational exhibits, a bookstore, and visitor resources.…
Hours: Open all year.
Campgrounds
Belle Campground
This small campground has 18 sites. There are pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. There is no water so bring plenty of your own.…
Black Rock Campground
This large (99 site) campground is located in the northwest corner of the park. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring with rest…
Cottonwood Campground
The Cottonwood Campground is reservation only and has 62 sites, potable water and flush toilets. The Campground is near the Cottonwood Visitor Center in the…
Hidden Valley Campground
The Hidden Valley Campground has 44 sites. There are pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. There is no water so bring plenty of your…
Indian Cove Campground
Indian Cove Campground is located off of Highway 62, thirteen miles east of Joshua Tree Village and ten miles west of Twentynine Palms. It has…
Jumbo Rocks Campground
There are 124 individual/family sites in Jumbo Rocks Campground. Reservations are required. The campground is centrally located and offers great views of rock formations. This…
Ryan Campground
Ryan Campground has 31 campsites. All campsites are reservation only. The campground is centrally located in the park and is adjacent to the California Riding…
Sheep Pass Group Campground
Sheep Pass Group Campground has 6 group campsites and is centrally located within Joshua Tree National Park and is easily accessible to hiking trails and…
White Tank Campground
This is small campground with 15 sites. There are pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. There is no water available. RVs and vehicles with…
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