Joshua Tree is what you get when two distinct ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado, come together. An interesting mix of plants and animals make their homes here in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. This vast wilderness in Southern California is home to rich cultural history, surreal geologic features, and dark night skies.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
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.
Entrance Fees
- $30 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
- $25 – Entrance - Motorcycle
- $15 – Entrance - Per Person
Weather
Days are typically clear with less than 25% humidity. Temperatures are most comfortable in the spring and fall, with an average highs around 85°F (29°C) and average lows around 50°F (10°C) respectively. Winter brings cooler days, around 60°F (15°C), and freezing nights. It occasionally snows at higher elevations. Summers are hot, over 100°F (38°C) during the day and not cooling much below 75°F (24°C) at night.
Things to Do
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 near Park Boulevard that closely resembles a Skull.
Birding at Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park offers a wide range of birds for birders to discover.
Getting There
Address: 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms CA 92277-3597
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.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Belle Campground
18 sites · $25/night
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. To secure a campsite, 1…
Black Rock Campground
99 sites · $35/night
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 rooms and water nearby…
Cottonwood Campground
62 sites · $35/night
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 so…
Hidden Valley Campground
44 sites · $25/night
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 own. To secure a camp…
Indian Cove Campground
101 sites · $35/night
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 101 campsites, i…
Jumbo Rocks Campground
124 sites · $30/night
There are 124 individual/family sites in Jumbo Rocks Campground. Reservations are required. The campground is centrally located and offers great views of rock …
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Joshua Tree National Park?
The entrance fee for Joshua Tree National Park is $30. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Joshua Tree National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Joshua Tree National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Joshua Tree National Park open?
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.
What are the best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park?
Popular things to do in Joshua Tree National Park include Stargazing at Joshua Tree, Hike Cholla Cactus Garden, Hike Skull Rock, Attend a Ranger Stroll. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park?
Yes — Joshua Tree National Park has 9 campgrounds, including Belle Campground, Black Rock Campground, Cottonwood Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.