National park · United States
Joshua Tree National Park
Go for one full day by car: enter the West entrance before 8:00 on a weekday, pay about US$30 per vehicle for 7 days, drive Park Blvd to Keys View, and walk Hidden Valley plus Barker Dam; skip summer midday and holiday weekends.Go for one full day by car: enter the West entrance before 8:00 AM on a weekday, pay about US$30 per vehicle for 7 days, drive Park Blvd to Keys View, and walk Hidden Valley plus Barker Dam; skip summer midday and holiday weekends.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
3,196 km²1,234 sq mi
approximate
Established
1994
Best months
Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
UNESCO
Biosphere
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 3,196 km²1,234 sq mi
- About 800,000 acres (3,200 km²) across the Mojave and Colorado deserts; boundary figures vary slightly by source (check).
- Established
- 1994
- Best months
- Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
Joshua Tree protects two deserts at once: the higher, cooler Mojave on the west and north, where the Joshua trees stand, and the lower Colorado on the east and south, where cholla, ocotillo and fan-palm oases take over. Almost everyone sees it by car along Park Boulevard, so the whole visit is a timing problem — enter before 8:00, walk the short loops in the morning, and treat June to September midday as off-limits. The park is the closest national park to Los Angeles and San Diego, which is why spring weekends and holiday mornings back up at the West and South entrances. Campgrounds, not entry, are what sell out; the fee itself is paid at the gate or online.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 1984Designated as a biosphere reserve when the area was still a national monument.
Size and age
3,196 km²1,234 sq mi · national park since 1994
About 800,000 acres (3,200 km²) across the Mojave and Colorado deserts; boundary figures vary slightly by source (check).
Why go
- Two deserts in one drive: Joshua tree forest on the higher Mojave side, cholla and ocotillo on the lower Colorado side.
- Short walks with big payoffs — Hidden Valley, Barker Dam and the Cholla Cactus Garden are all under 2 km.Short walks with big payoffs — Hidden Valley, Barker Dam and the Cholla Cactus Garden are all under 1.2 mi.
- One of the darkest skies near a major US city; the east side is the place to stargaze.
- World-class climbing and bouldering on granite formations, with routes for total beginners.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGo
- JanCold nights near freezing; clear, quiet days
- FebCool and clear; wildflower year can start early
- MarMild days, wildflowers, busy weekends
- AprBest all-round month; book campsites early
- MayWarming fast; start hikes at dawn
- JunOften over 38°C by midday; hike at sunrise onlyOften over 100°F by midday; hike at sunrise only
- JulMonsoon storms and extreme heat; avoid midday
- AugHottest month; flash-flood risk in washes
- SepStill hot; storms taper late in the month
- OctCool, dry and clear; best stargazing nights
- NovMild days, cold nights, thin crowds
- DecQuiet; occasional snow at higher elevations
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert wildflowers (varies by elevation and rainfall)Feb–Apr · Best after a wet winter; the Ocotillo Patch and Pinto Basin bloom earlier than the high Mojave. | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Bighorn sheep at Barker Dam and the oasesOct–Apr · Most often at dawn and dusk; never approach. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Migrating and resident birds (roadrunner, cactus wren, golden eagle)Mar–May, Sep–Oct · Cottonwood Spring and Barker Dam attract waterfowl. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Desert tortoise and rattlesnakesMar–May, Sep–Oct · Tortoises are protected; do not touch or move them. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Coyotes and jackrabbits along the roadsAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Palm Springs
I-10 east, then CA 62 to the West entrance at Joshua Tree Village.
50–70 min
From Los Angeles
I-10 east, then CA 62; the closest national park to LA.
2.5–3.5 h
Open the page →
From Las Vegas
I-15 south, then CA 62 west through Twentynine Palms to the North entrance.
3.5–4.5 h
From San Diego
I-15 north, then CA 62, or I-10 east to the South entrance at Cottonwood.
3–3.5 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Mojave side (west and north) | Joshua tree forest, Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, Keys View and most campgrounds. | Paved Park Blvd; open with a ticket. |
| Colorado side (east and south) | Cholla Cactus Garden, Ocotillo Patch, Cottonwood Spring and the lower, hotter desert. | Pinto Basin Rd and I-10; open with a ticket. |
| Wonderland of Rocks | The big granite maze behind Hidden Valley; climbing and bouldering country. | Trails from Indian Cove and Hidden Valley; no vehicle access inside. |
| Designated wilderness | Most of the park away from the paved roads, including the Boy Scout Trail corridor. | Foot and horse only; free backcountry permit. |
Sketch map
- 1West entrance (Joshua Tree Village) · Gate≈34.134, -116.315Map ↗
- 2North entrance (Twentynine Palms) · Gate≈34.135, -116.057Map ↗
- 3South entrance (Cottonwood) · Gate≈33.748, -115.824Map ↗
- 4Hidden Valley · Trail≈34.012, -116.168Map ↗
- 5Keys View · Viewpoint≈33.927, -116.187Map ↗
- 6Cholla Cactus Garden · Trail≈33.925, -115.929Map ↗
- 7Cottonwood Spring · Trail≈33.738, -115.811Map ↗
- 8Jumbo Rocks Campground · Sleep≈33.992, -116.065Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance, private vehicle | US$30 | vehicle | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate. |
| Entrance, motorcycle | US$25 | motorcycle | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate. |
| Entrance, per person on foot or bike | US$15 | person | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate. |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | pass | Covers entry to this and other federal fee areas for a year; price for 2026 — check current rate. |
| Camping, developed campground | US$15–25 | night | Per site; some sites need a reservation (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entrance permit or guide
Overnight backcountry camping permit or guide
Climbing in wilderness areas no permit
Park rules
- Water
- Carry plenty of water per person per day; there is no reliable drinking water on the trails. Check the current NPS guidance for quantities.check
- Pets
- Check current NPS pet rules: pets are generally not allowed on trails or in the backcountry.check
- Campfires
- Check current NPS fire rules; fires are generally limited to provided rings in developed campgrounds, with none in the backcountry.check
- Drones
- Launching or landing a drone anywhere in the park is prohibited.check
- Climbing anchors
- No new fixed anchors or bolts in wilderness; check current climbing rules with a ranger.check
- Leave no trace
- Pack out all rubbish; do not stack rocks or take plants, rocks or artefacts.
Where to stay
Near the park
Joshua Tree Village
Motels, rentals and cafés at the West entrance; the shortest drive to Hidden Valley.
Near the park
Twentynine Palms
Cheaper chain hotels and the North entrance; good base for the Oasis of Mara and the east side.
Near the park
Palm Springs
Full-service hotels and the airport, about an hour from the West entrance.
In the park
Developed campgrounds (Jumbo Rocks, Black Rock, Cottonwood)
Basic sites with tables and pit toilets; reserve well ahead for spring weekends.
In the park
Backcountry camping
Free permit, 1.6 km from any road; no water and no fires.Free permit, 1 mi from any road; no water and no fires.
Safety
Heat and dehydration high
Flash floods in washes medium
Getting lost off-trail medium
Spines and bites low
Winter cold at night medium
Accessibility
- Park Blvd, Keys View and the main viewpoints are paved and reachable by car with short, level walks.
- The Hidden Valley, Barker Dam and Cholla Cactus Garden loops are mostly flat but have sand and uneven rock.
- Accessible campsites and toilets exist at several developed campgrounds (check current list).
Visiting lightly
- Buy water and food in Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms; there is no shop inside the park.
- Do not stack rocks or move them — they shelter lizards and insects.
- Pack out everything, including food scraps, and use the toilets at trailheads and campgrounds.
- In wildflower years, stay on trails so the blooms reseed.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Joshua Tree National Park?
A private vehicle pays about US$30 for a 7-day ticket (2026 estimate); motorcycles about US$25 and walkers or cyclists about US$15 per person. The US$80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers this park and other federal fee areas for a year.
What are the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park?
For a first visit: Hidden Valley (1.6 km, easy), Barker Dam (1.8 km, easy) and the Cholla Cactus Garden loop (0.4 km). Add Ryan Mountain (moderate, 2–3 h) for the widest view, or Lost Palms Oasis (12 km, hard) if you want a half-day desert walk from Cottonwood.
When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park?
March, April, October and November. Days are mild, skies are usually clear and trails are comfortable. June to September is dangerously hot by midday, and July–September also brings monsoon storms and flash-flood risk.
Do I need a reservation to enter the park?
No timed entry reservation is required for normal visits. You pay the entrance fee at a staffed or self-pay station, or buy online in advance. Campgrounds are the part that needs booking — spring weekends fill months ahead.
Can I see the park in one day?
Yes, by car. Enter at the West entrance early, drive Park Blvd east with stops at Hidden Valley, Barker Dam and Keys View, then continue on Pinto Basin Rd to the Cholla Cactus Garden and exit at Cottonwood. That is 5–7 hours including short walks.
Is there water or food inside the park?
No. Bring all your own water — at least 4 L per person per day — and buy food before you enter. The visitor centres have water and flush toilets, but the trails and campgrounds do not.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go