Major city · United States
Twentynine Palms29 Palms
Stay 2 nights here if you want the quiet north entrance of Joshua Tree; 1 night is enough if you only pass through on CA 62.
Twentynine Palms is a small Mojave desert town of about 26,000 people on the north edge of Joshua Tree National Park, and it holds the park headquarters and the main north entrance. It sits at roughly 580 m, so winter nights run colder than Palm Springs. Most travellers use it as a base for the park, the murals and the Marine base town, and a car is the only practical way to move around.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (over 38°C (100°F) most days), monsoon storms in Augavoid Jul–Aug (over 100°F (38°C) most days), monsoon storms in Aug
- Airports
- PSP · ONT · LAX · TNP
- Nights
- 2
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.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Twentynine Palms911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- San Bernardino County Sheriff (non-emergency)760-956-5001
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Twentynine Palms, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA quiet desert town and generally safe for visitors.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 760-956-5001 San Bernardino County Sheriff (non-emergency)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPSP Palm Springs International (About 88 km (55 mi) west; the closest passenger airport, roughly 1 h by car on CA 62.).PSP Palm Springs International (About 55 mi (88 km) west; the closest passenger airport, roughly 1 h by car on CA 62.).
- Getting aroundA car is effectively required: the town spreads along CA 62 and the park entrance is a short drive south.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeUS$3–6
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, per personAdd 18–22% tip and sales tax.US$18–35
- Street or quick mealDiner breakfastUS$10–18
- BeerBeer at a barUS$6–9
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekUS$10–25
- Budget bedFamily room or cabin (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$150
- Mid-range bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$280
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$120 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PSP Palm Springs International (About 88 km (55 mi) west; the closest passenger airport, roughly 1 h by car on CA 62.) · ONT Ontario International (About 170 km (106 mi) west; about 2 h by car.) · LAX Los Angeles International (About 250 km (155 mi) west; 2.5–3.5 h by car depending on traffic.) · TNP Twentynine Palms Airport (Small public-use field east of town; no scheduled passenger service.)PSP Palm Springs International (About 55 mi (88 km) west; the closest passenger airport, roughly 1 h by car on CA 62.) · ONT Ontario International (About 106 mi (170 km) west; about 2 h by car.) · LAX Los Angeles International (About 155 mi (250 km) west; 2.5–3.5 h by car depending on traffic.) · TNP Twentynine Palms Airport (Small public-use field east of town; no scheduled passenger service.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Feb
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Mar
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Apr
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
May
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
not flagged
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Jul
Avoid
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
Aug
Avoid
39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C)
Sep
not flagged
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Oct
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Nov
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Dec
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)), coolest Dec (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Jan (3 rain days), driest Jun (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Twentynine Palms: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
3 rd
Feb
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
3 rd
Mar
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2 rd
Apr
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
Jun
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
0 rd
Jul
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
1 rd
Aug
39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
2 rd
Sep
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
1 rd
Oct
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1 rd
Nov
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1 rd
Dec
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is effectively required: the town spreads along CA 62 and the park entrance is a short drive south. There is a limited Morongo Basin Transit Authority (MBTA) bus network with an hourly link to Yucca Valley, where you can connect toward Palm Springs, but it does not cover the park. Fuel up in town before entering the park; services inside are minimal.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Joshua Tree National Park
goDoor to door: 10–20 min to the gate
Drive south from town to the north entrance; park loop roads by car
The main reason to base here; buy or show a park pass at the entrance.
Yucca Valley
goDoor to door: About 20–25 min by car
CA 62 west by car, or the MBTA bus
Larger town with more shops and services; useful for supplies.
Amboy
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive north on CA 62 then Amboy Road
Route 66 stop with the Roy's sign; services are minimal, so carry water and fuel.
Ludlow, California
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Drive north and west via Amboy Road and I-40
Small I-40 stop; combine with Amboy rather than a dedicated trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Along CA 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway)
Most motels and hotels sit on this strip; drive-in access to everything, walkable only in short stretches.
Near the park north entrance
Quieter cabins and inns close to the Joshua Tree boundary; best if the park is your main reason for coming.
Downtown / Adobe Road area
Closest to the murals, restaurants and the Old Schoolhouse Museum; a few minutes by car to the park road.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- US$70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- US$110–180 excl. bed
- High
- US$180+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × US$150 | US$300 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$120 | US$480 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$60 · check | US$60 |
| Joshua Tree National Park entry, private vehicle1 × US$30 · check; valid 7 days | US$30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$90 |
| Trip total≈ US$248 per person per day, bed included | US$990 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; prices shown before sales tax. Flights and park pass excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | US$3–6 |
| Diner breakfast | US$10–18 |
| Casual lunch or burger | US$12–20 |
| Sit-down dinner, per personAdd 18–22% tip and sales tax. | US$18–35 |
| Beer at a bar | US$6–9 |
| Drive-in movie ticket | About US$10 (check) |
| Gasoline, per gallon | US$4–6 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | US$10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat: highs top 38°C (100°F) on many July and August days; carry water and start hikes at dawn.Summer heat: highs top 100°F (38°C) on many July and August days; carry water and start hikes at dawn.
- Winter nights drop near freezing; bring a layer even in spring and autumn.
- Cell signal is patchy inside Joshua Tree National Park; download offline maps before you go.
- The Marine base brings occasional aircraft noise and military traffic; it is not a tourist site.
- Distances between services are long: the next town west is Yucca Valley, about 20 minutes by car.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- San Bernardino County Sheriff (non-emergency)
- 760-956-5001
Pocket card
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Twentynine Palms29 Palms
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- San Bernardino County Sheriff (non-emergency)760-956-5001
Embassy
No embassies here; nearest consulates are in Los Angeles. For US travellers, this is a domestic destination.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- PSP airport → Twentynine Palms, rental car: about 1 h, 88 km (55 mi) on CA 62 (check)about 1 h, 55 mi (88 km) on CA 62 (check)
- MBTA bus, Yucca Valley → Twentynine Palms: hourly service, low fare (check)
- Joshua Tree National Park entry, private vehicle: about US$30, valid 7 days (check)
Say or show
- Where is the park entrance? — Where is the park entrance?
- How far is it? — How far is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is there water here? — Is there water here?
- Thank you — Thank you
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, US$1–2 a drink.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Twentynine Palms. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (over 38°C most days), monsoon storms in Aug · month by month →
- 4 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PSP: last CA 62 drive times field-checked, rental-car fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: CA 62 motel strip, downtown murals and Adobe Road, the park north entrance.
- Place pages with verified hours (Old Schoolhouse Museum, 29 Palms Art Gallery, Smith's Ranch Drive-In) and eat pages with last orders.
- Heat and monsoon fixtures so summer gates can go green or red.