Major city · United States
Joshua Tree
Spend 1–2 days in Joshua Tree for a quick park entrance, art walk and a night in a local inn; longer only for extensive climbing.
Joshua Tree is a small desert village on the northern edge of Joshua Tree National Park, offering easy park access, a modest arts scene, and a few lodging options. One full day covers the park’s western entrance, the World Famous Crochet Museum and a walk through local galleries; add a night for stargazing or rock‑climbing trips.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Oct–May (cooler desert days, less heat)
- avoid Jun–Sep (extreme heat, limited water)
- Airports
- PSP · ONT
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
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.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
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
Emergency numbers for Joshua Tree911 ▾
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
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 Joshua Tree, 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
- SafetyDesert safety is the main concern: carry water, avoid midday heat, and stay on marked trails.
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
- 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 Airport (≈40 mi west, main gateway for visitors).
- Getting aroundMost visitors drive the 62 mi State Route 62 corridor; limited hourly MBTA bus runs east to Twentynine Palms and west to Yucca Valley.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at local café$3–$5
- Street or quick mealBurger or sandwich$8–$12
- Budget bedJoshua Tree Inn double room, a night, per roomUS$89
- Mid-range bedJoshua Tree Inn double room, a night, per roomUS$120
- High-end bedJoshua Tree Inn double room, a night, per roomUS$180
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$150 · High US$250
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 Airport (≈40 mi west, main gateway for visitors) · ONT Ontario International Airport (≈90 mi west, alternative for car rentals)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Feb
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Mar
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Apr
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
May
Best
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Jun
Avoid
42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C)
Jul
Avoid
45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)
Aug
Avoid
44°C (111°F)111°F (44°C)
Sep
Avoid
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
Oct
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Nov
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Best: Oct–May. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Mar (3 rain days), driest Jun (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Joshua Tree: 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
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
2 rd
Feb
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
2 rd
Mar
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3 rd
Apr
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
May
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
2 rd
Jun
42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
1 rd
Jul
45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
1 rd
Aug
44°C (111°F)111°F (44°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
1 rd
Sep
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Oct
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3 rd
Dec
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
2 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
Most visitors drive the 62 mi State Route 62 corridor; limited hourly MBTA bus runs east to Twentynine Palms and west to Yucca Valley.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Joshua Tree National Park (Western Entrance)
goDoor to door: ≈15 min total
Drive south on Hwy 62, 5 min from village
Short hikes (Hidden Valley, Barker Dam) doable in half‑day.
World Famous Crochet Museum
goDoor to door: ≈5 min
Walk east on Hwy 62, 0.5 mi
Open 24/7, free entry.
Twentynine Palms
cautionDoor to door: ≈30 min by bus, 20 min by car
Bus hourly via MBTA or drive 15 mi east
Limited services; plan if needing supplies.
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.
The Joshua Tree Inn & Motel
From $89/night for 2 guests, private patio, free Wi‑Fi
AutoCamp Joshua Tree
Airstream trailer rentals, clubhouse and pool
Mojave Sands Motel
From $125/night, private patios
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
- $70–$120 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–$200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Joshua Tree Inn double room1 × 1 night × US$120 | US$120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| Car rental (compact, 5 days)2 × US$350 · check | US$700 |
| Park entry fee (per vehicle)1 × US$30 · 2026 estimate | US$30 |
| eSIM data (7 days)2 × US$15 · check | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$118 |
| Trip total≈ US$649 per person per day, bed included | US$1,298 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at local café | $3–$5 |
| Burger or sandwich | $8–$12 |
| Bottle of water (500 ml) | $1.5–$2 |
| Petrol (per gallon) | $3.5–$4.0 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Desert temperatures can exceed 40 °C (104 °F) in summer; carry water.Desert temperatures can exceed 104 °F (40 °C) in summer; carry water.
- Park entrance may have limited parking on weekends; arrive early.
- Check seasonal opening of the World Famous Crochet Museum (hours not fixed).
Emergency numbers
- Police / Fire / Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Joshua TreeJoshua Tree
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulate in Los Angeles (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- PSP → Joshua Tree (rental car): ≈ $30–$45 one‑way, 40 mi, 1 h (check)
- MBTA bus Yucca Valley ↔ Joshua Tree: ≈ $2–$3 each way, hourly (check)
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does this cost?
- ¿Dónde está la entrada del parque? — Where is the park entrance?
- Necesito agua, por favor — I need water, please
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 Joshua Tree. 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: Oct–May (cooler desert days, less heat) · avoid Jun–Sep (extreme heat, limited water) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Car rental at PSP or ONT for flexible park access.
- Book lodging 2 weeks ahead in peak season (Oct–May).
- Reserve climbing permits for popular routes if needed.
Sources
Ask about Joshua Tree
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