Joshua Tree National Park
Overview
Joshua Tree National Park boasts an impressive, vast, and unique landscape. Its 800,000 acres encompass two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado. Visitors will find some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California's deserts, ranging from rugged mountains of twisted rock to exposed granite monoliths that testify to the tremendous earth forces that shaped and formed this land. Playas, arroyos, bajadas, alluvial fans, pediments, desert varnish, granites, aplite, and gneiss interact to form a giant mosaic of stunning beauty and complexity. A fascinating variety of plants and animals also make their home in this 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!
To learn more about Joshua Tree National Park, visit nps.gov/jotr
Local Info
Visitor Centers:
- Joshua Tree Visitor Center: Open 8 am to 5 pm, daily.
- Oasis Visitor Center: Open 8:30 am to 5 pm, daily.
- Cottonwoood Visitor Center: Open 8:30 am to 4 pm, daily.
- Black Rock Nature Center: Open 8 am to 4 pm, October through May.
Visiting Tips
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Visitation typically increases during the more moderate temperatures in the fall, peaks during the spring wildflower season, and declines during the heat of summer.
Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.
Camping & Lodging
Camping:
There are nine campgrounds located in the park. Most campsites are now only by reservation. Group campsites should be reserved in advance via recreation.gov. It is very likely for campgrounds to fill on weekends from fall through spring. To learn more about camping in the park, visit the park's website.
The only first come, first served campgrounds are White Tank, Belle, and Hidden Valley.
- White Tank Campground: 15 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis.
- Jumbo Rocks Campground: 124 sites. Reservation only.
- Belle Campground: 18 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis.
- Ryan Campground: 31 sites. Reservation only.
- Hidden Valley Campground: 44 sites.Available on a first come, first served basis.
- Indian Cove Campground: 101 sites. Reservation only.
- Black Rock Campground: 99 sites. Reservation only.
- Sheep Pass Group Campground: 6 sites. Reservation only.
- Cottonwood Campground: 62 sites. Reservation only.
Backcountry Camping:
Backcountry camping is also an option for those looking to extend their stay in the park. Visit the park's website to learn more about backcountry camping rules and regulations.
Lodging:
There is no lodging available within Joshua Tree National Park. However, there are many options in the nearby towns. For more, information click here.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants or grocery stores located in the park. A variety of dining options can be found in the nearby towns of 29 Palms, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, and Indio.
Other Activities
Joshua Tree National Park is home to a multitude of outdoor activities. Recreational opportunities include backpacking, camping, bird-watching, horseback riding, photography, stargazing, and wildflower viewing. No matter your interest, this beautiful desert park is sure to exceed your expectations whether you're planning your first visit to a national park or your fiftieth. Additionally, be sure to check out the world-class rock climbing and bouldering in the park. For those looking to extend their adventure beyond the park, check out the opportunities for mountain biking up the road in Palm Springs.
Maps & Guidebooks
To download a variety of free maps and brochures to help plan your trip, click here.
Gems in Joshua Tree National Park - 10
Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Gems
Recommended Routes in Joshua Tree National Park - 14
Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Recommended Routes
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
1.0 mi 1.7 km • 112' Up 34.11 m Up • 111' Down 33.97 m Down
Ryan Mountain Trail
2.9 mi 4.7 km • 1,029' Up 313.74 m Up • 1,028' Down 313.4 m Down
Barker Dam Nature Trail
1.3 mi 2.1 km • 49' Up 14.81 m Up • 48' Down 14.77 m Down
Lost Palms Oasis
7.3 mi 11.8 km • 1,012' Up 308.33 m Up • 1,011' Down 308.17 m Down
Lost Horse Mine Loop
6.4 mi 10.4 km • 664' Up 202.44 m Up • 679' Down 206.96 m Down
Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
3.1 mi 5.0 km • 628' Up 191.54 m Up • 629' Down 191.58 m Down
Skull Rock Nature Trail
1.8 mi 2.8 km • 147' Up 44.75 m Up • 147' Down 44.85 m Down
Joshua Tree National Park Running
- 338 Miles 544 Kilometers of Trail
- 14 Recommended Routes
- 10 Gems
- 51 Easy Trails
- 73 Intermediate Trails
- 6 Difficult Trails
Areas Within Joshua Tree National Park
Weather Averages
High
|
Low
|
Precip
|
Days w/
|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Trails in Joshua Tree National Park - 116
Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Trails
8.3
mi
13.3
km
#1Boy Scout Trail
Joshua Tree, CA
|
Joshua Tree, CA | 14 | ||
37.6
mi
60.5
km
#2California Riding and Hiking Trail
Yucca Valley, CA
|
Yucca Valley, CA | 9 | ||
0.9
mi
1.5
km
#3Eagle Cliff Mine
Twentynine Palms, CA
|
Twentynine Palms, CA | 2 | ||
1.7
mi
2.7
km
#4Johnny Lang Connector
Joshua Tree, CA
|
Joshua Tree, CA | 1 | ||
0.3
mi
0.4
km
#5Fan Canyon View
Sky Valley, CA
|
Sky Valley, CA | 1 | ||
2.0
mi
3.2
km
#6Split Rock Loop Trail
Twentynine Palms, CA
|
Twentynine Palms, CA | 21 | ||
2.3
mi
3.7
km
#7Willow Hole Trail
Twentynine Palms, CA
|
Twentynine Palms, CA | 10 | ||
4.9
mi
7.9
km
#8West Side Loop Trail
Yucca Valley, CA
|
Yucca Valley, CA | 10 | ||
7.1
mi
11.5
km
#9Stubbe Springs Loop Trail
Sky Valley, CA
|
Sky Valley, CA | 8 | ||
3.0
mi
4.8
km
#10North View Trail
Joshua Tree, CA
|
Joshua Tree, CA | 6 |
Photos of Joshua Tree National Park - 336
Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Photos