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 www.nps.gov.
Local Info
- 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
Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.
Camping & Lodging
There are nine campgrounds located in the park. Most campsites are available on a first come, first served basis. During the busy season from October through May, reservations may be made for individual or family sites at Black Rock and Indian Cove Campgrounds. Group campsites should be reserved in advance. 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.
- White Tank Campground: 15 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis.
- Jumbo Rocks Campground: 124 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis.
- Belle Campground: 18 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis.
- Ryan Campground: 31 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis.
- Hidden Valley Campground: 44 sites.Available on a first come, first served basis.
- Indian Cove Campground: 101 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis June - September. Reservations can be made October - May, online or by calling 1 (877) 444-6777.
- Black Rock Campground: 99 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis June - September. Reservations can be made October - May, online or by calling 1 (877) 444-6777.
- Sheep Pass Group Campground: 6 sites. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1 (877) 444-6777.
- Cottonwood Campground: 62 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis. 3 group sites. Reservations for group campsites can be made online or by calling 1 (877) 444-6777.
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
Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles
Joshua Tree National Park offers a variety of ranger-led programs that vary by season. All programs, unless otherwise specified, are free and open to the public. To learn more about these ranger-led programs and to see the current events calendar, click here.
REI Adventures:
REI offers over 30 national park trips led by expert guides capable of taking you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems that many visitors never see.
Check out REI Adventures' national park offerings here.
Other Activities
Maps & Guidebooks
Recommended Routes in Joshua Tree National Park - 14
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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 Hiking
- 338 Miles 544 Kilometers of Trail
- 14 Recommended Routes
- 10 Gems
- 52 Easy Trails
- 72 Intermediate Trails
- 6 Difficult Trails
Areas Within Joshua Tree National Park
Weather Averages
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J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Trails in Joshua Tree National Park - 116
Hiking Project is built by hikers 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
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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
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Sky Valley, CA | 1 | ||
2.3
mi
3.7
km
#6Willow Hole Trail
Twentynine Palms, CA
|
Twentynine Palms, CA | 10 | ||
4.9
mi
7.9
km
#7West Side Loop Trail
Yucca Valley, CA
|
Yucca Valley, CA | 10 | ||
7.1
mi
11.5
km
#8Stubbe Springs Loop Trail
Sky Valley, CA
|
Sky Valley, CA | 8 | ||
2.0
mi
3.2
km
#9Split Rock Loop Trail
Twentynine Palms, CA
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Twentynine Palms, CA | 20 | ||
3.0
mi
4.8
km
#10North View Trail
Joshua Tree, CA
|
Joshua Tree, CA | 6 |
Photos of Joshua Tree National Park - 336
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