The sky turns hues of pink and purple over a field of Joshua trees.

National Park · California

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree sits where the Mojave and Colorado deserts collide, two hours east of LA. The trees are not trees — they're tree-sized yuccas — and the park's other star is its monzogranite, piled into climbable boulders that look like a giant emptied a toy chest.

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Best time to visit

October through May. Summer is 100°F+ and brutal. Spring wildflower blooms (March-April) are spectacular but unpredictable.

How long you need

Two days. Long enough to drive both deserts and watch a sunset from Keys View.

Don't miss

  • Keys View at sunset for the Coachella Valley overlook
  • Hidden Valley nature trail and the rock-climbing scene
  • Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise or sunset
  • Barker Dam loop
  • Stargazing anywhere — it's a designated Dark Sky park

What people get wrong

Going in summer. Even regulars don't go in July. Also: cell service is basically zero across the park. Download maps and tell someone your plan.

About Joshua Tree National Park

Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a 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!

Things to do

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
  • Group Camping
  • Climbing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horse Camping (see also camping)
  • Horseback Riding
  • Junior Ranger Program

Weather & when to go

Days are typically clear with less than 25% humidity. Temperatures are most comfortable in the spring and fall, with an average highs around 85°F (29°C) and average lows around 50°F (10°C) respectively. Winter brings cooler days, around 60°F (15°C), and freezing nights. It occasionally snows at higher elevations. Summers are hot, over 100°F (38°C) during the day and not cooling much below 75°F (24°C) at night.

Entrance fees

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle

    7-day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days.

    $30.00

  • Entrance - Motorcycle

    Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

    $25.00

  • Entrance - Per Person

    7-day entrance fee, per person on foot or bike.

    $15.00

Operating hours

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Visitation increases as temperatures moderate in the fall, peaks during the spring wildflower season, and diminishes during the heat of summer. Some areas of the park are designated for day use only. Visitor centers keep separate hours; please see descriptions.

Campgrounds

FAQ

Where should I stay?
Joshua Tree town or Twentynine Palms for motels and rentals. In-park camping is excellent but books out months ahead on weekends.
Can I climb without gear?
Bouldering and scrambling on the rocks is part of the experience and requires no gear. For roped climbing, guide services operate out of Joshua Tree town.
How long does it take to drive through?
The main road across the park is about 50 miles between the west and south entrances — plan 2-3 hours with stops.

Related guides

Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Joshua Tree National Park.

Keep exploring

More parks in California.

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