History

The area enclosed by the Park was declared a National Monument in 1936, a Biosphere Reserve in 1984 and finally a National Park in 1994.

The name Joshua Tree was reportedly given by a band of Mormons who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century, the tree's unique shape reminding them of a Biblical story in which Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky.

The profile of the Joshua Tree National Park (then a National Monument) was raised significantly in 1987 with the release of the best-selling U2 album The Joshua Tree, the cover of which featured evocative black-and-white photography of the Park's landscape and distinctive trees.

Landscape

Two deserts, two large ecosystems whose characteristics are determined primarily by elevation, come together at Joshua Tree National Park. Below 3,000 feet, the Colorado Desert encompasses the eastern part of the park and features natural gardens of creosote bush, ocotillo, and cholla cactus. The higher, moister, and slightly cooler Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the Joshua tree. In addition to Joshua tree forests, the western part of the park also includes some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California's deserts. Five fan palm oases also dot the park, indicating those few areas where water occurs naturally and wildlife abounds.

Flora and fauna

While it may at first appear lifeless, the desert supports a myriad of creatures that become active during the evening and early morning. Coyotes are commonly seen near the park roads making their rounds. Jackrabbits and the shy kangaroo rats emerge from their dens in the evenings to forage. Bobcats are less frequently seen, but a lucky traveler might catch one silhouetted against the moonlight. Birds in the park include burrowing owls, vultures, golden eagles, and roadrunners. Lizards, tarantulas, and rattlesnakes may be found among the rocks.

Climate

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

Activities

Hiking
Trails within the park include:
 • Boy Scout Trail (16 miles / 25.8 km). A scenic trail through the edge of the Wonderland of Rocks that is moderately strenuous.
 • 49 Palms Oasis Trail (3 miles / 4.8 km). A hike to an oasis surrounded by stands of fan palms and pools of water. Moderately strenuous.
 • Lost Horse Mine/Mtn. Trail (4 miles / 6.4 km). Site of ten-stamp mill. The summit elevation is 5,278 feet (1,609m). Moderately strenuous.
 • Lost Palms Oasis Trail (8 miles / 11.2 km) A canyon with numerous palm stands, with a possible sidetrip to Victory Palms and Munsen Canyon that involves scrambling. Moderately strenuous.
 • Mastodon Peak Trail (3 miles / 4.8 km). A trail offering excellent views of the Eagle Mountains and Salton Sea, with a summit elevation of 3,371 feet (1,027m). Strenuous.
 • Ryan Mountain Trail (3 miles / 4.8 km). Excellent views of Lost Horse, Queen, and Pleasant valleys with a summit elevation of 5,461 feet (1,664m). Strenuous.

Photography
The odd shapes of the Joshua Tree, as well as the dramatic geology and desert scenery, makes the park a great place for photographers. As with many areas, photography is best in the early morning and late evening hours.

Rock climbing
The park is one of the most popular rock climbing areas in the world with more than 4,500 established routes offering a wide range of difficulty. Note that there are differing regulations depending on whether a climb is being done within the designated wilderness area or not; check with a ranger for current regulations.

Dining

There are no restaurants or stores in the park, but numerous options are available along highway 62, north of the park, or in towns located to the east and west of the park along interstate 10.

Drink

Water is available from all visitor centers and most campgrounds, and the Oasis Visitor Center also sells beverages. Towns located outside of the park borders offer additional options for refreshment.

Lodging

There are no hotels within the park, but numerous hotels cluster along highway 62 in the towns of Joshua Tree and Twenty-nine Palms.

Camping

There are many campgrounds within the park, but they will often fill well before sunset, especially on weekends. Sadly, as of 2005 there are no longer any free sites, although costs are reasonable at $5 - $10 per night. All campgrounds are open year-round. Note that some sites may be reserved in advance through the National Park Service Reservation System .

 • Belle Campground. A primitive campground located near the North Entrance Station. 18 sites, $5 per night, no water available.
 • Black Rock Campground. Located in the northwest corner of the park, this campground is not accessible from the main park roads. 100 sites, $10 per night, water and flush toilets available.
 • Cottonwood Campground. Located next to the park's south entrance. 62 sites, $10 per night, water and flush toilets. There are also three group sites available for $25 per night.
 • Hidden Valley Campground. Hidden Valley is the first campground after the West Entrance Station. 45 sites, $5 per night. There is no water available and motorhomes and vehicles longer than 25 feet are not permitted.
 • Indian Cove Campground. This campground is not accessible from the main park roads and may be reached only via highway 62 and Indian Cove Road, between the North and West Entrance Stations. 101 sites, $10 per night. Water is available from the ranger station, and thirteen group sites are also available for $20/$35 per night.
 • Jumbo Rocks Campground. The largest campground in the park, located near the junction of the park roads in the northern part of the park. Sites are surrounded by scenic granite formations. 124 sites, $5 per night, no water available.
 • Ryan Campground. Easily accessible from West Entrance Station, a primitive campground with 31 sites, $5 per night, no water available.
 • Sheep Pass Group Campground. Groups only, located along the West Entrance Road. Six sites, $20/$35 per night, no water available.
 • White Tank Campground- Located along the main park road, close to the North Entrance Station. 15 site, $5 per night. There is no water available and motorhomes and vehicles longer than 25 feet are not permitted.

Stay safe

By far, the greatest danger in this park is the weather. Due to the high desert environment, it will be blazing hot during the day and temperatures may drop to freezing during the night. Do not hike without adequate water. One gallon per person per day is the minimum recommended amount. Wear sunscreen, dress in layers, and take all other precautions when dealing with a desert environment. Be aware that even a tiny amount of rain can cause flash flooding; avoid canyons and drainage areas during severe weather.

Other dangers within the park include rattlesnakes, abandoned mines, and the numerous prickly and thorny desert plants. In general, snakes can be avoided by being careful when in rocky areas. Mines can be found throughout the park, and while most have been sealed over, open mines can still be found. Do not enter mines - most of these areas are over 100 years old and are extremely dangerous.

Backcountry

Permits are required for all backcountry camping and can be obtained at the visitor centers. Backcountry campsites must be located at least one mile from the road and 500 feet from any trail. Camping in washes is not recommended due to possible flash flood danger. All water must be carried in as natural water sources are limited and reserved for the local wildlife population. Open fires are also forbidden, and all cooking should be done over portable camp stoves.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Fees/Permits

Entry fee options are as follows: the Joshua Tree Pass, $25.00 for 12 months, vehicle entry $10.00 for 7 days, walk-in entry $5.00 for 7 days. Alternatively, the National Parks Pass can be purchased for $50 and allows free entry to all national park areas for one year.

Get in

By car
Joshua Tree National Park lies 140 miles east of Los Angeles. You can approach it from the west via Interstate 10 and Hwy 62 (Twenty-nine Palms Highway). The north entrances to the park are located at Joshua Tree Village and the city of Twenty-nine Palms. The south entrance at Cottonwood Spring, which lies 25 miles east of Indio, can be approached from the east or west, also via Interstate 10.

Get around

By car
The main roads through the park are paved and easily accessible to passenger vehicles. Several dirt roads through the park may also be passable by automobiles, although conditions often require high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles; check at the ranger stations for current road conditions.

By foot
There are numerous trails throughout the park. Be sure to carry and drink lots of water while hiking.

By bike
Many of the park trails and roads are excellent for mountain biking; check at a ranger station for options.

Attractions

 • Hidden Valley. Located in the northern portion of the park, a short trail leads through boulders to an old cattle rustler's hideout.
 • Barker Dam. Built in the early 1900's to hold water for cattle and mining use, today the area is a rain-fed reservoir attracting local wildlife.
 • Keys View. This overlook, with an elevation of 5,185 feet above sea level, is an extremely popular spot for watching the sunset. On rare clear days the view extends over the Salton Sea to Mexico.
 • Geology Tour Road. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended (but not always necessary, check with rangers) for this eighteen mile dirt road. Along this route are numerous interesting geologic formations and trails.
 • Cholla Cactus Garden. A short walk leads through a thick stand of cholla cactus, noted for its especially prickly exterior.
 • Cottonwood Springs. Located near the south entrance of the park, Cottonwood Springs is a desert oasis that offers a respite from the arid lands around it. Willows and birds are found in abundance near this natural spring.

Shopping

Services within the park are limited, but food, gas, and supplies can all be purchased just outside of the park. Park visitor centers all offer bookstores selling postcards, posters, and books of local interest.

Joshua Tree National Park, California