Joshua Tree National Park
Discover Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a national park in the Southern California Desert. The park encompasses nearly 800,000 acres (320,000 hectares) of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, conserving two separate desert ecosystems at different altitudes. The name of the park is derived from the distinctive Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), a tall-growing plant that grows prevalently in the higher elevations of its boundaries.
Taste of Joshua Tree National Park...
There are no restaurants or stores in the park, but numerous options are available along CA 62 (north of the park) in towns such as Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree Village, and limited nearby options along I-10 (south of the park) in Chiriaco Summit. Joshua Tree Village has a variety of cafes and restaurants. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options in the Village. Every Saturday, year round, the Village holds a farmers’ market. For further options, you would need to continue west from Joshua Tree Village to Yucca Valley and Pioneertown; continue far enough you'll hit Palm Springs. Water is available from all visitor centers and a few of the campgrounds. Towns outside of the park borders offer additional options for refreshment, such as Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree Village and Yucca Valley, all along CA 62. There are no hotels within the park, but numerous hotels cluster along the Twentynine Palms highway (CA 62) in Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree Village. There are nine campgrounds within the park, but they will often fill well before sunset, especially on weekends. Sadly, as least since 2005, there are no longer any free sites. All campgrounds are open year-round. Some of the campgrounds must be reserved in advance through the National Park Service Reservation System. There are also 13 staging areas for backcountry camping trips in the park; these are free but require registration in advance.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Joshua Tree National Park into what it is today.
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 Joshua tree is also called izote de desierto (Spanish, "desert dagger"). 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 actual tree on the album cover stood some 200 miles to the northwest, closer to Death Valley National Park; it fell over sometime around the year 2000, but it remains a shrine for fans of the band.) Two deserts, two large ecosystems whose characteristics are determined primarily by elevation, come together at Joshua Tree National Park. Below 3,000 ft (910 m), 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....
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 50°F (29 and 10°C) respectively. Winter brings cooler days, typically 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) until the early hours of the morning. There are four visitor centers: two inside the park, and two in towns just outside of the park: Joshua Tree National Park is 140 mi (230 km) east of Los Angeles, 185 mi (300 km) south of Las Vegas, and 230 mi (370 km) west of Phoenix. Entrances along the north park boundary are at Joshua Tree Village (west entrance) and the city of Twentynine Palms (north entrance). From the west (Palm Springs, Los Angeles) these entrances can be reached via Interstate 10 to California State Route 62 (CA 62, also known as Twentynine Palms Highway).
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsJoshua Tree National Park is 140 mi (230 km) east of Los Angeles, 185 mi (300 km) south of Las Vegas, and 230 mi (370 km) west of Phoenix. Entrances along the north park boundary are at Joshua Tree Village (west entrance) and the city of Twentynine Palms (north entrance). From the west (Palm Springs, Los Angeles) these entrances can be reached via Interstate 10 to California State Route 62 (CA 62, also known as Twentynine Palms Highway). The south entrance at Cottonwood Spring is along I-10, east of Indio (25 mi / 40 km) and west of Blythe (80 mi / 130 km) and the Arizona-California border. The park is the closest national park to Los Angeles and San Diego. On weekend and holiday mornings there often are lines into the park at the West entrance (in Joshua Tree Village) and the South entrance (from I-10)....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The main roads through the park are paved and easily accessible to passenger vehicles. Several backcountry roads through the park may also be passable by normal sedans, although conditions often require high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles: check at the ranger stations for current road conditions. There are numerous trails throughout the park. Be sure to carry and drink lots of water while hiking. Many of the park trails and roads are excellent for mountain biking: check at a ranger station for options. Due to its dark nighttime skies and the relative clarity of its air, Joshua Tree National Park is a popular spot for amateur astronomy, stargazing, and astrophotography. The east side of the park offers the darkest skies for stargazing. Looking east, the closest major city is Phoenix, over 250 miles (400 km) away. The park is an attractive place to sight and watch birds. The sparse desert vegetation makes birding easier than in most national parks.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels within the park, but numerous hotels cluster along the Twentynine Palms highway (CA 62) in Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree Village. There are nine campgrounds within the park, but they will often fill well before sunset, especially on weekends. Sadly, as least since 2005, there are no longer any free sites. All campgrounds are open year-round. Some of the campgrounds must be reserved in advance through the National Park Service Reservation System. There are also 13 staging areas for backcountry camping trips in the park; these are free but require registration in advance. 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.
Money & Budget
Services within the park are limited, but food, gas, and supplies can all be purchased just outside of the park in Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree Village. Park visitor centers all offer bookstores selling maps, postcards, posters, and books of local interest. There are no restaurants or stores in the park, but numerous options are available along CA 62 (north of the park) in towns such as Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree Village, and limited nearby options along I-10 (south of the park) in Chiriaco Summit. Joshua Tree Village has a variety of cafes and restaurants. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options in the Village. Every Saturday, year round, the Village holds a farmers’ market.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
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. Top medical issues for visitors include both hyperthermia (body temperature too hot) and hypothermia (body temperature too cold). 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.