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Joshua Tree National Park

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Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is located in southern California, where two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, meet. This vast wilderness features a variety of plants and animals living in a landscape sculpted by strong winds and occasional rain. The park contains surreal geologic features and offers dark night skies. There are 9 campgrounds within the park, and visitors can find visitor centers, such as the Black Rock Nature Center, Joshua Tree Visitor Center, and Cottonwood Visitor Center.

Know Before You Go

Designation
National Park
State
CA
Entrance fee
Private vehicle: $30.00; Motorcycle: $25.00; Per person: $15.00; Park annual pass: $55.00NPS data as of 2026-08-25
Available Experiences
Activities include hiking, scenic driving, wildlife watching, climbing, camping, biking, and horseback riding.
Camping
There are 9 campgrounds available.
Visitor Facilities
Visitor centers include Black Rock Nature Center, Joshua Tree Visitor Center, Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center, and Cottonwood Visitor Center.
Seasonal Considerations
Days are typically clear with less than 25% humidity. Temperatures are most comfortable in spring and fall. Winter brings cooler days and freezing nights.
Operating Considerations
Black Rock Nature Center has listed exceptions for summer limited hours.
Check current conditions on the official NPS site

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Stories & Guides

Joshua Tree National Park: Easy Trails & Scenic Stops

Joshua Tree National Park: Easy Trails & Scenic Stops Plan with current information. Conditions, roads, services, fees, and rules can change. Verify details wit…

Joshua Tree National Park: Family Adventure Guide

Joshua Tree National Park: Family Adventure Guide Plan with current information. Conditions, roads, services, fees, and rules can change. Verify details with th…

Joshua Tree National Park: Packing Guide

Joshua Tree National Park: Packing Guide Plan with current information. Conditions, roads, services, fees, and rules can change. Verify details with the Nationa…

Joshua Tree National Park: 3-Day Itinerary

Joshua Tree National Park: 3-Day Itinerary Plan with current information. Conditions, roads, services, fees, and rules can change. Verify details with the Natio…

Joshua Tree National Park: Don't-Miss Experiences

Joshua Tree National Park: Don't-Miss Experiences Plan with current information. Conditions, roads, services, fees, and rules can change. Verify details with th…

Joshua Tree National Park: Park Inspiration

Joshua Tree National Park: Park Inspiration Plan with current information. Conditions, roads, services, fees, and rules can change. Verify details with the Nati…

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Notes

  • Designation Date: 01/01/1994

  • 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!

Contact

Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597 US

Links

Tags

National Park ServiceCaliforniaNational Park

News

Geology Tour Road Temporarily Closed

Geology Tour Road Temporarily Closed Park Alert · Joshua Tree National Park · 10/12/2026 The park received a significant amount of rain. Due to flooding, Geolog…

Partial Trail Closure of West Side Loop

Partial Trail Closure of West Side Loop Park Alert · Joshua Tree National Park · 10/12/2026 There is a partial trail closure of West Side Loop trail in the Blac…