From National Parks
Joshua Tree National Park
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.
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Nearby ParkQwest Places
- Mojave National PreserveNational Preserve · Approximately 89 miles away (straight line)
- Castle Mountains National MonumentNational Monument · Approximately 108 miles away (straight line)
- Cabrillo National MonumentNational Monument · Approximately 114 miles away (straight line)
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation AreaNational Recreation Area · Approximately 165 miles away (straight line)
- Lake Mead National Recreation AreaNational Recreation Area · Approximately 169 miles away (straight line)
- Tule Springs Fossil Beds National MonumentNational Monument · Approximately 177 miles away (straight line)
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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…
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!