Joshua Tree National Park
Designation: National Park
Location: California
📘 Park Overview
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!
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
From I-10, take exit 117 for CA Hwy 62 toward 29 Palms/Yucca Valley. This will allow you to access the West Entrance, the North Entrance, Black Rock, and Indian Cove. Take exit 168 off I-10 to come in at the park's South Entrance.
Images
Quail Springs area at sunset
Credit: NPS / Emily Hassell
Scrambling to the top of boulders in Joshua Tree can get you a great view.
Credit: NPS/Hannah Schwalbe
The historic Keys Ranch can be visited only on a ranger-guided tour.
Credit: NPS/Kurt Moses
Take in views of the park's iconic Joshua trees and rock outcrops in Lost Horse Valley.
Credit: NPS/Brad Sutton
Kids of all ages can take part in Joshua Tree National Park's Junior Ranger program.
Credit: NPS/Kurt Moses
The wide-open desert of Joshua Tree National Park makes for stunning sunsets.
Credit: NPS/Brad Sutton
Jumbo Rocks Campground is a fun place to explore the park's bouldered landscape.
Credit: NPS/Brad Sutton
Enjoy some of the darkest night skies in Southern California.
Credit: NPS/Lian Law
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
3-Day Weather Forecast
Wednesday, Jul 15
Sunny
High: 106.7°F | Low: 80.4°F
Humidity: 23%
Wind: 16.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 12.1
Sunrise: 05:44 AM
Sunset: 07:56 PM
Moon: New Moon (3%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 77.7°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Jul 16
Sunny
High: 98.7°F | Low: 78.3°F
Humidity: 31%
Wind: 15.9 mph
Rain Chance: 1%
UV Index: 11.9
Sunrise: 05:44 AM
Sunset: 07:55 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (8%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 74.9°F
Cloud Cover: 1%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Jul 17
Sunny
High: 93.1°F | Low: 76.3°F
Humidity: 37%
Wind: 15.7 mph
Rain Chance: 1%
UV Index: 11.9
Sunrise: 05:45 AM
Sunset: 07:55 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (15%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 71.6°F
Cloud Cover: 1%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (4)
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 15 at 1:53AM PDT until July 16 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
Effective: Jul 15, 2026 4:53am
Expires: Jul 15, 2026 6:45pm
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures up to 114
and low temperatures in the 80s expected.
* WHERE...Coachella Valley.
* WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat events.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 15 at 1:53AM PDT until July 16 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
Effective: Jul 15, 2026 4:53am
Expires: Jul 15, 2026 6:45pm
* WHAT...Hot and humid conditions with elevated overnight
temperatures in the upper 60s and lower 70s. High temperatures in
the 90s for inland Orange County and in the mountains below 6000
feet, in the mid 90s to 102 in the San Diego County valleys, and
in the upper 90s to 108 for the Inland Empire expected.
* WHERE...Orange County Inland Areas, Riverside County Mountains,
San Bernardino County Mountains, San Bernardino and Riverside
County Valleys-The Inland Empire, San Diego County Mountains, San
Diego County Valleys, San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, and Santa
Ana Mountains and Foothills.
* WHEN...From 10 AM this morning to 8 PM PDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat events.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 15 at 11:42AM PDT until July 16 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
Effective: Jul 15, 2026 2:42pm
Expires: Jul 16, 2026 1:00am
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures up to 113
and low temperatures in the 80s expected.
* WHERE...Coachella Valley.
* WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat events.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Above average low temperatures will limit
overnight relief from the heat.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 15 at 11:42AM PDT until July 16 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
Effective: Jul 15, 2026 2:42pm
Expires: Jul 16, 2026 1:00am
* WHAT...Hot and humid conditions with elevated overnight
temperatures in the upper 60s and lower 70s. High temperatures in
the 90s for inland Orange County and in the mountains below 6000
feet, in the mid 90s to 102 in the San Diego County valleys, and
in the upper 90s to 108 for the Inland Empire expected.
* WHERE...Orange County Inland Areas, Riverside County Mountains,
San Bernardino County Mountains, San Bernardino and Riverside
County Valleys-The Inland Empire, San Diego County Mountains, San
Diego County Valleys, San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, and Santa
Ana Mountains and Foothills.
* WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat events. Those spending long periods outdoors will be
at greater risk for heat health impacts.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Keys Ranch Tour
Join us on a ranger-led tour and learn about the cultural history of Keys Ranch. Topics may include Native American history, mining, ranching, homesteading, the Keys family, and the site’s transition into a protected historical site.
Location: Keys Ranch
Date: Jan 1, 2026 12:00am to Jan 1, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Stroll
Join a ranger for a 0.4 mile (0.6 km) guided walk. We will learn about various topics like plants, animals, geology, cultural history, and more. Make sure to bring water, closed-toe shoes, and layers for a 45-minute walk.
Location: Trailhead of Cap Rock. There will be limited parking, so plan to arrive 15 minutes early.
Date: Jan 1, 2026 12:00am to Jan 1, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Spring Chat at Cottonwood Spring
Join a ranger for a 0.1–mile (0.2 km) guided walk to a spring–fed oasis. Learn about various topics like plants, animals, geology, cultural history, and more! Bring water, closed–toe shoes, and layers for this 30–minute talk.
Location: Cottonwood Spring Oasis
Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Apr 26, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Jumbo Rocks Campground Program
Relax under the stars in a campground amphitheater while learning about the park's numerous features. Topics vary by ranger and may include wildlife, history, astronomy, and more.
Location: Jumbo Rocks Amphitheater (near site 91). Parking is extremely limited for those not camping in the campground, and may require parking outside the campground and walking. The amphitheater is up a steep dirt hill that may require assistance for those with accessibility needs.
Date: Jan 5, 2026 12:00am to Jan 13, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Jumbo Rocks Campground Program
Relax under the stars in a campground amphitheater while learning about the park's numerous features. Topics vary by ranger and may include wildlife, history, astronomy, and more.
Location: Jumbo Rocks Amphitheater (near site 91). Parking is extremely limited for those not camping in the campground, and may require parking outside the campground and walking. The amphitheater is up a steep dirt hill that may require assistance for those with accessibility needs.
Date: Jan 5, 2026 12:00am to Jan 13, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Cottonwood Campground Program
Relax under the stars in a campground amphitheater while learning about the park's numerous features. Topics vary by ranger and may include wildlife, history, astronomy, and more.
Location: Cottonwood Amphitheater (near A5 and A7)
Date: Jan 9, 2026 12:00am to Mar 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Indian Cove Campground Program
Relax under the stars in a campground amphitheater while learning about the park's numerous features. Topics vary by ranger and may include wildlife, history, astronomy, and more.
Location: Indian Cove Amphitheater. The amphitheater is to the left when entering the campground, near site #41. Walk past the locked gate down the dirt path to the amphitheater. The path is fairly flat, but may require special assistance to those with accessibility needs. Parking is extremely limited to non-campers. You may need to use further-away day use parking areas or shoulder parking, and walk to the amphitheater.
Date: Jan 13, 2026 12:00am to Jan 13, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Campground Program
Relax under the stars in a campground amphitheater while learning about the park's numerous features. Topics vary by ranger and may include wildlife, history, astronomy, and more.
Location: Indian Cove Amphitheater and Jumbo Rocks Amphitheater
Date: Jan 15, 2026 12:00am to Mar 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Astronomy Program
Learn about the universe from Joshua Tree Astronomy Rangers. See star clusters, planets, nebulae, and galaxies from telescope operaters and experience one of the darkest skies in the country!
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Presentation by Astronomy Ranger
A 30-minute formal astronomy program followed by a Q&A and then constellation talk.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Star PartyVolunteer astronomers will have telescopes set up, offering viewers the chance to see nebulae, planets, star clusters, and more!
Location: Sky's the Limit Observatory
Date: Jan 16, 2026 12:00am to Jan 16, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Astronomy Program
Join Joshua Tree rangers at the Sky's the Limit Observatory! Gaze at the stars, see constellations, and learn about universe together.
Note that Wednesday programs include an astronomy talk and a constellation tour, but do not feature telescopes.
Location: Sky's the Limit Observatory
Date: Jan 16, 2026 12:00am to Jan 16, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597
🏤 Mailing Address:
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597
📞 Voice Phone: 7603675500
📞 Fax Phone: 7603676392
✉️ Email: jotr_info@nps.gov