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Joshua Tree National Park

Designation: National Park

Location: California

Visit Official Park Website

📘 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

The sky turns hues of pink and purple over a field of Joshua trees.

Quail Springs area at sunset

Credit: NPS / Emily Hassell

hiker looks over Hidden Valley

Scrambling to the top of boulders in Joshua Tree can get you a great view.

Credit: NPS/Hannah Schwalbe

an historic wood house seen through the missing windshield of an old, rusty vehicle

The historic Keys Ranch can be visited only on a ranger-guided tour.

Credit: NPS/Kurt Moses

Joshua trees grow on a flat plain with boulder outcrops and mountains in the distance

Take in views of the park's iconic Joshua trees and rock outcrops in Lost Horse Valley.

Credit: NPS/Brad Sutton

a little girl smiles while wearing a Jr. Ranger hat and badge

Kids of all ages can take part in Joshua Tree National Park's Junior Ranger program.

Credit: NPS/Kurt Moses

a fiery sky behind the silhouette of a Joshua tree

The wide-open desert of Joshua Tree National Park makes for stunning sunsets.

Credit: NPS/Brad Sutton

people climbing on boulders are silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky

Jumbo Rocks Campground is a fun place to explore the park's bouldered landscape.

Credit: NPS/Brad Sutton

night scene showing stars of the Milky Way over a sign saying "Entering Joshua Tree National Park"

Enjoy some of the darkest night skies in Southern California.

Credit: NPS/Lian Law

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
7-day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days.
$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
7-day entrance permit, per motorcycle.
$25.00
Entrance - Per Person
7-day entrance fee, per person on foot or bike.
$15.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
This pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. It covers the entrance fee to Joshua Tree National Park for the pass signee and accompanying passengers entering in a single, non-commercial vehicle. Joshua Tree Annual Passes are available at park entrance stations and visitor centers.
$55.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Apr 7

Sunny

Sunny

High: 89.8°F | Low: 60.6°F

Humidity: 18%

Wind: 6.5 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 2.2

Sunrise: 06:24 AM

Sunset: 07:11 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (79%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 57.4°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Apr 8

Sunny

Sunny

High: 87.4°F | Low: 53.6°F

Humidity: 28%

Wind: 12.1 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 2.2

Sunrise: 06:23 AM

Sunset: 07:12 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (70%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 55.4°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Apr 9

Cloudy

Cloudy

High: 78.1°F | Low: 45.5°F

Humidity: 44%

Wind: 15.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.8

Sunrise: 06:21 AM

Sunset: 07:13 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (61%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 51°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Skull Rock Trail Closed Park Closure
Sections of the Skull Rock Trail are closed until further notice.
Spring Is Our Busiest Season Information
In March and April, park visitation is at its peak. Campgrounds usually fill early in the day. Consider making arrangements for camping or lodging outside the park. Enter the park at the North or South Entrance to avoid long lines at the West Entrance.
49 Palms Trail Closure Park Closure
The 49 Palms Oasis trail is closed on weekdays so that park staff can repair rain damage. Expect the trail to be closed this weekend (January 24th and 25th) so that park staff can repair rain damage. After this weekend, the trail will return to being closed on weekdays and open on weekends.
49 Palms Trail Open Park Closure
As of April 1st, the 49 Palms Oasis trail has fully reopened.
Pleasant Valley Loop Closed (Geology Tour Road) Park Closure
Pleasant Valley Loop, the loop on the end of Geology Tour Road, is closed.
Cholla Cactus Garden Trail Closed Park Closure
The Cholla Cactus Garden trail is closed until late spring, so that park staff can improve trail conditions.
West Entrance Closure Park Closure
The west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park will be closed to all vehicle traffic beginning 6 a.m. Monday August 25th through 6 p.m. Friday August 29th. Enter and exit through the North or South entrances.
Seasonal Summer Closures and Fire Restrictions Information
As part of its seasonal operations, the park is implementing the routine summer closure of select campgrounds, and the 49 Palms Trail. Parkwide fire restrictions are in effect from June 15 until October 1. No open fires.

More Info

Wall Street Mill Closure Park Closure
Due to the presence of heavy equipment, the parking lot (including bathrooms) and trail of Wall Street Mill will be closed starting from 6 p.m. January 18th to all day January 19th. Expect Wall Street Mill to be open on January 20th.
Black Rock Trailhead Closure Park Closure
From August 25th - September 30th, a portion of the Black Rock Canyon trail will be closed for repairs to provide a safer experience for visitors. Hikers will be directed to a temporary detour. Please respect all detour signs while the project is ongoing!
Extreme Heat Advisory Caution
Extreme heat advisory in effect through March 22nd. Dangerously high temperatures with the potential to reach 104°F (40°C) and cause heat-related illness.
Inaccurate Third-Party Apps Caution
Some third-party hiking apps are providing inaccurate trail and safety information to users. Please use the official NPS app for accurate information.

More Info

Heavy Thunderstorms and Flooding Caution
The park received heavy rain causing flooding inside and along the park boundary. Please drive safety as sand and debris could be present on roadways. At this moment, the Oasis of Mara is closed due to current conditions.
Seasonal Summer Closures and Fire Restrictions Information
As part of its seasonal operations, the park is implementing the routine summer closure of select campgrounds, and the 49 Palms Trail. Parkwide fire restrictions are in effect from June 15 until October 1. No open fires.
West Entrance Closure 1/12 to 1/17 Park Closure
The west entrance is closed for construction from 6am Monday, January 12th to 7am Saturday, January 17th. During this time, visitors can't enter or exit the park through the west entrance. Instead, use the entrances in Twentynine Palms and Cottonwood.
Pleasant Valley Loop closed (Geology Tour Road) Park Closure
Pleasant Valley Loop, the one-way loop on Geology Tour Road, is closed due to flooding damage. The rest of Geology Tour Road is open.
Barker Dam Partially Closed Park Closure
The dam area at Barker Dam is closed from Monday 3/9 to Thursday 3/12. Visitors can still access other parts of the Barker Dam trail.
Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure Caution
Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closed past the Oasis.
Limited Parking and Campsites Caution
Due to record-high visitation numbers, parking lots and campsites are filling every weekend and on holidays. Visitors can expect long lines at both the West and South entrances. Be prepared to drive through the park and find other accommodations.

More Info

West Entrance Construction and Road Closure Park Closure
The west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, including the restrooms, will close to inbound and outbound traffic from 6 a.m., Dec. 3 through 6 p.m., Dec. 5. Park Boulevard will also close to vehicle traffic for six miles from the west entrance to Quail Springs Picnic Area. This closure includes the Maze Loop and Bigfoot trailhead parking areas. Visitors may not drive to or park at these trailheads during the closure. All other park roads are expected to remain open.

More Info

Watch for Tortoises on Roads Information
During and after rain, desert tortoises may come to roads to drink from puddles. Young tortoises are very small and can look like rocks in the road, so be watchful and drive with extra caution to help protect these threatened reptiles.

More Info

Covington Flats Closed July 4 Until the Morning of July 7 Park Closure
To protect sensitive Joshua Tree refugia during extreme fire conditions, the Covington Flats area of the park will be closed during the holiday weekend. The closure area includes Eureka Peak.
Inaccurate Third-Party Apps Caution
Some third-party hiking apps are providing inaccurate trail and safety information to users. Please use the official NPS app for accurate information.

More Info

Geology Tour Road and Upper Covington Road are closed Park Closure
Due to rain and flooding on roadways, Geology Tour Road and Upper Covington Road are closed until conditions improve.
Queen Valley Complex Closed Park Closure
Due to flooding, parts of Queen Valley Complex are closed. This includes Queen Valley Road to Pine City parking and the eastern portion of the Queen Valley one-way. Thank you for your cooperation and check the website for more updates.
Cholla Cactus Garden Trail Closed Park Closure
The Cholla Cactus Garden Trail is closed until further notice.
Oasis of Mara Trail Closed Park Closure
Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closure until further notice.

Park Events

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: Dec 1, 2025 12:00am to Dec 1, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

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: Dec 1, 2025 12:00am to Dec 1, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

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: Dec 1, 2025 12:00am to Dec 1, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Astronomy Evening Program

Attend the Astronomy Evening Program at Jumbo Rocks Campground Amphitheater. This event is open to Jumbo Rocks campers and any visitors interested in astronomy. 

Location: Jumbo Rocks Campground Amphitheater

Date: Dec 11, 2025 12:00am to Dec 11, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Astronomy Evening Program

Attend the Astronomy Evening Program at Jumbo Rocks Campground Amphitheater. This event is open to Jumbo Rocks campers and any visitors interested in astronomy. 

Location: Jumbo Rocks Campground Amphitheater

Date: Dec 12, 2025 12:00am to Dec 12, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

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: Dec 14, 2025 12:00am to Dec 14, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

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: Dec 22, 2025 12:00am to Dec 22, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

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

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

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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