Joshua Tree National Park
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Joshua Tree National Park Travel Guide
Joshua Tree National Park, established in 1994, is a place of unique and iconic beauty. Here, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, you'll find whimsical Joshua trees stretching their twisted arms skyward, massive granite boulders stacked like playgrounds, and a sky so clear it becomes a stargazer's dream. Less than three hours from Los Angeles, this desert escape draws climbers, artists, musicians, and adventurers, all seeking the unique experiences it offers.
Joshua Tree is a desert dreamscape, where twisted trees, towering boulders, and endless stars create a world that feels both wild and otherworldly.
How to Get There
Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms are the main gateway towns. The park has multiple entrances: west near Joshua Tree, north at Twentynine Palms, and south near Indio.
Palm Springs International (PSP, 1 hour) is the closest, while LAX (2.5 hours) serves those coming from the city. Most visitors take a road trip with a rental car.
Nearest Airports: PSP (1 hr), LAX (2.5 hrs)
By Car: Multiple entrances from Hwy 62 or I-10
Pairings: Palm Springs, Mojave Preserve
Know Before You Go
Joshua Tree spans two deserts, experiencing extreme temperature swings—freezing nights in winter and scorching summer days. Pack layers. Entry is $30 per vehicle.
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle
Weather: Wide daily temperature swings
Permits: Needed for group climbing, backcountry camping
Wildlife: Desert tortoises, bighorn sheep
Best Time to Visit
Fall through spring is ideal, with wildflowers in March/April. Summer is dangerously hot, but it also offers a sense of solitude. Nights are always excellent for stargazing.
Best Things to Do
Hidden Valley: Iconic boulder formations and climbing routes
Keys View: Overlook of Coachella Valley
Cholla Cactus Garden: Sunrise through glowing cactus spines
Skull Rock: Erosion-shaped rock near the road
Stargazing: International Dark Sky Park
Best Hikes
Hidden Valley Trail (1 mile, easy): Classic desert loop
Ryan Mountain (3 miles, strenuous): Summit with 360° views
Barker Dam (1.3 miles, easy): Wildlife hotspot with petroglyphs
Lost Palms Oasis (7.2 miles, strenuous): Palm-filled canyon in the Colorado Desert
Places to Stay
Within the park, campgrounds such as Hidden Valley and Jumbo Rocks are popular among climbers. Nearby towns have quirky Airbnbs and retro motels. For luxury, book a glamping stay at AutoCamp or a desert-modern home.
In Park: Hidden Valley, Jumbo Rocks, Black Rock Campgrounds
Nearby: Airbnbs in Joshua Tree town, Pioneertown's Pioneertown Motel
Glamping: AutoCamp Joshua Tree
Places to Eat
Joshua Tree town has a growing foodie scene. Crossroads Café is a breakfast institution, Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown mixes live music with BBQ, and Joshua Tree Coffee Company fuels early hikes.
Breakfast: Crossroads Café, Joshua Tree Coffee Company
Lunch/Dinner: Pappy & Harriet's, La Copine
Casual: Natural Sisters Café (vegetarian)