Explore Parks
All ParksExploreActivitiesAlertsNewsroom
This site was made with love by Ben Myatt|API
National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

Park ClosureJan 22, 2026

49 Palms Trail Weekday Closure

View →
Park ClosureJan 6, 2026

Cholla Cactus Garden Trail Closed

View →
CautionDec 9, 2025

Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure

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

Quail Springs area at sunset

Photo: NPS / Emily Hassell

About

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!

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingClimbingRock ClimbingFood
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horse Camping (see also camping)
Horseback Riding
Junior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

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.

Get directions →

Weather

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.

News

Jan 8, 2026

Joshua Tree National Park west entrance to close for Jan. 12-17 construction

The west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, including the restrooms, will close to inbound and outbound traffic from 6 a.m., Jan. 12 through 7 a.m., Jan. 17. 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. 

Dec 1, 2025

Joshua Tree National Park west entrance to close for Dec. 3-5 construction

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.

Sep 28, 2025

Tourism to Joshua Tree National Park contributes $214 million to local economy

A new National Park Service report shows that more than 2.9 visitors to Joshua Tree National Park in 2024 spent $179 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $214 million.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$25.00
Entrance - Per Person$15.00