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Joshua Tree National Park

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Overview

Joshua Tree National Park boasts an impressive, vast, and unique landscape. Its 800,000 acres encompass two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado. Visitors will find some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California's deserts, ranging from rugged mountains of twisted rock to exposed granite monoliths that testify to the tremendous earth forces that shaped and formed this land. Playas, arroyos, bajadas, alluvial fans, pediments, desert varnish, granites, aplite, and gneiss interact to form a giant mosaic of stunning beauty and complexity. A fascinating variety of plants and animals also make their home in this 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!

To learn more about Joshua Tree National Park, visit www.nps.gov.

Local Info

Visitor Centers:
  • Joshua Tree Visitor Center: Open 8 am to 5 pm, daily.
  • Oasis Visitor Center: Open 8:30 am to 5 pm, daily.
  • Cottonwoood Visitor Center: Open 8:30 am to 4 pm, daily.
  • Black Rock Nature Center: Open 8 am to 4 pm, October through May.

Visiting Tips

Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Visitation typically increases during the more moderate temperatures in the fall, peaks during the spring wildflower season, and declines during the heat of summer.

Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.
  • Purchase an annual pass for all national parks sites, $80
  • Camping & Lodging

    Camping:
    There are nine campgrounds located in the park. Most campsites are available on a first come, first served basis. During the busy season from October through May, reservations may be made for individual or family sites at Black Rock and Indian Cove Campgrounds. Group campsites should be reserved in advance. It is very likely for campgrounds to fill on weekends from fall through spring. To learn more about camping in the park, visit the park's website.

    • White Tank Campground: 15 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis.
    • Jumbo Rocks Campground: 124 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis.
    • Belle Campground: 18 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis.
    • Ryan Campground: 31 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis.
    • Hidden Valley Campground: 44 sites.Available on a first come, first served basis.
    • Indian Cove Campground: 101 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis June - September.
    • Reservations can be made October - May, online or by calling 1 (877) 444-6777.
    • Black Rock Campground: 99 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis June - September. Reservations can be made October - May, online or by calling 1 (877) 444-6777.
    • Sheep Pass Group Campground: 6 sites. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1 (877) 444-6777.
    • Cottonwood Campground: 62 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis. 3 group sites. Reservations for group campsites can be made online or by calling 1 (877) 444-6777.

    Backcountry Camping:
    Backcountry camping is also an option for those looking to extend their stay in the park. Visit the park's website to learn more about backcountry camping rules and regulations.

    Lodging:
    There is no lodging available within Joshua Tree National Park. However, there are many options in the nearby towns. For more, information click here.

    Food & Drink

    There are no restaurants or grocery stores located in the park. A variety of dining options can be found in the nearby towns of 29 Palms, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, and Indio.

    Other Activities

    Joshua Tree National Park is home to a multitude of outdoor activities. Recreational opportunities include backpacking, camping, bird-watching, horseback riding, photography, stargazing, and wildflower viewing. No matter your interest, this beautiful desert park is sure to exceed your expectations whether you're planning your first visit to a national park or your fiftieth. Additionally, be sure to check out the world-class rock climbing and bouldering in the park. For those looking to extend their adventure beyond the park, check out the opportunities for mountain biking up the road in Palm Springs.

    Maps & Guidebooks

    To download a variety of free maps and brochures to help plan your trip, click here.

    Gems in Joshua Tree National Park - 10

    Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Gems

    gem Favorite Droves of cholla are highlighted by the setting sun at Cholla Cactus Garden. Photo credit: NPS/Brad Sutton.

    Cholla Cactus Garden

    (45) Twentyn…, CA
    gem Favorite Person screen left following trail drops to valley floor, what a view! Boulders, brush and cactus a plenty oh my! This is trail counter-clockwise and start of W side leg after dam wall. About 315pm so facing W rocks are in shadow.

    Barker Dam

    (34) Twentyn…, CA
    gem Favorite Milky Way over Arch Rock

    Arch Rock

    (26) Twentyn…, CA
    gem Favorite The clouds erupt in wonderful colors as we reach the summit of Mt. Ryan.

    Ryan Mountain

    (21) Twentyn…, CA
    gem Favorite Joshua Tree tree.

    Keys View

    (27) Sky Valley, CA
    gem Favorite Skull Rock peeks up through the surrounding boulders. Photo credit: NPS/Robb Hannawacker.

    Skull Rock

    (40) Twentyn…, CA
    gem Favorite To preserve this historic area, visitors are limited to the National Park Service guided tours. Photo Credit: NPS/Lian Law.

    Keys Ranch

    (3) Twentyn…, CA
    gem Favorite View from the trail

    Wall Street Mill

    (8) Twentyn…, CA
    gem Favorite A beautiful rock face to the north west of Ryan Ranch.

    Ryan Ranch

    (4) Twentyn…, CA
    gem Favorite Beginning of the Trail

    Cottonwood Spring Oasis

    (11) Indio, CA

    Recommended Routes in Joshua Tree National Park - 14

    Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Recommended Routes

    Favorite Joshua Tree National Park.
    Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

    Hidden Valley Nature Trail

    1.0 mi 1.7 km • 112' Up 34.11 m Up • 111' Down 33.97 m Down

    Twentyn…, CA
    Explore in 3D
    Favorite The clouds erupt in wonderful colors as we reach the summit of Mt. Ryan.
    Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

    Ryan Mountain Trail

    2.9 mi 4.7 km • 1,029' Up 313.74 m Up • 1,028' Down 313.4 m Down

    Twentyn…, CA
    Explore in 3D
    Favorite Person screen left following trail drops to valley floor, what a view! Boulders, brush and cactus a plenty oh my! This is trail counter-clockwise and start of W side leg after dam wall. About 315pm so facing W rocks are in shadow.
    Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

    Barker Dam Nature Trail

    1.3 mi 2.1 km • 49' Up 14.81 m Up • 48' Down 14.77 m Down

    Twentyn…, CA
    Explore in 3D
    Favorite Beginning of the Trail
    Intermediate Intermediate

    Lost Palms Oasis

    7.3 mi 11.8 km • 1,012' Up 308.33 m Up • 1,011' Down 308.17 m Down

    Indio, CA
    Explore in 3D
    Favorite The fading ruins of Lost Horse Mine.
    Intermediate Intermediate

    Lost Horse Mine Loop

    6.4 mi 10.4 km • 664' Up 202.44 m Up • 679' Down 206.96 m Down

    Twentyn…, CA
    Explore in 3D
    Favorite View from the trail
    Intermediate Intermediate

    Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail

    3.1 mi 5.0 km • 628' Up 191.54 m Up • 629' Down 191.58 m Down

    Twentyn…, CA
    Explore in 3D
    Favorite Sunset at Joshua Tree National Park.
    Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

    Skull Rock Nature Trail

    1.8 mi 2.8 km • 147' Up 44.75 m Up • 147' Down 44.85 m Down

    Twentyn…, CA
    Explore in 3D
    Favorite Droves of cholla are highlighted by the setting sun at Cholla Cactus Garden. Photo credit: NPS/Brad Sutton.
    Easy Easy

    Cholla Cactus Garden Trail

    0.2 mi 0.4 km • 12' Up 3.56 m Up • 14' Down 4.16 m Down

    Twentyn…, CA
    Explore in 3D
    Favorite Joshua Tree National Park
    Easy Easy

    Wall Street Mill Trail

    2.3 mi 3.7 km • 79' Up 24.1 m Up • 79' Down 24.04 m Down

    Twentyn…, CA
    Explore in 3D

    Joshua Tree National Park Running

    • 338 Miles 544 Kilometers of Trail
    • 14 Recommended Routes
    • 10 Gems Gems
    • 52 Easy Trails Easy Trails
    • 72 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
    • 6 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
    Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Share what you know about this area!

    Areas Within Joshua Tree National Park

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    Trails in Joshua Tree National Park - 116

    Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Trails

    8.3 mi 13.3 km #1Boy Scout Trail
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Joshua Tree, CA
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Joshua Tree, CA 14 
    37.6 mi 60.5 km #2California Riding and Hiking Trail
    Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
    Yucca Valley, CA
    Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
    Yucca Valley, CA
    0.9 mi 1.5 km #3Eagle Cliff Mine
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    1.7 mi 2.7 km #4Johnny Lang Connector
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Joshua Tree, CA
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Joshua Tree, CA
    0.3 mi 0.4 km #5Fan Canyon View
    Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
    Sky Valley, CA
    Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
    Sky Valley, CA
    2.3 mi 3.7 km #6Willow Hole Trail
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Twentynine Palms, CA 10 
    4.9 mi 7.9 km #7West Side Loop Trail
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Yucca Valley, CA
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Yucca Valley, CA 10 
    7.1 mi 11.5 km #8Stubbe Springs Loop Trail
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Sky Valley, CA
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Sky Valley, CA
    2.0 mi 3.2 km #9Split Rock Loop Trail
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    Intermediate Intermediate
    Twentynine Palms, CA 20 
    3.0 mi 4.8 km #10North View Trail
    Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
    Joshua Tree, CA
    Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
    Joshua Tree, CA

    Photos of Joshua Tree National Park - 336

    Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Photos

    Returning from an out and back on the Boy Scout Trail
    Apr 23, 2015 near Joshua…, CA
    The clouds erupt in wonderful colors as we reach the summit of Mt. Ryan.
    Feb 23, 2017 near Twentyn…, CA
    The light fades on Ryan Mountain.
    Mar 28, 2017 near Twentyn…, CA
    Droves of cholla are highlighted by the setting sun at Cholla Cactus Garden. Photo credit: NPS/Brad Sutton.
    May 25, 2017 near Twentyn…, CA
    Milky Way over Arch Rock
    Feb 1, 2018 near Twentyn…, CA
    Milky Way and Arch Rock
    Feb 1, 2018 near Twentyn…, CA
    Joshua Tree National Park
    Apr 2, 2020 near Twentyn…, CA
    Sunset at Joshua Tree National Park.
    Apr 2, 2020 near Twentyn…, CA

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