National Park · Pacific · CA
Joshua Tree National Park
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!
Current alerts
InformationAnnual Summer Closures and Restrictions in Effect
The 49 Palms trail along with some campgrounds, facilities, and areas have adjusted availability during the summer. For the full list of changes, please visit our Summer Closures page.
CautionOasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure
Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closed past the Oasis.
CautionInaccurate Third-Party Apps
Some third-party hiking apps are providing inaccurate trail and safety information to users. Please use the official NPS app for accurate information.
Location
33.9142, -115.8398
Key trails & viewpoints
Hike Cholla Cactus Garden
An easy quarter mile hike through a cholla patch along Pinto Basin Road.
Hike Skull Rock
A relatively flat, 1.7-mile loop trail. Hike through the large, granite boulder fields around the Jumbo Rocks area, including one near Park Boulevard that closely resembles a Skull.
Hike Boy Scout Trail
Explore the Wonderland of Rocks on the Boy Scout Trail.
Hike Fortynine Palms Oasis
A difficult three mile hike to a desert oasis.
Hike Barker Dam Trail
Enjoy an easy 1.1 mile hike on the Barker Dam Nature Trail.
Hike Indian Cove Trail
An easy .6 mile loop in Indian Cove.
Hike Hidden Valley Trail
Enjoy an easy one mile hike on Hidden Valley Trail.
Hike Hi-View Trail
A moderate 1.3-mile loop hike.
Hours & fees
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Visitation increases as temperatures moderate in the fall, peaks during the spring wildflower season, and diminishes during the heat of summer. Some areas of the park are designated for day use only. Visitor centers keep separate hours; please see descriptions.
| Monday | All Day |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — $30.00
7-day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days.
- Entrance - Motorcycle — $25.00
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
- Entrance - Per Person — $15.00
7-day entrance fee, per person on foot or bike.
Activities
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Group Camping
- Climbing
- Rock Climbing
- Food
- 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