National Park Guide

Joshua Tree National Park

California, US

Where two deserts converge beneath twisted Joshua trees and giant boulder piles under vast starlit skies.

790,636
Acres
52
Trails
1994
Established
3.02 million
Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season
Year-round (best to avoid summer heat)
Entrance Fee
$30 per vehicle
Nearest Airport
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), 45 minutes
Best Months
October, November, December, January, February, March

Highlights

  • Rock climbing in the Wonderland of Rocks and Hidden Valley
  • Sunset at Keys View overlooking the Coachella Valley and Salton Sea
  • Hiking the 49 Palms Oasis trail to a desert fan palm oasis
  • Cholla Cactus Garden glowing golden at sunset
  • Stargazing as an International Dark Sky Park
  • Exploring the historic Keys Ranch on a ranger-guided tour

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

About Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park lies at the ecological crossroads of the Mojave and Colorado deserts, creating a surreal landscape where spiky Joshua trees stand sentinel among enormous granite boulder formations. The park's 790,636 acres offer world-class rock climbing on over 8,000 routes, stark desert gardens, old mining ruins, and some of the clearest night skies in Southern California. The park's proximity to Palm Springs and Los Angeles makes it one of the most accessible desert wilderness areas in the West.

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Where to Stay

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High Desert Motel

$$

A clean, comfortable motel in Joshua Tree village, just minutes from the park's West Entrance. Simple rooms with desert views and easy access to local restaurants.

5 miles from West Entrance$160-280/night
Check on Hotels.com

Holiday Inn Express Twentynine Palms

$$

A reliable chain hotel in Twentynine Palms, serving as a convenient base for the park's north entrance. Modern rooms, hot breakfast included, and an outdoor pool for cooling off after desert hikes.

3 miles from North Entrance$140-230/night
Check on Hotels.com

Ace Hotel & Swim Club

$$$

A hip, design-forward hotel in Palm Springs housed in a converted 1965 motel, featuring vintage-inspired rooms, a DJ-curated pool scene, and a popular restaurant. A stylish desert retreat after a day in Joshua Tree.

30 miles from West Entrance$250-400/night
Check on Hotels.com

Park Details

Highest Point
Quail Mountain, 5,814 ft
Camping
Available
Wilderness Areas
Yes
Pet Friendly
Limited (developed areas only)
Region
Southwest
Established
1994