Joshua Tree National Park is immense, nearly 800,000 acres, and infinitely variable. Two deserts, two large ecosystems primarily determined by elevation, come together in the park. Few areas more vividly illustrate the contrast between ‘high’ and ‘low’ desert. Humans have occupied the area encompassed by Joshua Tree National Park’s nearly 800,000 acres for at least 5,000 years. The first group known to inhabit the area was the Pinto Culture, followed by the Serrano, the Chemehuevi, and the Cahuilla. After the area became a national monument in 1936, local and regional residents were the primary park visitors. As Southern California grew so did park visitation; Joshua Tree now lies within a three-hour drive of more than 18 million people. Since Joshua Tree was elevated from national monument to national park status in 1994, however, greater numbers of visitors from around the nation and the world come to experience Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park is extremely unusual because it is comprised of two very distinct ecosystems, the Mojave desert, and the Colorados. These ecosystems thrive in a beautiful environment that has been shaped by strong winds and torrents of rain. Joshua Tree is one of the most well-known locations in Southern California because of it’s beautiful geologic feature as well as the parks extensive wilderness.

Joshua Tree also has a great shuttle system that has made it much easier to get around the park. Look at our event page for events at the park!

Joshua Tree Info

  • Physical Address

    74485 National Park Drive
    Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-359

    View On Google Maps

    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.

  • Operating Hours & Seasons

    Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day and may be visited at any time of the 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.

    Standard Hours

    Sunday: Open 24 hours
    Monday: Open 24 hours
    Tuesday: Open 24 hours
    Wednesday: Open 24 hours
    Thursday: Open 24 hours
    Friday: Open 24 hours
    Saturday: Open 24 hours

  • Weather

  • Fees & Passes

    Entrance Fee – $25.00

    7-day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days.

    Motorcycle or Bicycle Entrance Fee – $12.00

    7-day entrance permit, per motorcycle or bicycle.

    Walk-in Entrance Fee – $12.00

    7-day entrance fee, per person on foot.

    Non-commercial Groups – Per Person – $12.00

    Per-person fee charged to non-commercial groups entering in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 passengers or more.

  • Visitor Centers

    Oasis Visitor Center

     
    Open: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
    Phone: 760-367-5500
    Location: Oasis of Mara in Twentynine Palms
    Address: 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
    Exhibits: yes
    Available Facilities: water, flush toilets, bookstore, picnic tables

    Joshua Tree Visitor Center

    Open: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Phone: 760-366-1855
    Location: South of Hwy 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) on Park Boulevard in the Village of Joshua Tree
    Address: 6554 Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree, CA 92256
    Exhibits: yes
    Available Facilities: bookstore, cafe, flush toilets onsite; public telephone and showers nearby

    Cottonwood Visitor Center

     
    Open: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
    Location: Cottonwood Spring
    Exhibits: yes
    Available Facilities: water, flush toilets, bookstore onsite; picnic area nearby

    Black Rock Nature Center

     
    Open: October through May
    … Daily (except Friday) 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
    … Fridays 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
    Phone: 760-367-3001
    Location: Black Rock Campground
    Address: 9800 Black Rock Canyon Road, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
    Exhibits: yes
    Available Facilities: water, flush toilets, bookstore, picnic area