Day Trip: Joshua Tree National Park

Location
Southern California, off Highway 62 and Interstate 10
From Las Vegas
About 215 miles southwest of Las Vegas (NPS)
Entrance fee
$30 private vehicle, $25 motorcycle, $15 per person; valid 7 days
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; no entry reservation
Visitor centers
Joshua Tree 7:30 am-5 pm; Twentynine Palms 8-5; Cottonwood 8:30-4
Entrances
West (Joshua Tree Village), North (Twentynine Palms), South (Cottonwood, I-10)
Services
No gas, food or lodging in the park; no water in the interior

About

Joshua Tree National Park lies in southern California, where two desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, meet. The park service describes rock formations, Joshua trees, dark night skies and a long cultural history. It reports more than three million visitors a year.

The park has three entrance stations. The West Entrance is five miles south of Highway 62 at Joshua Tree Village. The North Entrance is in Twentynine Palms. The South Entrance, near Cottonwood Spring, is on Interstate 10, 25 miles east of Indio.

Elevations range from 536 feet in the far southeast corner to 5,814 feet on Quail Mountain. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Summer highs top 100°F. The historic Keys Ranch can be seen only on a ranger-guided tour.

What to expect

Driving between entrances takes time. The park lists about 45 minutes from the West Entrance to the North Entrance, about an hour from North to South, and about 90 minutes from West to South. Easy walks of about a mile include Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, Arch Rock and the Discovery Trail.

For sunset, the park names Indian Cove, Quail Springs, Cap Rock and the Cholla Cactus Garden. Keys View is popular but can be crowded and short on parking. The gates stay open at night, and Hidden Valley, Ryan Mountain and Quail Springs have designated stargazing areas. Rock climbing is listed among the park's activities.

Plan the trip

Good to know

  • There are no gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores or hotels in the park, and no drinking water in its center. Fill up on fuel, food and water before you enter.
  • Cell reception is very limited. Download the NPS app and save the park for offline use before you arrive. Do not rely on GPS, which can route cars onto sandy backcountry roads.
  • Pets are not allowed on hiking trails except the Oasis of Mara Trail. That trail is partly closed after flooding, past the oasis. Dogs must stay leashed and within 100 feet of a road.
  • October through May is the busy season. Spring and holidays can be very crowded. The park recommends buying a digital pass in advance to shorten entrance lines.
  • You must pay to enter even if you are only driving through to another destination.

Questions about Joshua Tree National Park

How far is Joshua Tree National Park from Las Vegas?

The park service says Joshua Tree is about 215 miles southwest of Las Vegas. It does not give a drive time from Las Vegas. You can reach the park from Interstate 10 or from California Highway 62, the Twentynine Palms Highway. The North Entrance is in Twentynine Palms, three miles south of Highway 62 at Utah Trail.

How much does it cost to enter Joshua Tree?

A seven-day private vehicle pass is $30 and covers everyone in the car. A motorcycle pass is $25, and a pass for one person on foot or bicycle is $15. A Joshua Tree annual pass costs $55. America the Beautiful passes, including senior passes, are accepted and sold at visitor centers and entrance stations.

Is Joshua Tree open at night?

Yes. The park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. When entrance stations are not staffed at night, the gates stay open and you may drive in and out. Stargazing is popular. The park has designated stargazing areas at Hidden Valley, Ryan Mountain and Quail Springs, and you may also use roadside pullouts.

Where can I get water in Joshua Tree?

The park interior has no drinking water. Bottle fill stations are at the Black Rock Nature Center, the West Entrance Station and the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center. Water jugs can be filled at the West Entrance Station, Indian Cove Ranger Station, Black Rock and Cottonwood campgrounds, and Park Headquarters. Bring plenty of water in your car.

What is the best time of year to visit Joshua Tree?

The park says spring and fall are the most comfortable, with highs of about 70 to 85°F and lows near 50°F. Winter days run about 60°F with freezing nights and occasional snow up high. Summer highs top 100°F, and extreme heat is a serious safety risk. The park calls October through May the busy season.