Joshua Tree National Park

About Joshua Tree

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!

From the National Park Service.

Entrance fees

Park annual pass

This pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. It covers the entrance fee to Joshua Tree National Park for the pass signee and accompanying passengers entering in a single, non-commercial vehicle. Joshua Tree Annual Passes are available at park entrance stations and visitor centers.

Reservations

NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.

Weather and seasons

Days are typically clear with less than 25% humidity. Temperatures are most comfortable in the spring and fall, with an average highs around 85°F (29°C) and average lows around 50°F (10°C) respectively. Winter brings cooler days, around 60°F (15°C), and freezing nights. It occasionally snows at higher elevations. Summers are hot, over 100°F (38°C) during the day and not cooling much below 75°F (24°C) at night.

Hours

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.

Getting there

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.

Campgrounds

• Belle CampgroundFirst come, first served
• Black Rock CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
• Cottonwood CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
• Hidden Valley CampgroundFirst come, first served
• Indian Cove CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
• Jumbo Rocks CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
• Ryan CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
• Sheep Pass Group CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
• White Tank CampgroundFirst come, first served

Webcams

• View from Belle Mountain

Visitor centers

• Joshua Tree Visitor Center
• Black Rock Nature Center
• Cottonwood Visitor Center
• Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center

Alerts

• Park Closure: Geology Tour Road Temporarily Closed
• Caution: Partial Trail Closure of West Side Loop
• Caution: Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure
• Caution: Inaccurate Third-Party Apps

As of October 26, 2026. Current alerts on nps.gov

Sources

Joshua Tree National Park fees on nps.gov. Prices, park information and photos from the NPS Data API, checked October 26, 2026. Photos credited to the National Park Service.