Joshua Tree National Park

Understand

The name of the park is derived from the distinctive Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), a tall-growing plant that grows prevalently in the higher elevations of its boundaries.

History

The area enclosed by the park was declared a National Monument in 1936, a Biosphere Reserve in 1984 and finally a National Park in 1994.

The name Joshua tree was reportedly given by a band of Mormons who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century, the tree's unique shape reminding them of a Biblical story in which Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky. The Joshua tree is also called izote de desierto (Spanish, "desert dagger").

The profile of the Joshua Tree National Park (then a National Monument) was raised significantly in 1987 with the release of the best-selling U2 album The Joshua Tree. (The actual tree on the album cover stood some 200 miles to the northwest, closer to Death Valley National Park; it fell over sometime around the year 2000, but it remains a shrine for fans of the band.)

Landscape

Two deserts, two large ecosystems whose characteristics are determined primarily by elevation, come together at Joshua Tree National Park. Below 3,000 ft, the Colorado Desert encompasses the eastern part of the park and features natural gardens of creosote bush, ocotillo, and cholla cactus. The higher, moister, and slightly cooler Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the Joshua tree. In addition to Joshua tree forests, the western part of the park also includes some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California's deserts. Five fan palm oases also dot the park, indicating those few areas where water occurs naturally and wildlife abounds.

Flora and fauna

While it may at first appear lifeless, the desert supports myriads of creatures that become active during the evening and early morning. Coyotes are commonly seen near the park roads making their rounds. Jackrabbits and the shy kangaroo rats emerge from their dens in the evenings to forage. Bobcats are less frequently seen, but a lucky traveler might catch one silhouetted against the moonlight. Birds in the park include burrowing owls, vultures, golden eagles, and roadrunners. Desert tortoise, lizards, tarantulas, and rattlesnakes may be found among the rocks.

The desert floor will blossom with springtime wildflowers in numerous varieties and can produce extraordinarily colorful displays, especially following wet winters. What blooms when varies upon water, elevation, temperature and season. (See also: Do: Wildflower viewing section within this article).

Climate

Days are typically clear with less than 25 percent humidity. Temperatures are most comfortable in the spring and fall, with an average high/low of 85 and 50°F (29 and 10°C) respectively. Winter brings cooler days, typically 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) until the early hours of the morning.

Visitor information

• Park website

There are four visitor centers: two inside the park, and two in towns just outside of the park:

Get in

By car

Joshua Tree National Park is 140 mi (230 km) east of Los Angeles, 185 mi (300 km) south of Las Vegas, and 230 mi (370 km) west of Phoenix.

Entrances along the north park boundary are at Joshua Tree Village (west entrance) and the city of Twentynine Palms (north entrance). From the west (Palm Springs, Los Angeles) these entrances can be reached via Interstate 10 to California State Route 62 (CA 62, also known as Twentynine Palms Highway).

The south entrance at Cottonwood Spring is along I-10, east of Indio (25 mi / 40 km) and west of Blythe (80 mi / 130 km) and the Arizona-California border.

The park is the closest national park to Los Angeles and San Diego. On weekend and holiday mornings there are often lines into the park at the West entrance (in Joshua Tree Village) and the South entrance (from I-10).

By plane

The nearest airport with passenger service:

• Palm Springs:

Or you can fly into nearby airports and make a road trip to the park:

• Ontario: Ontario Airport (ONT – 70 mi from ONT to Palm Springs.
• Los Angeles: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 120 mi (190 km) from LAX to Palm Springs.
• San Diego: San Diego Airport (SAN) – 150 mi (240 km) from SAN to Palm Springs.

By train

Palm Springs is also the nearest city with an Amtrak station, served by the Sunset Limited (Los Angeles-New Orleans) route.

Fees and permits

Entrances fees are valid for seven days, allowing unlimited re-entry for the week. Fees as of 2022 are:

• $15 - individual on foot/bike
• $25 - motorcycle
• $30 - private vehicle
• $55 - Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass (good for 12 months, covers the entrance fee for the pass signee and accompanying passengers entering in a single, non-commercial vehicle)

Get around

By car

The main roads through the park are paved and easily accessible to passenger vehicles. Several backcountry roads through the park may also be passable by normal sedans, although conditions often require high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles: check at the ranger stations for current road conditions.

By foot

There are numerous trails throughout the park. Be sure to carry and drink lots of water while hiking.

By bike

Many of the park trails and roads are excellent for mountain biking : check at a ranger station for options.

Stay safe

By far, the greatest danger in this park is the weather. Due to the high desert environment, it will be blazing hot during the day and temperatures may drop to freezing during the night. Top medical issues for visitors include both hyperthermia (body temperature too hot) and hypothermia (body temperature too cold).

Do not hike without adequate water. One gallon per person per day is the minimum recommended amount. Wear sunscreen, dress in layers, and take all other precautions when dealing with a desert environment. Be aware that even a tiny amount of rain can cause flash flooding; avoid canyons and drainage areas during severe weather.

Other dangers within the park include rattlesnakes, abandoned mines, and the numerous prickly and thorny desert plants. In general, snakes can be avoided by being careful when in rocky areas. Mines can be found throughout the park, and while most have been sealed over, open mines can still be found. Do not enter mines: most of these areas are over 100 years old and are extremely dangerous.

Flash flooding can quickly occur in low-lying areas, even if it's not raining in the immediate vicinity. Get out quickly, no matter if you are on foot or in a vehicle.

If you are going a significant distance on any of the unpaved roads, phone a friend who is not part of your party and tell them where you are going, when you will be back, when you will phone them again to tell them you are safe. Provide them with emergency numbers to call: +1 909-383-5651 (park dispatch).

There is no cellular phone service throughout most of the park. Where there is service, it is patchy and unreliable as with most wilderness and remote areas, so don't count on being able to use it in an emergency. You may be able to call 911 from some locations, but there is no guarantee. However, in an emergency always try 911: even if you have no service it may connect with another carrier.

If using maps on your phone, download maps before you go. Take a paper map with you – and know how to read it.

Go next

• Salton Sea, south — California's largest lake, formed when an irrigation canal burst in 1905 and flooded the Salton Basin for more than a year. This unusual area is home to geothermal features, a wildlife refuge, the partially built resort community of Salton City, and the "profoundly strange" artwork of Salvation Mountain in the squatter town of Slab City.
• Twentynine Palms, north — On the park's northern boundary, this small city has lodging, food and supplies for park visitors, and is home to the largest US Marine Corps Base.
• Joshua Tree Village, north — Also on the park's northern boundary, this small town also has lodging, food and supplies for park visitors.
• Palm Springs, west — A desert oasis southwest of the park, Palm Springs offers resorts, golfing, dining, and other escapes for travelers.
• Mojave National Preserve, north — Sand dunes, mountain ranges, and mesas with three types of deserts: the Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran; in the Mojave Desert north of Joshua Tree.
• Death Valley National Park, north — Yet another desert landscape, with the lowest elevation in the Western Hemisphere and hottest recorded temperature; further north of Mojave National Preserve.