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Joshua Tree National Park

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Joshua Tree National Park

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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!

Activities: Astronomy · Auto and ATV · Backcountry Camping · Backcountry Hiking · Biking · Birdwatching · Bookstore and Park Store · Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Climbing · Food · Front-Country Hiking · Group Camping · Guided Tours · Hiking · Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) · Horse Camping (see also camping) · Horse Trekking · Horseback Riding · Junior Ranger Program · Museum Exhibits · Picnicking · Rock Climbing · Scenic Driving · Self-Guided Tours - Auto · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Shopping · Stargazing · Wildlife Watching

Published entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle

$30 · 7-day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days.

Entrance - Motorcycle

$25 · Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Entrance - Per Person

$15 · 7-day entrance fee, per person on foot or bike.

Published passes

Annual Entrance - Park

$55 · 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.

Published operating hours

Joshua Tree National Park · 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.

Fees, facilities and activities are the 2026-10-03 NPS snapshot. Historical visitation describes recorded visits, not crowding forecasts or present conditions.

Plan your visit

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.

Campgrounds (9)

• Belle Campground
• Black Rock Campground
• Cottonwood Campground
• Hidden Valley Campground
• Indian Cove Campground
• Jumbo Rocks Campground
• Ryan Campground
• Sheep Pass Group Campground
• White Tank Campground

Official NPS information and current conditions ↗