Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park

Do not miss these epic things to do in Joshua Tree National Park on your next visit!

Things to do in Joshua Tree

Let me start off by saying that I love visiting Joshua Tree National Park! There is just so much to see and do. The park is only an hour from Palm Springs, California, and it is easy to get around. We could see so much in a short period, which made for a great experience. I would say that we just scratched the surface of this park and could have easily spent more time. I suggest you take the time to drive the Pinto Basin Road and see the transition zone between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. Here is a list of 10 things to do in Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park Entrance Fee

7-day single-vehicle park pass - $30.00

7-day individual park pass - $15.00

7-day motorcycle park pass - $25.00

Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass - $55.00

Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder.

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

Explore one of the parks Visitor Centers

Joshua Tree Visitor Center & Cultural Center in Twentynine Palms

This beautiful new information center is near the park's North Entrance, with fantastic educational displays and a nice bookstore you will not want to miss!

For visitors who have been to Joshua Tree in the past, the Oasis Visitor Center is now permanently closed (the one by the Oasis of Mara) but you will be pleasantly impressed with the new visitor center!

They also offer rotating exhibits that celebrate the culture, history, and stories of the Native American Communities.

Open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week
6533 Freedom Way, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
(760)367-5525

Joshua Tree Visitor Center

Located near the West Entrance Station, the Joshua Tree Visitor Center has educational exhibits, restrooms, a bookstore, and a cafe!
Open 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
6554 Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
(760)367-5500

Cottonwood Visitor Center

The small visitor center near the park's South Entrance has educational exhibits, restrooms, a bookstore, water, and picnic tables. They have postcards, t-shirts, and some souvenirs. There is a $5 minimum for credit/debit card purchases. You can buy a park pass at this location.
Open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Pinto Basin Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
(760)367-5500

Black Rock Nature Center

They have exhibits, restrooms, a bookstore, water, and a picnic area.
Open 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed 11:00 am-12:00 PM)
9800 Black Rock Canyon Road, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
(760)367-5500

Watch Sunset

Each sunset in Joshua Tree will capture your imagination! The brilliant reds and yellows cover the sky creating a background that looks magical, throw in some of the parks Joshua Trees in the foreground and you will have yourself an amazing photo that all your friends will be raving about.

Cholla Cactus Garden

Joshua Tree National Park is home to 15 species of cacti including Ocotillo, cottontop cactus, California Barrel Cactus, and the teddybear cholla.

The Cholla Cactus Garden is, without a doubt, one of the top attractions in Joshua Tree. This area is dominated by the famous jumping Cholla Cactus, also known as the Teddy Bear Cholla.

There is a nice ¼ mile loop hike through the middle of this beautiful cactus garden, and they seem to light up around sunset.

Just a word of caution: avoid sandals and stay on the trail. Please do not attempt to touch or rub up against them! They easily attach to you and are very unpleasant to remove. We always came prepared, and my wife even gave minor first aid to an unfortunate victim while we were there.

Ranger tour of Keys Ranch

Keys Ranch is listed as a National Historic Register site in a Joshua Tree National Park remote rocky canyon.

Admission to the ranch is limited to the ranger-led tours, limited to 25 people, and includes a 90-minute Ranger interpretative walk. For a list of upcoming events at Joshua Tree National Park, visit their web page at https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Hike the Bajada Nature Trail

The Bajada Nature Trail is located at the south end of Pinto Basin Road next to Interstate 10. It’s a great ¼ mile loop trail with several interpretative panels describing the Colorado Desert.

There are examples of Ocotillo, brittle brush, smoke tree, and several species of wildlife that can be seen too. There are also breathtaking views of the Cottonwood and Eagle Mountains in the background.

4X4 Tour of Joshua Tree

Make sure you pick up a brochure at the beginning of this 18-mile driving tour starting off Park Boulevard between Jumbo Rocks and Sheep Pass.

In good road conditions, most passenger cars can make the first few miles to stop #9, but the road can be rough and rutted.

Afterward, it is recommended only for four-wheel drive vehicles as deep ruts and soft sand are needed to navigate. There are 16 stops along this dirt road, which takes approximately two hours to complete.

Those who take the road less traveled are usually rewarded with seeing some of Joshua Trees' most fascinating landscapes!

Park Ranger John Pro Tip: Trust me when I say this: getting stuck in the sand can be a long, miserable, and expensive experience. Always go off-roading with a buddy and know what you are doing. Driving in soft sand is entirely different and requires skill, knowledge, and proper tools. If you are not proficient in these skills, please look for a guide to help you have a great experience.

Enjoy Keys View Overlook

The Keys View overlook is perched on the crest of the San Bernardino Mountains. This viewpoint looks down from 5185’ to the expansive Coachella Valley below, including the Salton Sea and windmills.

Looking closely enough, you will find the San Andreas Fault in the valley below. On a clear day, you might see Signal Mountain in Mexico!

Stand among the Joshua Trees

Let’s face it: everyone comes to Joshua Tree to see Joshua Trees! Whether you are a U2 Fan blaring “With or Without You” while cruising down the road or just interested in seeing this Yucca Tree that only grows in the Mojave Desert, they are striking to stand next to. Please keep in mind that Joshua Trees have sensitive roots that can break and die if stressed. Make sure to stay on designated trails, parking lots, and roadways to prevent compaction to soil around these magnificent trees.

I suggest you get out, walk up to them, and get your photo. They photograph beautifully at sunset, too.

 

Wildlife Viewing

Most people don’t think of wildlife when they think of deserts. This is not true, especially somewhere like Joshua Tree National Park, where two distinct deserts meet, known as a transition zone.

The park is home to 57 species of mammals, 46 species of reptiles, 350 vertebrate species, and over 250 bird species have been recorded in the park!

Some of the park's residents include Bighorn Sheep, Chuckwalla, Greater Roadrunner, Desert Tortoise, Desert Iguana, Cactus Wren, Black-Tailed Jackrabbit, kit Fox, Kangaroo Rats, and Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake.

Explore the Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Hidden Valley Nature Trail is a popular trail within the park, giving you a great taste of what Joshua Tree offers. Hikers love the unusually shaped boulders on the trail and in the dayuse area.

The moderate one-mile loop trail in a rock-enclosed valley that has been rumored to have been used by cattle rustlers

Rock Climbing - Bouldering - Highlining - Slacklining

Joshua Tree is a world-class climbing destination! There are over 9000 Routes that include everything from beginners to professionals. If you have never tried but want to, make sure to look below and book a guide to take you out. They provide equipment and will help you pick the perfect route for you.

Even if you don't care to give it a try yourself, it is easy to get caught up watching others!

We found ourselves watching them for quite a while! We then discovered that several companies teach rock climbing here in the park. Now there’s a great excuse to visit Joshua Tree; You can see the park and learn rock climbing too!

Tours available in/near Joshua Tree National Park

4-Hour Rappelling Adventure in Joshua Tree National Park - Joshua Tree offers some of the best rock-climbing in the National Parks System with over 9000 climbing routes! Routes include anything from beginners to pros, and their certified climbing guides will help you choose the route that best fits you. Guides also provide you with all the necessary gear and training, and all guides are Wilderness First Responders.

Private Vacation Photography Session with a Photographer in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park - A professional Flytographer will contact you after booking, and they will help you choose your preferred location. Your photographer can double as a guide, offering travel tips and recommendations. This private, personalized experience provides 15-60 high-resolution photographs (based on the package). We have used Flytographer in the past and had an AMAZING experience!

Joshua Tree National Park Offroad Tour - Do you want to go deep into the park away from the crowds and witness epic views of the Mojave Desert, Joshua Trees, and wild rock formations? If so, taking an offroad tour may be for you! Must be at least 6 years old and includes National Park Fees, bottled water, snacks, and a local guide.

Don't forget to pack

Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water. 

We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips.  Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors. 

Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.

Bring your water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

Sunglasses - I always bring sunglasses with me. I personally love Goodr sunglasses because they are lightweight, durable, and have awesome National Park Designs from several National Parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Acadia, Denali, and more!

Click here to get your National Parks Edition of Goodr Sunglasses!

Binoculars/Spotting Scope - These will help spot birds and wildlife and make them easier to identify. We tend to see waterfowl in the distance, and they are always just a bit too far to identify them without binoculars.

Lodging at/near Joshua Tree National Park

There are no Joshua Tree National Park Lodges, cabins, or Yurts within the park. Here is an additional list of lodging options in Twentynine Palms, California.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms - We have stayed at this hotel our last few visit to the park and it has been great. Free continental breakfast, shopping on site, and laundry facilities are just a few of the amenities provided at Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms-Joshua Tree NP. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a 24-hour gym and a 24-hour business center.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Twentynine Palms - Consider a stay at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Twentynine Palms, an IHG Hotel, and take advantage of a complimentary manager's reception, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour gym. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center are available to all guests.

Oasis Inn & Suites - A grocery/convenience store, a terrace, and a coffee shop/café are just a few of the amenities provided at Oasis Inn & Suites Joshua Tree - 29 Palms. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like hiking/biking. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities and a business center.

Hampton Inn & Suites Indio - provides amenities like free full breakfast and a gym. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Click on the map below for vacation rentals and lodges near the park.

Additional Joshua Tree National Park information

Complete Guide to Joshua Tree National Park - Breakdown of all the information you will need to plan a trip to Joshua Tree National Park!

Epic Guide to Joshua Tree Hikes - Find out the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree, including:

• Arch Rock Trail
• Bajada Nature Trail
• Barker Dam
• Cholla Cactus Garden
• Hidden Valley Trail
• Skull Rock
• Lost Horse Mine
• Fourtynine Palms
• Ryan Mountain & more!

Joshua Tree Camping Guide - Breakdown of each front country campground in Joshua Tree National Park, including:

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

Where is Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park straddles the Colorado and Mojave deserts in southern California. 

Estimated distance from major cities:

Parks near Joshua Tree National Park

• Mojave National Preserve
• Castle Mountains National Monument
• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
• Death Valley National Park
• Channel Islands National Park
• César E. Chávez National Monument

Check out all of the national parks in California, the neighboring national parks in Arizona, Nevada national parks, and national parks in Oregon.

Don't forget to read our Beers Inspired by US National Parks post.