Joshua Tree National Park


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 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.

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

  • Archeology
  • Arts
  • Photography
  • Farming and Agriculture
  • Ranches
  • Industry
  • Mining
  • Native American Heritage
  • Westward Expansion
  • Homesteading
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Tortoises and Turtles
  • Climate Change
  • Fire
  • Geology
  • Groundwater
  • Freshwater Springs
  • Night Sky
  • Trails
  • Unique Species
  • Endangered
  • Wilderness

Quail Springs Area at Sunset

The sky turns hues of pink and purple over a field of Joshua trees.

Quail Springs area at sunset

Hidden Valley Hiker

hiker looks over Hidden Valley

Scrambling to the top of boulders in Joshua Tree can get you a great view.

Historic Keys Ranch

an historic wood house seen through the missing windshield of an old, rusty vehicle

The historic Keys Ranch can be visited only on a ranger-guided tour.

Lost Horse Valley

Joshua trees grow on a flat plain with boulder outcrops and mountains in the distance

Take in views of the park's iconic Joshua trees and rock outcrops in Lost Horse Valley.

Joshua Tree Junior Ranger

a little girl smiles while wearing a Jr. Ranger hat and badge

Kids of all ages can take part in Joshua Tree National Park's Junior Ranger program.

Joshua Tree Sunset

a fiery sky behind the silhouette of a Joshua tree

The wide-open desert of Joshua Tree National Park makes for stunning sunsets.

Jumbo Rocks at Sunset

people climbing on boulders are silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky

Jumbo Rocks Campground is a fun place to explore the park's bouldered landscape.

Stars Over the Park Entrance

night scene showing stars of the Milky Way over a sign saying

Enjoy some of the darkest night skies in Southern California.