Joshua Tree National Park - Get the Facts Before You Go

Covering nearly 800,000 acres in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is a breathtaking convergence of two distinct desert ecosystems—the Mojave and the Colorado. While it may appear rugged and harsh, this fragile land is home to a rich tapestry of geological wonders, rare plants, historic sites, and stargazing opportunities unmatched in the region.

Recommended For

Nature Enthusiasts: Explore vast desert landscapes filled with unique flora and geological formations.

Hikers & Campers: Choose from scenic day hikes to rugged backcountry adventures under star-filled skies.

History Buffs & Families: Visit cultural sites like Keys Ranch and Cottonwood Spring for rich stories and learning experiences.

What to Expect

Location: 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Size: Almost 800,000 acres of protected desert wilderness
Terrain: High desert (Mojave) and low desert (Colorado), rocky peaks, oases, washes, and vast open sky
Visitor Info: Best visited in spring and fall due to summer heat; limited cell reception throughout the park

Highlights

Keys View: Scenic overlook with views of the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, San Andreas Fault, and distant mountain ranges
Skull Rock: Iconic granite formation eroded over time, accessible by a 1.7-mile nature trail
Cottonwood Spring Oasis: Historic oasis with hiking trails, native artifacts, and birdwatching opportunities
Indian Cove: Known for rock climbing, spring wildflowers, and desert tortoise sightings
Covington Flats: Home to some of the park’s largest Joshua trees and pinyon pines, with views from Eureka Peak

Outdoor Activities

Hiking: Trails range from short nature walks to 8-mile round-trips like Lost Palms Oasis and Mastodon Peak
Camping: Designated campgrounds available at Cottonwood Spring, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, and more
Rock Climbing: Thousands of climbing routes in Indian Cove and Hidden Valley
Birdwatching & Wildlife Viewing: See bighorn sheep, golden eagles, LeConte’s thrasher, and desert tortoises
Stargazing: Some of the darkest skies in California for observing stars, planets, and the Milky Way

Geology & Ecology

Joshua Trees: Signature plant of the Mojave Desert, found in the park’s western highlands
Colorado Desert: Home to creosote, cholla cactus, ocotillo, and lower elevation desert habitats
Geological Features: Granite monoliths, desert varnish, playas, bajadas, and more tell the story of ancient erosion and uplift
Oases: Five fan palm oases offer rare water sources and striking contrast to surrounding desert

Cultural & Historic Sites

Pinto Basin: Formerly home to the ancient Pinto Culture
Keys Ranch & Desert Mines: Remains of early 20th-century ranching and mining activity, including Desert Queen and Lost Horse mines
Native American Artifacts: Pottery ollas, petroglyphs, and mortars left by the Cahuilla people
Frijole Ranch & Homesteading Sites: Learn about early desert settlers from the 1930s

Visitor Tips

Prepare for Heat: Bring plenty of water—there are few refill points in the park
Check Trail Conditions: Some areas may be closed during extreme weather or flash flood risk
Stay Late: Stick around after sunset for unparalleled stargazing experiences
Protect the Landscape: Stay on trails, leave no trace, and avoid damaging fragile desert life
Visit Seasonally: Spring brings wildflowers, while fall and winter offer cooler hiking temperatures

Contact & Hours

Joshua Tree National Park
Address: 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597
Phone: 760-367-5500
Website: nps.gov/jotr