Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a desert park in Southern California, about two to three hours' drive from Los Angeles, known for granite boulder piles, forests of Joshua trees and dark night skies.
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Joshua Tree National Park sits in Southern California, in the southwestern United States, where the Mojave Desert meets the Colorado Desert. The park is named for the Joshua tree, a branching yucca that grows in the Mojave and gives the high desert its look. Among the Joshua trees, piles of granite boulders rise up, many weathered into rounded shapes that draw hikers and climbers.
The park is far from city lights, so its night sky is one of the main reasons people come. There is no lodging or gas inside the park and water is limited, so bring your own supplies and book a room in a nearby town before you arrive. Spring and fall are the most comfortable months for walking, because summer days run very hot. Two days gives you time to see the main areas without rushing.
Joshua Tree National Park in five
- The $100 fee does not apply hereJoshua Tree is not one of the 11 national parks that charge non-US residents the extra $100 per person. Non-US visitors pay the regular entrance fee.The $100 parks fee
- Fuel up and bring all your waterThe park has no gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, hotels or water sources in its interior, and cell service is limited. Stock up in Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms or Yucca Valley before you enter.Park essentials
- Pick the entrance nearest your bedThe West entrance is in the town of Joshua Tree, the North entrance in Twentynine Palms, and the South entrance at Cottonwood off I-10 on the Palm Springs side.Greater Palm Springs
- Hike at sunrise from May to SeptemberWeather runs from blistering heat to freezing nights and gale-force winds. Plan walks for early morning in summer and carry layers in winter.Joshua Tree in 2 days
- Book camping or town stays for spring weekendsThe park is extremely busy on weekends, holidays and spring break. Check the NPS campground pages for which sites take reservations, or book a room in a gateway town.Things to do in Joshua Tree
Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park
See all attractions in Joshua Tree National Park
Need to know
- Entrance
- $30 per vehicle for 7 days; $15 per person on foot or bike, 16+ Read more
- Permits
- No timed entry listed on the NPS fee page; check NPS for camping rules
- Season
- Open 24 hours, all year; busiest in spring
- Nearest town
- Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley
- Getting there
- Drive: about 1 hour from Palm Springs, 2–3 hours from Los Angeles
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold nights
- FebruaryMild, clear
- MarchPossible bloom
- AprilWarm, busy
- MayHot
- JuneVery hot
- JulyExtreme heat
- AugustMonsoon storms
- SeptemberHot, easing
- OctoberMild, busy
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold nights
Right now in Joshua Tree National Park
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
16
- Feels like
- 13°
- Humidity
- 36%
- Wind
- 7 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Joshua Tree National Park
01:57 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today19°10°0%Monday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue21°12°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed19°11°0%Wednesday: Clear. High 19°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu20°14°0%Thursday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri21°14°0%Friday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat22°15°0%Saturday: Clear. High 22°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun23°15°0%Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 23°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 0%.
Updated 09:40 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
What's on in Joshua Tree National Park
Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city
Events calendarEvery year
- AprCoachella Valley Music and Arts FestivalGreater Palm Springs, a day trip
Before you go to Joshua Tree National Park
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Rules for Joshua Tree National Park, checked
Plan around Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park FAQ
Do foreign visitors pay extra to enter Joshua Tree?
No. Joshua Tree is not on the list of 11 national parks that charge non-US residents an extra $100 per person. Non-US visitors pay the regular entrance fee, like everyone else.
How many days do you need in Joshua Tree?
One long day covers the main road with a few short walks. Two days lets you add a longer hike, Keys View and the night sky. Spend the third day in Palm Springs or Death Valley.
Is there anywhere to eat or buy gas inside Joshua Tree?
No. The NPS says the park has no gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores or hotels, and no water in the interior. Fill your tank and stock up in a gateway town.
What is the best time to visit Joshua Tree?
October to April for mild days and cool nights, with spring the busiest. Summer highs are extreme and monsoon storms can hit in August. Sunrise hikes are the only comfortable option in summer.
Which entrance should I use?
Use the West entrance from Joshua Tree for the best-known boulder areas, the North entrance in Twentynine Palms for the oasis and Cholla Cactus Garden, and the South entrance from I-10 if you come from Palm Springs.