Guide about
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park Offers Visitors The Opportunity To Explore 800,000 Acres Of Breathtaking Terrain, Where Wildlife Thrives In Temperatures Exceeding 100 Degrees.
A Perfect
Weekend for Adventure
Lovers
With its unsettling magical landscapes
Discover
a whole new
world of fun
- Address
74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597
- Phone
+1 760-367-5500
- Opening Hours
Accessible at all hours of the day
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park in southern California is a fascinating blend of the Mojave and Colorado deserts, forming a unique ecosystem. This extraordinary land, shaped by strong winds and occasional torrential rains, is home to a diverse array of plants and animals. Its vast wilderness, dark night skies, rich cultural history, and surreal geological features add to its wonder. Despite its initially barren appearance, the park teems with life. Desert bighorn sheep, black-tailed jack rabbits, coyotes, kangaroo rats, and numerous other mammals thrive here. During winter, migrating birds grace the park’s skies, resting along their Pacific migration route. The park derives its name from the iconic Joshua Tree, cherished by Native American tribes for its practical uses.
Exploring Backcountry Roads
Discover the thrill of Joshua Tree National Park’s backcountry roads, perfect for mountain biking and four-wheel-drive adventures. To preserve the ecosystem and natural beauty, please stick to well-maintained roads, as tire tracks can last for years. Off-road and all-terrain vehicles are not allowed within the park.
Road to Berdoo Canyon
Embark on a thrilling 4-wheel-drive journey from Geology Tour Road to Dillon Road. This high-clearance vehicle road spans 11.5 miles, leading you through the ruins of the historic Berdoo Camp before a straight 3.9-mile stretch to Dillon Road.
Covington Flat Adventure
Experience the beauty of Covington Flat’s dirt roads, offering access to magnificent Joshua trees, junipers, and pinyon pines. Drive 3.8 miles from Covington Flat picnic area to Eureka Peak for breathtaking views of Palm Springs, the surrounding mountains, and the distant Morongo Basin. Extend your trip by 6.5 miles to the backcountry board, a starting point for excellent hikes.
Geology Tour Adventure
Embark on an exciting journey along the Geology Tour road, experiencing a mix of downhill stretches, sandy patches, and bumps. Explore Pleasant Valley on a 6-mile circular route starting from Paac Küvühü’k.
Dale Road: Unveiling the Past
Formerly known as Old Dale Road, this 23-mile route takes you across Pinto Basin’s sandy dry-lake bed, past abandoned mines, and connects to HWY 62.
Thrilling Trails: Pinkham Canyon to Thermal Canyon Roads
Challenge yourself on a 20-mile journey through soft sand and rocky flood plains. A high-clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle and ample supplies are a must.
Discover Queen Valley Roads: Nature's Wonderland
Navigate the 13.4-mile network of roads, surrounded by majestic boulder piles and Joshua trees. Secure your bikes and explore nearby hiking trails for an unforgettable adventure.
Exploring the Backcountry in Joshua Tree National Park
Backcountry camping is a thrilling way to experience Joshua Tree National Park. Here are some essential guidelines to make your adventure safe and enjoyable:
Register at Backcountry Boards: Before heading out, register at one of the backcountry boards listed below:
- Black Rock Canyon Spring
- Covington
- Geology Tour
- Indian Cove
- Juniper Flats
- Keys West
- North Entrance
- Pine City
- Pleasant Valley
- Porcupine Wash
- Turkey Flats
- Twin Tanks
Best Time to Backpack: Plan your backpacking trip during the fall, winter, or spring to avoid the summer heat. Remember to bring sufficient water, as there are no reliable water sources available.
- Prepare and Equip Yourself:
- Bring a map and compass, available for purchase at visitor centers or online.
- Utilize the 13 staging areas provided for backcountry camping. Each location offers parking, information panels, and backcountry permits for purchase.
- Carry an ample water supply, especially in the summer months.
- Campfires are restricted to designated fire rings. Use a stove or bring pre-cooked meals, as collecting wood is not allowed.
Registering your Vehicle: If planning an extended stay, ensure your vehicle is registered at one of the backcountry registration boards. Unregistered vehicles left overnight may face citation and towing.
Travel and Camp Responsibly:
- Preserve the environment by hiking on designated trails, rocks, or washes.
- Choose stable, debris-free areas for camping, away from trails, roads, and water sources.
- Pack out all trash and waste, leaving no trace behind.
- Properly dispose of excrement by packing it out or burying it in “cat holes” at least 200 feet away from water sources, campsites, and trails. Do not leave waste under rocks or in alcoves.
By following these guidelines, you can make the most of your backcountry experience while respecting and preserving the park’s wilderness environment. Enjoy your journey in Joshua Tree National Park!
Camp at Colt Creek State Park to Take in the Great Outdoors
The ideal location to pitch a tent or leave your RV so you can enjoy the great outdoors is Colt Creek State Park. There are six tent-only sites and 27 full-service campsites with 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups each in the campground of the park. Some of the locations may fit rigs up to 70 feet long. A dump station and an easily accessible bathroom with hot showers are also available at the campground.
Campsites 2 and 6 have a flat concrete platform and a concrete walkway connecting them to the bathhouse, making them completely accessible for visitors with disabilities. Additionally equipped with accessibility features are tent campsites 13 and 14, which include a concrete walkway leading from the parking area to a flat concrete pad with a gravel tent pad.
Colt Creek State Park allows pets, but they must abide by all campsite regulations including the park’s pet policy. On sale at the ranger station is firewood. Colt Creek State Park is the ideal location to unwind and take in the great outdoors because to its lovely pine Flatwoods landscape and a variety of services.
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Made a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park and it was amazing. I would recommend trying to spend multiple days here so you're not in such a rush at each place. Lots of unique rock formations and places to boulder. Make sure to bring sunscreen because most of all the trails will be fully exposed.
Austin Moore
Joshua tree National park is one of the best parks I’ve been to. I love that you can cover the most of the must see places in a day and at night you can stay at the arch rock to look at the starts. The park has plenty restrooms At multiple locations. It has 4 visitor centers on each direction. Roads are well maintained. Overall great place for getaway.
Miguel Rojas
We’ll kept facilities and gorgeous views. Plenty of good hiking and rock climbing if you’re adventurous. Entering from the 10 freeway avoids a long line to get in, though that also puts you farthest from the best parts.
Dan Balasses
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