Joshua Tree National Park: planning guide
Mojave and Colorado desert meeting in southern California. Twisted Joshua trees, boulder piles, and clear night skies.
Joshua Tree National Park is in CA, United States. The nearest town is Coachella — roughly 17.5 mi (28.1 km) out, about 42 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: March through May, then October through November. Shoulder season: February and early December.
Summer highs regularly clear 100 °F / 38 °C. Winter is pleasant by day but nights drop below freezing at elevation.
Summer heat is the real hazard, not the crowds. Hike at dawn, skip exposed trails after mid-morning, and never rely on finding water.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Coachella | 17.5 mi (28.1 km) | 42 min |
| Indio | 18.8 mi (30.3 km) | 44 min |
| La Quinta | 25.1 mi (40.4 km) | 55 min |
| Twentynine Palms | 25.5 mi (41 km) | 56 min |
| Palm Desert | 27.8 mi (44.7 km) | 1 hr |
| Cathedral City | 32.5 mi (52.3 km) | 1 hr 8 min |
| Salton City | 34.1 mi (54.9 km) | 1 hr 11 min |
| Desert Hot Springs | 36.6 mi (58.9 km) | 1 hr 15 min |
Before you go
Joshua Tree National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
| Booking | Covers | How |
|---|---|---|
| Joshua Tree National Park Wilderness Backpacking Permits | One hike or backcountry trip | Permit or lottery |
| Joshua Tree National Park Tours and Programs | Guided tour | Timed ticket |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black Rock | Reservable | — |
| Black Rock Equestrian | Reservable | — |
| Cottonwood | Reservable | — |
| Cottonwood Group | Reservable | — |
| Indian Cove | Reservable | — |
| Indian Cove Group | Reservable | — |
| Jumbo Rocks | Reservable | — |
| Ryan | Reservable | — |
| Sheep Pass Group | Reservable | — |
Permits
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Joshua Tree National Park Wilderness Backpacking Permits | Permit / lottery | — |
Where Joshua Tree National Park sits
Official Joshua Tree National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park sits close enough to Constitución 1857 National Park, Death Valley National Park, Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park, and Channel Islands National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Constitución 1857 National Park | 123 mi (198 km) | 3 hr 22 min |
| Death Valley National Park | 177 mi (285 km) | 4 hr 39 min |
| Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park | 201 mi (323 km) | 5 hr 12 min |
| Channel Islands National Park | 202 mi (326 km) | 5 hr 14 min |
Parks close by
- Constitución 1857 National Park
Pine forest, meadows, and small lakes in the Sierra de Juárez of northern Baja California. Cool mountain country above the desert.
- Death Valley National Park
Hot, dry basin and range in California. Salt flats, sand dunes, and colorful badlands; summers are extreme.
- Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park
Pine forest and the National Astronomical Observatory in the mountains of Baja California. Cool high country above the desert.
- Channel Islands National Park
A chain of islands off southern California. Reach them by boat; expect wind, wildlife, and limited services.
Common questions
Where is Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree National Park sits in CA, United States. Coachella, about 17.5 mi (28.1 km) away — roughly 42 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park?
Generally March through May, then October through November, with February and early December quieter on either side.
Can you camp in Joshua Tree National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 9 campgrounds at Joshua Tree National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.