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 Thermal — roughly 17.2 mi (27.7 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal | 17.2 mi (27.7 km) | 42 min |
| Coachella | 17.5 mi (28.1 km) | 42 min |
| Mecca | 18.2 mi (29.3 km) | 43 min |
| Indio | 18.8 mi (30.3 km) | 44 min |
| Vista Santa Rosa | 21.4 mi (34.5 km) | 49 min |
| Bermuda Dunes | 22.6 mi (36.4 km) | 51 min |
| La Quinta | 25.1 mi (40.4 km) | 55 min |
| Oasis | 25.1 mi (40.5 km) | 55 min |
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.
Parks you could combine with it
- 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, and the closest town of any size is Thermal — about 42 min away.
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.