Visitor Information A-Z
Alphabetical Listing of Important Information
Accessibility
The nature trails at the Bajada, Cap Rock and the Oasis of Mara are accessible. An assistive listening system is available for use during ranger programs with prior notice. Call (760) 367-5500 for additional information.
All terrain vehicles
ATV's may not be used in the park.
Bicycling
Bicycling is permitted on public roads, both paved and dirt. There are no bicycle paths along roads. Bikes are prohibited on backcountry and nature trails.
Bus tours
Several companies offer tours of the park by bus or van. Contact a travel agent for additional information.
Campfires
Campfires are permitted in campgrounds and in picnic areas where fire grates are provided. Campfires are not allowed in the backcountry. Collecting vegetation, living or dead, is prohibited so bring your own firewood.
Camping Information
Visit nps.gov/jotr for individual campground information. Camping is available in the park on a first come, first serve basis; however, Black Rock and Indian Cove campground sites may be reserved. Camping fees vary from $ 10 to $ 40 depending on location and group size. Call 1-877-444-6777 to reserve a site for Black Rock or Indian Cove campgrounds.
Climate
Days are typically clear with less than 25% humidity. Temperatures are most comfortable in spring and fall, with an average high/low of 85° and 50° respectively. Winter brings cooler days, around 60°, and freezing nights. It occasionally snows at higher elevations. Summers are hot, over - sometimes well over - 100°F during the day and not cooling much below 75°F until the early hours of the morning.
Climbing
Motorized drilling is prohibited within park boundaries, and bolting is not allowed in designated wilderness. All fixed protection found in place should be considered potentially unsafe. For more information about climbing in Joshua Tree pick up a climbing brochure at an entrance station or visitor center.
Commercial filming
When filming or photography involves advertising a product or service, the use of models, sets, props, or the use of a restricted site, a film permit is required.
Day-use and restricted areas
Some areas within the park are privately owned; others protect wildlife or historical sites. Entering these areas is prohibited. Day-use areas are set aside to protect sensitive populations of wildlife. They are closed from dusk to dawn.
Dehydration
It is easy to become dehydrated in arid desert environments. Even if you only plan to drive through the park, you should have some water with you. If you are going to camp, we recommend one gallon of water per person per day. If you are going to be hiking or biking, you will want to take along two gallons per person. Drink the water and do not economize. When the water is half gone, it is time to turn back.
Emergency Phones
In an emergency call San Bernadino Dispatch at 909-383-5651. Call collect. A pay phone is located at the Oasis of Mara in Twentynine Palms. You can also find pay phones in the town of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, and at Chiraco Summit (12 miles south-east of Cottonwood).
Environment
Two deserts, two large ecosystems whose characteristics are determined primarily by elevation, come together at Joshua Tree National Park. Below 3,000 feet, the Colorado Desert encompasses the eastern part of the park and features natural gardens of creosote bush, ocotillo, and cholla cactus. The higher, moister, and slightly cooler Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the Joshua tree. Joshua tree forests occur in the western half of the park. The western part of the park is also includes some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California's deserts. In addition, five fan palm oases dot the park, indicating those few areas where water occurs naturally and where wildlife abounds.
Entrance Fees
7-Day Vehicle Permit: $15
Admits the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle. Valid for the day of purchase and the next six days.
7-Day Single Entry Permit: $5
Admits one person, 16 years of age or older, when entering on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or horse. Also the per person entrance fee for individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group. Valid for the day of purchase and the next six days.
Interagency Annual Pass:
$80 Valid for one full year from the month of purchase, this pass replaces the National Park Pass and Golden Eagle Passport. It provides access to Federal recreation sites, including National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Forest Service.. Both are good for 12 months.
Interagency Senior Pass: $10
The Interagency Senior Pass replaces the Golden Age Passport. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over and must be obtained in person. The pass is non-transferable and non-replaceable if lost or stolen.
Firearms and Weapons
Firearms, including fireworks, traps, bows, BB guns, and slingshots, are not allowed in the park.
Food, Lodging, Services
There are no concessions within the park. However the surrounding communities can fulfill most visitors needs. Contact local chambers of commerce for additional information. www.chamber29.com or www.chamber@yuccavalley.org or www.joshuatreechamber.org
Horses
Horseback riding is a popular way to experience the park, but because of the special requirements for horses and livestock in desert environments, you will want to request the site bulletin on horse use within the park before you come.
International Visitors
Information is available at visitors centers and entrance stations in Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.
Keep wildife wild
Feeding coyotes, squirrels, and other animals weans them from their natural food supplies, causes overpopulation problems, and turns them into dangerous creatures as they loose their fear of humans.
Leave No Trace
During your visit, pick up trash around campgrounds and trails. Your actions will inspire other park visitors. For more information click here.
Lost & Found
Report lost and found items to any visitor center or ranger station. A report will be filed and the article returned if found.
Motorcycles
Motorcycle operators must carry a valid state driver's license and vehicles must display valid state license plates. No off-road or trail travel is allowed.
Off-road driving
Vehicles, including bicycles are prohibited off established roads. The desert ecosystem is fragile. Off-road driving and riding creates ruts, upsetting delicate drainage patterns, compacting the soil, and leaving visual scars for years. Plants are crushed and uprooted. Wildlife homes and shelters destroyed, and their food and water supplies are altered and obliterated.
Parking
Park roads, even the paved, main roads through the park, are narrow, winding, and have soft sand shoulders. Accidents occur when visitors stop in the middle of the lane to take a picture or park alongside the road and get out to take a closer look. Park in designated pullouts and parking lots.
Pets
While pets are allowed in the park, their activities are quite restricted. They must be kept on a leash at all times, they must never be left unattended - not even in a vehicle, and are prohibited on trails.
Potable Water
Water is available at the Oasis of Mara in Twentynine Palms, at Black Rock and Cottonwood Campgrounds, at West Entrance, and at Indian Cove Ranger Station. Water sources within the park are not potable and are reserved for wildlife.
Stay out and stay alive
Mining was an important activity in this area and numerous mining sites can be found within the park. If you choose to visit them, use extreme caution in the vicinity of old mine workings. Mine shafts are unstable and are often filled with harmful gases.
Take only pictures
Over 1.25 million people visit Joshua Tree each year. If each visitor took only one rock or one branch from a bush, the park, our natural heritage, would soon be gone. Removal, disturbance, destruction, or disfigurement of anything in the park is unlawful.
Trash
Our dry desert climate cannot quickly decompose such things as orange peels, apple cores, egg shells, and other picnic remains. Loose paper blows into bushes and creates an unsightly mess and 6-pack plastic rings strangle birds. Dispose your trash in a responsible manner and recycle what you can.
Vehicle laws
Park roads are narrow and winding. Some areas are congested. Speed limits are there for your safety and well-being. State and federal laws apply within the park.
Visitor activities
Ranger-led programs are offered on the weekends from mid-October through mid-December and from mid-February through May. Check at visitor centers, at entrance stations, and on bulletin boards for the current schedule.
Visitor centers
The park's main visitor center is located at the Oasis of Mara in Twentynine Palms. It is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Joshua Tree Visitor Center is open 8 am to 5 pm, 7 days and is located in the village of Joshua Tree at 6554 Park Blvd. Turn south onto Park Blvd from Hwy 62. The Cottonwood visitor center at the south entrance (off I-10) is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Black Rock Canyon Campground visitor center off Joshua Lane in Yucca Valley is open September through June, Thursday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; times may vary.
Wildflowers
Spring blooming periods vary with the elevation, the temperature, and the amount of moisture in the soil. You can get up-to-date information by calling one of the wildflower hot lines: Anza-Borrego (760) 767-4684; Living Desert (760) 346-5694; or the Payne Foundation (818) 768-3533.
You are responsible
You are responsible for knowing and obeying park rules. Check at entrance stations, at visitors centers, and on campground bulletin boards to find out what they are. When in doubt, ask a ranger.
Joshua Tree Visitor Center
6554 Park Blvd
Joshua Tree, CA
5 miles north of Park West Entrance
 | ||||
| ||||
Oasis of Mara Visitor Center
74485 National Park Dr
Twentynine Palms, CA
3 miles north of Park North Entrance
| ||||
Cottonwood Visitor Center
7 miles north of South Entrance off I-10
| ||||
Black Rock Canyon Campground Visitor Center, Yucca Valley
From Hwy 62, take Joshua Lane south, right turn onto Black Rock Rd, turn right to visitor center.
