Guide to Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

The area that is now Joshua Tree National Park wasn’t always a desert. During the Great Ice Age, also known as the Pleistocene Epoch, there were rivers and lakes as well as Columbian mammoths, camels, saber-toothed cats, and giant ground sloths. While the destination that we’re able to experience today — with its warm, dry climate — is a contrast to what it once was, it’s no less fascinating.

At nearly 800,000 acres, Joshua Tree National Park features a whole host of amazing wonders, including Joshua tree (or yucca) forests, enormous rock formations, a cholla cactus garden, bighorn sheep, and tortoises. It’s these factors and photo ops that contribute to the park’s popularity; in 2023, over three million visitors explored the park’s unique ecosystems. And with this many people making their way to the California desert, it’s important to tread carefully. “The desert is an incredible place, but it’s also fragile,” says Christina Sanchez, the founder of Every Leaf Speaks Botanical Studies. “Every effort we make to respect it helps preserve it for future generations to enjoy.”

Below, Sanchez and Seth Pettit, the owner of Mojave Guides, provide their tips on visiting the park respectfully, as well as the best hikes, campsites, and times to visit.

How to Get There

Most travelers visiting Joshua Tree National Park fly into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). PSP is about 100 miles closer to Joshua Tree than LAX, but the latter offers more flight options and international connections. From the airport, you’ll need to rent a car to reach the park. Just be sure to fill up your gas tank before you embark on your adventure; there are no gas stations within the park.

Know Before You Go

While there are some national parks you can visit without too much planning, Joshua Tree National Park is not one of them. “There’s no such thing as being over-prepared,” says Sanchez. “Always let someone know where you’re going, carry plenty of water, and bring salty snacks, especially when hiking in warmer months. If you have an emergency beacon like a Garmin inReach, bring it along. Visitors often underestimate how easy it is to get lost or injured when venturing off-trail.”

Joshua Tree is home to two major desert ecosystems: the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. “Desert ecosystems are fragile,” says Pettit, and there are a few things travelers can do to limit their impact while simultaneously experiencing the national park to its fullest. For starters, go in with a “leave no trace” mindset. “Ravens, opportunistic feeders, are drawn to human food and litter. Their population growth due to trash leads to increased predation on juvenile desert tortoises, whose shells aren’t fully hardened. By packing out your trash and any you see left behind, you help reduce raven populations and protect this federally endangered species,” says Sanchez. Pets must also be leashed while in the park, and they are not allowed on trails.

And if you’re tempted to take a memento from the park? Think again. “Take photos for memories, not rocks,” says Sanchez. “Removing rocks disrupts the natural environment, as many desert species depend on them for shelter, shade, and temperature regulation. Rocks also contribute to soil stability and protect delicate ecosystems. Taking even a single rock can have a ripple effect on the fragile desert balance.”

When exploring the park, you may come across all kinds of wildlife — including the desert bighorn sheep, tortoises, and rattlesnakes. “Watch the ridges and rocky hillsides for bighorn sheep. They are often spotted at Barker Dam in the warmer months. If you see any, don’t attempt to approach them or try to feed them,” says Pettit. The same goes for the tortoises; in fact, handling them is illegal under the Endangered Species Act. The only exception is for instances where the tortoise may be at risk of getting hit by a car. “If you see one on the road, help it cross safely in the direction it’s heading,” says Sanchez. Just be sure to use gloves or fabric, keep the animal close to the ground, and leave it somewhere shady. If the tortoise voids its bladder, which happens when they get scared, follow Sanchez’s advice so the situation doesn’t become life-threatening for the animal. “Dig a shallow hole, line it with a grocery bag, or fill it with rocks to hold water. Add water to help the tortoise rehydrate. Once it has finished drinking, pack out the bag,” she explains.

As you’re hiking, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and cacti. “Rattlesnakes don’t hear as we do but are sensitive to vibrations, taste, and smell. I recommend stomping lightly and using trekking poles to safely move shrubs when hiking narrow trails and listening for a rattle,” says Sanchez. You’ll also need to take extra precautions along the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail; “contrary to myths, cholla don’t ‘jump,’ but they can easily attach to clothing or skin due to their spiny joints. Be mindful of where you step and sit, as juvenile cacti are often hard to spot,” she adds.

Prior to leaving the park, ensure you’ve taken all your trash with you and give your clothing and shoes a once-over. According to Sanchez, “Humans unintentionally spread invasive species like Saharan mustard, cheatgrass, and red brome by carrying hitchhiker seeds on clothing or shoes.” So dust everything off and double-check the bottoms of your shoes before calling it a day.

And before you go, be sure to check the national park’s website for any trail closures or alerts.

Best Time to Visit

Joshua Tree National Park may be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but the best time to visit is either the spring or the fall. “Spring and fall have always been the best times to enjoy perfect weather in the desert. That’s no secret, though, and in recent years, our little gateway town and the national park have felt pretty crowded during those times,” says Pettit. To take advantage of the nice weather and avoid crowds, he suggests planning your trip for the beginning or end of those seasons. “Late February and late April are probably your best bet,” he adds. If your trip falls during March, you may get to see the Joshua trees bloom; come April, says Pettit, the wildflowers are “epic” and “cactus flowers are usually getting going around the same time.”

No matter when you choose to visit, you’ll want to check the weather ahead of arrival. “Most visitors are surprised to learn how warm it can still be in early fall or how extreme the cold weather can get here,” says Sanchez. “During fall and spring, we often experience Santa Ana winds, and the combination of wind and cold can make it feel much colder than expected. I always advise packing windbreakers, layers, and even a rain jacket to provide warmth against the wind.”

Best Things to Do

Try rock climbing. 

“JTNP is a really unique environment full of otherworldly rock formations that have always enticed climbers,” says Pettit. “Some of them are big and steep, lending themselves to traditional roped rock climbing, while others are lower-angled ‘piles’ that you can simply scramble to the top of.” If you don’t plan on hiring a climbing guide, visit one of the four park visitor centers for additional information.

Go stargazing.

One of the perks of the park being open 24 hours a day? Stargazing. There are four designated stargazing areas — the parking lots of Ryan Mountain, Hidden Valley, Quail Springs, and Cap Rock — but anyone camping or wilderness backpacking will also be able to admire the night sky. Joshua Tree is also an International Dark Sky Park, so there’s a good chance you’ll get a glimpse of the Milky Way.

Attend a ranger program or schedule a guided tour.

Making the effort to learn about the different flora, fauna, and natural wonders within the park is critical to fully understanding the beauty of Joshua Tree. One of the best ways to inform yourself is by attending one of the free guided walks or ranger programs; alternatively, book a guide based on your specific interests. Sanchez, for example, focuses her tours on native and non-native flora, while Pettit’s team at Mojave Guides offers a range of guided hiking and climbing adventures.

Hike through the desert.

“JTNP has a ton of trails, and every time I go hiking here I see new cool things,” says Pettit. So pack your hiking boots, sunscreen, first aid kit, and water bottle — and download the NPS app to access interactive trail maps.

Best Hikes

Ryan Mountain

If you’re up for a challenge, Sanchez recommends Ryan Mountain, a 2.9-mile out-and-back trail with limited shade. “It has a 1,000-foot elevation gain, but the summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the park,” she says.

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley is a popular one-mile hike for anyone who wants to stick to an established route. “There are sure to be plenty of people and rangers around if you should have any trouble,” says Pettit.

Barker Dam

For a quick and relatively easy hike, consider Barker Dam. “A popular spot, this area offers a mix of history and beauty. The dam was originally constructed by early cattle ranchers like the Keys family, and it’s surrounded by stunning rock formations and desert flora,” says Sanchez.

Cottonwood Spring

Sanchez describes Cottonwood Spring as a hike that “feels like walking through a miniature Grand Canyon.” A few different trails start at the trailhead, so you can pick and choose how long you want your hike to be. “With towering walls in the ephemeral wash, it’s a fantastic spot for bird watching and observing diverse desert flora,” she adds.

Places to Stay

Airbnbs

“The Airbnb scene is pretty incredible here, but do your homework and make sure you’re getting something cool,” says Pettit. Opt for a spacious getaway overlooking 100 acres of a Joshua tree forest, a hilltop villa with a heated pool, or a beautifully designed Pioneertown home with an outdoor fire pit, hammocks, and a hot tub.

Hotels

There are no hotels within the park, but the surrounding areas have a number of boutique accommodations to experience during your trip. “The Joshua Tree Inn [and] 29 Palms Inn are funky cool spots that are a good choice if you’re just in for a couple days,” says Pettit.

Glamping

Both Sanchez and Pettit recommend AutoCamp for a classic glamping experience. “Autocamp has a sweet pool, and you sleep in nice new Airstreams with AC, so that’s a nice option in the warmer months,” says Pettit. Plus, each Airstream is outfitted with a kitchenette, luxury bath products, and a flat-screen TV.

Campgrounds

There are 500 campsites within Joshua Tree National Park, and most of them are available by reservation. “Campgrounds in the park fill up quickly in peak season,” warns Sanchez, so reservations — which can be made up to six months in advance on recreation.gov — are highly recommended. Her favorite spots include Ryan Campground and Hidden Valley.

Places to Eat

La Copine

Pettit calls La Copine the “best restaurant in the area.” The menu changes by season, but the New York Times described the offerings as “reassuringly confident food that appeals to both brunching families and retreat-seekers on a cleanse.” Pettit recommends showing up early to get a table, as it’s first-come, first-served, or “be ready to hang out for a bit.”

Crossroads Cafe

“Crossroads Cafe is my favorite low-key spot to get a meal in town,” says Pettit. Fill up on a fried egg sandwich, biscuits and gravy, or huevos rancheros before making your way to the park — and come back for a taco dinner.

Delicias Mexican Cuisine

“For authentic Mexican cuisine, my top choice is Delicias Mexican Cuisine in Desert Hot Springs,” says Sanchez. “It’s a bit of a drive, but absolutely worth it; their cocktails are fantastic.” If you’re traveling in a small group, share the nachos, asada fries, and queso fundido.