Joshua Tree National Park

Things to Do Where to Stay Stories

Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Mojave Desert in southeastern California. The park gets its namesake from Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia), which are native to the area. The rock formations, climbing, and camping make this national park an incredible destination. Please remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and enjoy this area respectfully and responsibly. Contact number for the park's visitor's center: 760-367-5500

Top Adventures in Joshua Tree National Park

Photograph the Cholla Cactus Gardens at Sunrise or Sunset

4.3

0.25 mi

The Cholla Cactus Garden is something everyone can appreciate and enjoy. The trail is in total about a 0.25 loop, but you are certainly free to wander around more. Plan on spending at least 30 minutes to an hour enjoying the scenery.If you are a photographer, you will be enthralled by the lighting conditions. The garden is located off of Pinto Basin Roa in Joshua Tree. The parking lot is 20 mil...

Backcountry Camp in Joshua Tree

5.0

2 mi

Backcountry camping can be done at various locations throughout the park (13 different locations). Upon arrival to the park, you will be given a map and can backcountry camp from any of the locations marked with a "B".At these locations you will find a backcountry registration board. It's extremely important that you fill out a registration card at one of these boards with information about yo...

Night Shoot at Arch Rock

4.7

If you're setting up camp, be sure to check out White Tank Campground, which is home to one of the most epic rock formations. The Arch is located here. It's only about 1/2 round trip of walking to this spot. Geology Tour Road offers some flat wide open views of Joshua Trees in all directions. If you're up for it, Hall of Horrors has a whole new meaning at night. Its literally a hall between 2 g...

Camp at Joshua Tree's White Tank Campground

5.0

White Tank Campground is in the perfect spot to get a taste of all that Joshua Tree has to offer. As a central location to nearby hiking and climbing, it is easy to access the various parts of the park. Removed from the border of the park, White Tank doesn't attract as many visitors as the more popular campsites, so it never gets too crowded. Since one site can accommodate up to 6 people, 3 ten...

Camp at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree NP

The Cottonwood Campground is roughly 40 minutes south of the main attractions in Joshua Tree on Pinyon Canyon Rd and is located right next to the visitor center The biggest advantage of this site is that it is less popular than many of the other sites in Joshua Tree. It also has potable water and group sites unlike the other campgrounds.There are also a few beautiful hikes than you can do out o...

Explore the Arch Rock Nature Trail

4.3

0.5 mi / 16 ft gain

This is a rock formation very popular with young crowds at Joshua Tree. The views from this hike are spectacular. If you hike this trail at sunset, the gorgeous colors of the ski are reflected onto the rocks. There is a plaque along the trail detailing rock formations and facts about the parks geology.

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Tours

Outward Bound

Joshua Tree Backpacking and Rock Climbing for Adults

$1,895/person - 7 days

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