How Long To Visit Joshua Tree National Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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To see the highlights of Joshua Tree National Park, you only need

one day

. If you want to explore the park's backcountry or off-road drives, plan to spend at least 2 to 3 days in Joshua Tree.

How long does it take to drive through Joshua Tree National Forest?

If planned ahead of time, it is possible to see most, if not all of these sights with just one day in Joshua Tree. It takes

less than 2 hours

to drive through the entire park from the West Entrance to the South Entrance and with just 5 stops I have faith you can do it.

Can you just drive through Joshua Tree?


Driving Park Boulevard can be a great way to see a lot of Joshua Tree National Park in a couple of hours

. This drive can be combined with shorts side stops and hikes along the way for longer trips. Park Boulevard will take you by many highlights, rock formations, and Joshua tree groves.

What is the best time of year to visit Joshua Tree?

The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is

March to May and October to November

. Though the park is open year-round, temperatures are most comfortable in the spring and fall, with an average high of about 85 degrees.

Is Joshua Tree worth the trip?


Yes! Joshua Tree is definitely worth the trip

. From unique teddy bear cholla cactus to Joshua trees and boulders, Joshua Tree national park is incredibly diverse. This park has something that everyone will enjoy.

Is Joshua Tree still closed?

Joshua Tree National Park is

open 24 hours a day

and may be visited at any time of the year.

Do you need a car in Joshua Tree?

There are unpaved roads, which are open to visitors, but

you will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access them

. Joshua Tree National Park is testing out a shuttle service geared toward hikers and campers.

Can you drive through Joshua Tree at night?


Yes, you can enter Joshua Tree at night

. If you're visiting Joshua Tree National Park to feast on the stars, we have good news for you — the park gates are open 24/7, and anyone can drive in or out of the park regardless of where they're staying.

Can you drive through Joshua Tree for free?

Joshua Tree National Park has had an entrance fee since 1991. The current rate of $25 per vehicle or $12 per motorcycle has been in effect since 2016. The park is one of 117 in the National Park System that charges an entrance fee.

The remaining 300 sites are free to enter

.

How long is Park Boulevard in Joshua Tree?

Park Boulevard is a very scenic loop drive located in the Joshua Tree National Park, in Southern California, USA. If you have time only for a short visit in the park, driving Park Boulevard is your best choice. This desert scenic drive through the park is

34.6 miles

long.

What is the best part of Joshua Tree National Park?


The Hidden Valley area

of Joshua is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible areas of the park. It's perfect if you are looking to do a short hike or simply wander among the trees and rock formations.

What is the best entrance to Joshua Tree National Park?

  • West (Main) Entrance. Located off Hwy 62, in Joshua Tree @ Park Blvd. …
  • North Entrance. Located off Hwy 62, in 29 Palms (You'll see the signs) …
  • South Entrance. Off Hwy 10 – East of Palm Springs/Indio.

Is Joshua Tree hotter than Palm Springs?

Joshua Tree's got about 90% the air pressure that Palm Springs does, therefore fewer air molecules per cubic meter, therefore

it's cooler

.

Why is Joshua Tree so popular?

The slow-growing Joshua tree, which graces much of the park's desert ecosystem, is probably the most famous resident of the park. Named by Mormon settlers who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-1800s,

the tree's unusual shape reminded them of the Bible story in which Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky in prayer

.

How cold does it get in Joshua Tree?

In Joshua Tree, the summers are sweltering, the winters are cold, and it is dry and mostly clear year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 35°F to 99°F and is

rarely below 28°F

or above 105°F.

Should I visit Joshua Tree in summer?

Want to view Joshua Tree's famously starry skies while enjoying balmy temperatures at night?

Summer is best

. No matter when you visit, however, the Joshua Trees and towering rock formations will be unforgettable.

How far is Las Vegas from Joshua Tree?

There is a

235 miles

distance between Las Vegas and Joshua Tree. The travel time is 4 hours. The standard cost of fuel is 29 USD.

What are the dangers in Joshua Tree?


A few venomous animals live in the park, including rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders

. When hiking or climbing in the park, always look before you place your hands or feet. Avoid stepping or reaching into places you cannot see. Bees may attack when their hives are threatened.

How cold does it get in Joshua Tree at night?

Despite being within the meteorological spring, May is the unofficial beginning of summer in Joshua Tree National Park, with average temperatures peaking at 91°F (32°C) during the day. However, evening temperatures are pleasant, with an average low of

60°F (15°C)

during the night.

Is there cell phone reception in Joshua Tree?


No, there is generally little to no cell service within Joshua Tree National Park or even in the area around Joshua Tree

. This means, if you're visiting Joshua Tree to unplug and recharge, you're going to the right place!

Can you stay in Joshua Tree National Park?


There is no lodging available inside Joshua Tree National Park

. If you want to stay in the park, is the way to go. There are many campgrounds from which to choose.

Can you get an uber in Joshua Tree?

If you're staying in nearby Palm Springs and planning a day trip, or staying in Joshua Tree for a few days;

an easy way to get around is in an uberX

. It's extremely practical and convenient.

How much is a Joshua Tree?

Joshua trees in most retail nurseries tend to be priced

between $150 and $600

for the most commonly sized trees, assuming they can even be found at all.

Is there a shuttle in Joshua Tree National Park?


Shuttles will leave every two hours from the Joshua Tree and Oasis Visitor Centers

and will make stops at Jumbo Rocks campground, Ryan Mountain parking lot, Hidden Valley day use area, Intersection Rocks, Barker Dam and Upper Boy Scout Trail parking lot.

Is Joshua Tree a dark sky park?

Boasting some of the darkest nights in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park,

an International Dark Sky Park

by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), offers many visitors the chance to admire the Milky Way for the first time in their lives.

Is Joshua Tree open Covid?


Entrance stations and roads are open

. To see a full list of current closures, check out the park's Current Conditions page.

Are there bathrooms in Joshua Tree?


There are bathrooms

, picnic areas, campgrounds, hiking trails, and historic structures.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.