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27 Joshua Tree National Park Boondocking in 2024

Much of Joshua Tree National Park is open for free camping, but it comes with some rules and limitations. Free camping inside Joshua Tree National Park actually does exist. But it’s not a practical opportunity for RV owners. Much of Joshua Tree National Park is open for free camping, but it comes with some rules and limitations.

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History of Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park sits on 794,000 acres of land and was named after Joshua shrubs (Yucca brevifolia), natural to the Mojave Desert. In 1936, it was declared a national memorial and later remodeled as a countrywide park in 1994. This happened after the passing of the California Desert Protection Act by the U.S Congress. Joshua tree only grows in the Mojave Desert and elevations from 1300 to 5900 ft. above sea level. This species of tree was encountered by Mormon pioneers in the mid-1800s and was named after Joshua, a Biblical character, because he raised hands to the sky for a prayer.

Joshua Tree

27 Free Boondocking and Camping Locations



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1. Joshua Tree National Park Boondocking – South Entrance of Joshua Tree N.P.

Address
Cottonwood Springs Road
Indio, California
GPS: 33.674534, -115.802651
Elevation: 1781′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is Gravel and 1mile miles from a paved road. South Entrance of Joshua Tree N.P. is open Year Round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is Unlimited. You may stay 14 days at South Entrance of Joshua Tree N.P.

Best Review:

We stayed here for four days back in January and had a good time. If you’ve been to Joshua Tree NP, you probably know the most beautiful part is the northwest side. This is a good spot to camp, especially for the price, but if you are looking for good cell reception and amenities nearby, I would recommend heading towards the north entrance. The nearest town and what we could get for service is 25+ minutes away. Definitely be careful because the soil is extremely sandy and although we did not get stuck, I think it would be very easy

2. Joshua Tree National Park Free Camping – Spotlight 29 Casino

Address
Coachella, California
GPS: 33.71265, -116.18404
Elevation: -33′

Management: Casino

The road in is Paved. The maximum RV length at Spotlight 29 Casino is unlimited. We’ve boondocked here on about 3 different occasions. Safe and well lit. Always several RVs with slides and jack’s out. Easy access to interstate.

Best Review:

We had tried to find a boondocking spot in Borrego Springs, but it was very popular this weekend and we did not come up with a spot. Rather than just heading home we decided to stay overnight at Spotlight 29 Casino and it was very nice. Super Clean, nice restaurants and safe well lit parking. We had a nice nights rest!

3. Joshua Tree National Park Dispersed Camping – Fantasy Springs Casino

Address
Indio, California
GPS: 33.721199, -116.193552
Elevation: -30′

Management: Casino

RV friendly, dirt pack, dry camp.

Best Review:

Fantasy Springs Casino is now closed to RV dry camping, I’ve stayed here during the winter over the past several years but the lot is now empty and a new gate has been installed and locked closed. I have not talked to anyone working at the casino but I’m assuming this is permanent. The nearby Spotlight 29 Casino (not shown on this site) has also changed, any size RV can park here but there is a 24 hour limit.

4. Joshua Tree National Park Boondocking – Painted Canyon

Address
Mecca, California
GPS: 33.619301, -116.000076
Elevation: 593′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is Dirt and <5 miles from a paved road. Painted Canyon is open All Seasons, Use caution during and after rains, as this road is a wash.. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is Any. You may stay 14 Days at Painted Canyon.

Best Review:

What an awesome site! You’ve have to stay for at least two nights. I arrived on a Friday morning. Only a few people were there. Lots of people on the weekend, but very few campers. I was one of the only motorhomes for the three days I was there. Tough road, but doable. Took me about an hour in, 45 minutes out. Just take your time. I’d also recommend looking up the weather. I was glad to have a completely dry weekend, but I could see how things get ugly quickly! Also no Verizon signal, so prepare to enjoy life off grid.

5. Joshua Tree National Park Free Camping – Chiriaco Summit

Address
Chiriaco Summit, California
GPS: 33.663864, -115.723976
Elevation: 1716′

Management: Private Owner

The road in is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. There are 16-29 campsites at this location. A free dry camping area behind the General Patton Museum. No facilities at campsites.

Best Review:

We stayed here 2/25/22. It was a nice large camground. The park host was nice and met us as we drove in. He recommended spots for our 40 ft. Class A. All spots are back in. The narrow road to the campground behind the museum was a little tight for our big rig – good thing nobody was coming from the other way. We parked our rig and took our car up to Joshua Tree NP for the afternoon. It was easy to get there from Chiriaco Summit (next exit).

6. Joshua Tree National Park Dispersed Camping – Box Canyon West

Box Canyon West

Address
Box Canyon Rd
Mecca, California
GPS: 33.586845, -115.977158
Elevation: 256′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is Paved. Box Canyon West is open year-round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is Any. You may stay 14 at Box Canyon West.

Best Review:

Lots of room for boondocking all along Box Canyon Rd. Very neat area. We parked in the shade of a cliff. Looks kind of like you are on the moon. A very unique landscape (see area description below). At twilight there were lots of bats flying around. There’s a little bit of trash in the area. Box Canyon road itself is paved but the camping areas are located a few hundred feet off road. Sand can be loose. We didn’t need 4×4, but you need to look before you leap. There are plenty of roads to explore if you do have 4×4.

7. Joshua Tree National Park Boondocking – Colorado Desert (Overland Near Box Canyon)

Address
Desert Camp, California
GPS: 33.57944, -115.97251
Elevation: 315′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is 4×4 and .75 miles from a paved road. Colorado Desert (overland near Box Canyon) is open Year round!. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 at Colorado Desert (overland near Box Canyon).

Best Review:

4×4 suggested, this is Public Lands camping allows 24 days within 100 yards of a road. There’s a couple ways to get to here spots, but I stayed out there for 2 weeks and only saw 2 people, beautiful views, great cell service, Sandy ground, got here in a 4×4 dodge Dakota without hitting the bottoms.

8. Joshua Tree National Park Free Camping – North Joshua Tree BLM

Address
Joshua Tree, California
GPS: 34.172932, -116.224663
Elevation: 2359′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is Dirt and 3 miles from a paved road. North Joshua Tree BLM is open Year Round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is Any. You may stay 14 Nights at North Joshua Tree BLM.

Best Review:

Big open flat area. Appears to be a dry lake bed. People were playing with remote controlled planes for a couple of hours. Other than that, very quiet. The access road was somewhat bumpy and washboard.

We camped here for four days or so in early February. The road in is rough, so drive slow. Drive in on Sunflower Rd – you might be thinking WTF but this is the best road. Once you get to Cascade Rd, hang a left and you’ll see a giant, wide open, level area where you can go as close or far away from peeps as your lil heart desires. Gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Quiet and peaceful.

9. Joshua Tree National Park Dispersed Camping – Drop 31 Boondocking

Address
Mecca, California
GPS: 33.534068, -115.91114
Elevation: 75′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is 4×4. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. Free dispersed camping on BLM land. I was told about this area by a BLM ranger. 4×4 may be required.

Best Review:

Kind of a soft sandy road to get back here, so 4 wheel drive is probably necessary. An area of low rolling hills/box canyons, covered in wildflowers at the time of my visit…so it smelled amazing, nothing like the Salton Sea! A girlfriend and I camped here in our 4Runners, and didn’t see or hear anyone all night. Some amount of trash on the ground from previous off-roaders, but as this was a Wednesday, we weren’t disturbed by anyone. Plenty of flat sandy ground for tent camping as well.

10. Joshua Tree National Park Boondocking – Dos Palmas Spring Road

Address
Mecca, California
GPS: 33.515705, -115.886958
Elevation: 30′

Management: Private Owner

The road in is Dirt. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay a couple of days at Dos Palmas Spring Road.

Best Review:

Desert boondocking. This free camping area is privately owned but the owner is OK with people camping on it for a few days. At least that’s what the local BLM ranger told me. There is quite a bit of OHV activity here. Decent ATT and Verizon cellular data signals.

11. Joshua Tree National Park Free Camping – Red Cloud

Address
Desert Center, California
GPS: 33.676528, -115.562132
Elevation: 1404′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is Dirt. There are 16-29 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. Flat. Off I-10, BLM land . No Water Easy access so take plenty with you.

Best Review:

No idea where the campsites are but the giant gravel pullout that the coordinates took us to was great. Walked the BLM land in a 5 mi triangle following powerlines. The road are very smooth but soft sand. If you do not ha e experience in deep sand, stay at the pull out. If someone knows the coordinates of the sights, please post for everyone else.

12. Joshua Tree National Park Dispersed Camping – Bradshaw Trail

Address
Summit Road
Indo, California
GPS: 33.506019, -115.765908
Elevation: 75′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is 4×4. This is the starting point of the 70 mile trail that runs to Highway 78. There are numerous free, dispersed camping locations along it. 4×4 is required to traverse it.

Best Review:

None

13. Joshua Tree National Park Boondocking – Walmart Store 29 Palms

Address
58501 Twenty Nine Palms
Yucca Valley, California
GPS: 34.134063, -116.383405
Elevation: 3202′

Management: Retail Store

Wal-Mart parking lot. Overnight RV parking. They have an arcade, I spoke with them and OK’d for one night. Verizon 4 bars.

Best Review:

Stayed here for one night in a 19 foot rv with no problems at all. Very safe. I did go in and ask if it would be okay for a night. The girl on custom service rang the manager and he said it was fine but they took no responsibility which was fine. Would stay again.

14. Joshua Tree National Park Free Camping – Bradshaw Trail RRX

Address
MM 3 Bradshaw Trail
California
GPS: 33.512466, -115.71183
Elevation: 571′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is Gravel and 15 miles from a paved road. Bradshaw Trail RRX is open all year. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Bradshaw Trail RRX.

Best Review:

This campsite is located about 3.2m down the Bradshaw Trail. The road up to this point was graded and easy. This is the only location where we received cellular signal on the trail. The camping area is flat and open. There is a makeshift fire ring. It is just past a defunct railroad crossing.

15. Joshua Tree National Park Dispersed Camping – Bradshaw Trail Palo

Address
California
GPS: 33.558964, -115.604996
Elevation: 1414′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

Another nice free camping area along the Bradshaw Trail.

Best Review:

None

16. Joshua Tree National Park Boondocking – Garnet Ave

Address
Desert Hot Springs, California
GPS: 33.901338, -116.540235
Elevation: 709′

Management: Unknown

Not sure who owns this area but it’s not managed. Saw some people who look like they’ve been here a long time. Stayed bout a month.

Best Review:

Nothing fancy but a good spot to get off the road if it’s crazy windy. This is a dead end road off I 10. I drove to the end and it looks like the locals use it to dump old mattresses and trash. There are places that look like you could pull up and park off road but it’s very soft and sandy so I turned around and drove up about an eighth of a mile from the intersection and parked on the right side of the road. There is a nice view of the snowcapped mountains and a boatload of windmills. Stayed one night.

17. Joshua Tree National Park Free Camping – Santa Rosa Yellow Post Sites

Address
Forest Road 7S02
Palm Desert, California
GPS: 33.537651, -116.459053
Elevation: 7902′

Management: Forest Service

There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 nights at Santa Rosa Yellow Post Sites.

Best Review:

Free, primitive in isolated scenic locations ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. Fourteen sites that are no more than a clearing with a fire ring near Idyllwild in the San Bernardino National Forest. You wont find any drinking water, toilets, or trash cans here. You need to bring everything you need with you, and you need to take every bit of it with you when you leave.

18. Joshua Tree National Park Dispersed Camping – Palm Beach Dry Camp

Address
2880 Crystal Lake Ave
Salton City, California
GPS: 33.332247, -115.950422
Elevation: -223′

Management: City Park

This camping area is in a Thermal city park. This location is at low elevation. It has been reported that this is not an established campground with fees. If you visit this location, please leave a review with the price and details.

Best Review:

None

19. Joshua Tree National Park Boondocking – Truckhaven Wash SVRA

Address
Thermal, California
GPS: 33.30716, -115.98565
Elevation: -56′

Management: State Park

The road in is Dirt. Truckhaven Wash SVRA is open 365. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 30/yr at Truckhaven Wash SVRA.

Best Review:

This is part of the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area. Free camping for 30 days per year. Open desert, no services. Good antenna TV, and Sensorly says 4G ATT, Sprint, T-Mobile, & Verizon.

20. Joshua Tree National Park Free Camping – Whitewater Rest Area

Address
Whitewater, California
GPS: 33.921524, -116.663883

Management: Rest Area

The road in is Paved. Whitewater rest area is open Year round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited.

Best Review:

None

21. Joshua Tree National Park Dispersed Camping – Snow Creek Canyon Rd Highway 111 Gravel Wash

Address
Whitewater, California
GPS: 33.9106, -116.6666
Elevation: 1165′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

Off highway 111 east. Snow creek canyon Rd gravel pull off. Large flat area but very soft sand. Would only recommend 4wd vehicle.

Best Review:

None

22. Joshua Tree National Park Boondocking – Niland Boat Ramp

Address
Frink, California
GPS: 33.339745, -115.666512
Elevation: -228′

Management: Country Park

The road in is Dirt and 1.5 miles from a paved road. Niland Boat Ramp is open Year-round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location. Campground with six campsites near Thomas Mountain in California’s San Bernardino National Forest.

Best Review:

Viewing nearby Slab City and history of Salton Sea. Drove down to see closed Imperial County park and spent a few nights. Peacefully relaxing. Trains rumbling by miles away and military jets training g at southern end closer to thermal plants & San Diego. Plenty of space to spread out & not crowd neighbor.

23. Joshua Tree National Park Free Camping – Bradshaw Trail Pad

Address
California
GPS: 33.502316, -115.386353

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is 4×4. Bradshaw Trail Pad is open year round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Bradshaw Trail Pad.

Best Review:

None

24. Joshua Tree National Park Dispersed Camping – Anza Borego Desert – Truckhaven Hills

Address
Borrego Salton Sea Way
Thermal, California
GPS: 33.278973, -116.058337
Elevation: 397′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a California State Park located within the Colorado Desert of southern California, United States. The park takes its name from 18th century Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza.

Best Review:

This area is HUGE, the views are amazing and it’s free! Visited this site on a week day and was not bothered by anyone. A good place to park for the night or a few days. Not far off the road, but we could barely hear anything.

Had one 4-wheeler drive by but it didn’t bother us. The ground is rocky so if you plan on staying here with a tent, make sure you have a nice sleeping pad. There are a few pit toilet scattered throughout the SRVA area, but we were not close to one.

25. Joshua Tree National Park Boondocking – Coachwhip Canyon

Address
Borrego Springs, California
GPS: 33.29174, -116.14828
Elevation: 1007′

Management: State Park

The road in is Dirt. Coachwhip Canyon is open Year-round, but it is a wash so be careful if there’s storms nearby!. There are 6-15 campsites at this location.

Best Review:

It is by far the best place I have Boondocked. It’s shields you from the road noise and wind as it is behind big rocks. No one around for miles for three out of the four days I was there.
It’s in a canyon, and apparently it goes quite away up, however, this is not for 2wd. The one other camper got stuck and they had a van. You need 4wd.

There are three turn outs right up against the cliff rocks.You probably could go further up the canyon but because of the soft sand, I stayed close to the entrance. If you don’t want a ton of people or noise from the constant ATVs. this little hidden gem is the place to be.

26. Joshua Tree National Park Boondocking – Arroyo Salado Primitive Campground

Address
Borrego Salton Seaway
Salton City, California
GPS: 33.279865, -116.145386
Elevation: 827′

Management: State Park

The road in is Dirt and 0.2 miles from a paved road. This free, primitive camping area is located on HWY S22 near the Northeastern entrance to Anza Borrego Desert State Park (about 19 miles east of the Visitor Center. ).

Best Review:

Pit toilet. No garbage services – Pack it in, pack it out! No ground fires. All fires must be in an enclosed metal container that you bring.

27. Joshua Tree National Park Dispersed Camping – Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Sites

Address
FR 6S13/Thomas Mountain Road
Idyllwild, California
GPS: 33.615997, -116.660988
Elevation: 6066′

Management: Forest Service

The road in is Dirt. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 nights at Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Sites.

Best Review:

Also known as Thomas Mountain Yellow Post Sites. Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, these ten free campsites provide no more than a clearing with a fire ring in isolated scenic locations ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. Bring everything you need with you (water, food, etc.) as nothing is provided at this site. Take whatever you brought out with you when you leave.

Top Trails to Hike at Joshua Tree National Park



This park offers different options for its visitors, whether they are looking to go backpacking, hiking, or a nature walk. You can enjoy either a short trekking path or overnight escapade; whatever you choose to do will leave there satisfied.

1. Black Rock Canyon Trail

1 Black Rock Canyon Trail Joshua Tree National Park

Most people consider this to be among the best hikes in this beautiful park. If you love long walks and heights, make sure that you visit their trail for a thrilling experience. Black Pillar Canyon Scene hoop prides itself in having some dense groves of Joshua trees. The course begins and tops on a sandy wash and has all the intersections signed. You will find connectors going back to the nearby Black Rock Campground.

The Canyon narrows after like half a mile. Once you pass the Black Rock Spring, you will be able to find signposts showing where the trail becomes a loop. You will have the chance to see Mount San Jacinto and San Gorgonio as you climb the route. It has large Joshua trees, and you can always take a good photo there.

Great easy incline. I began my hike at the Black Rock campground at dawn. I only did 1 mi in and out but spent a lot of time photos. A lot of Joshua trees and great golden hour lighting with the sun coming over the mountains on the east. The clouds were striking, all in all a great morning. Trails clearly marked. It gets a little bit sandy 3/4 mi into the hike.

Length: 3.0 mi
Elevation gain: 400 ft
Route type: Out & back

Kid friendly, Hiking, Horseback riding, Bird watching, Running, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Fee, No dogs

2. Barker Dam Nature Trail

2 Barker Dam Nature Trail Joshua Tree National Park

Barker Dam is 1.4 miles long and tends to be among the best day hikes in the park. It offers excellent cultural history and beautiful scenery, which is why people crowd there to the extent that you can hardly get any parking space. It was built more than a century ago; the reason for making it was to offer support to cattle ranching in Joshua Tree National Park. If you visit this trail when the spring is wetter, you will realize that it has a lake behind it.

This is a terrific hike, especially for children to learn about the plants and animals in Joshua Tree National Park. They have markers every so often that showcase the relevant information what you are seeing at that point along the trail.

I was there the end of June so there water at the dam, but it was still worth the walk. It was also really cool to see how lush things were at the dam area after the desert landscape hiking to that point

I would definitely recommend doing this hike if you’re looking for something informative and relatively easy.

Length: 1.3 mi
Elevation gain: 62 ft
Route type: Loop

Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, No shade, Historic site, Fee, No dogs

3. Wall Street Mill

3 Wall Street Mill Joshua Tree National Park

It can be a day hike for anyone who loves history. Make sure that you take your friends and family there because you will learn about the park’s past. The Wall Street Mine was operated by Bill Keys from 1930 to 1960 and used to process gold ore. The miners started by carting ore to the mill’s top. Then, they used stamps to crash it into the sand. They then mixed the sand with mercury and water; knowing that mercury and gold stuck together, they had to use water to wash the worthless gravel away.

When going to this beautiful trail, you should park at the Wall Street Mie parking area off Boulevard Park. Make sure that you do not take anything from there because enjoy will find so many historical artifacts. It would help if you also were careful whenever you come across old buildings because they lack structural stability. You will also see signs indicating areas you can enter and those that you cannot enter.

Simple level climb, however a few areas of sand that is not the most enjoyable part of the trail but it is the desert. Deserted mill, and vehicles are obviously the mill of some sort. Frankly, the factory was somewhat a bit anti-climactic, it’s tiny and difficult to see inside, but still from a time long ago. In case you’re climbing barker dam and have the opportunity I’d do this trail as well. Not marked as well as some so take your GPS.

Length: 2.4 mi
Elevation gain: 88 ft
Route type: Out & back

Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Running, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Off trail, Fee, No dogs

How to Get to Joshua Tree National Park

If you want to go to Joshua Tree National Park, you should consider doing so by car because that tends to be the best way. It will take you 3hrs to drive from Los Angeles or San Diego to the park. Driving from Phoenix and Death Valley National Park will take you four and half hours, while from Grand Canyon National Park and Yosemite National Park would take 6hrs. Las Vegas and San Francisco will take 4hrs and 8hrs, respectively.

When using a car to access the park, note that the Joshua Tree National Park does not offer any automotive services, and that calls for you to ensure that your gas is complete before entering the park. Moreover, the tires and cooling system should be good. The good thing is that there is a pavement on the main roads, meaning that a two-wheel drive will be good for the main sights. However, it also has rough backroads, and here you will require a four-wheeled vehicle.

The West Entrance is the popular one, and you can access it from Joshua Tree. It tends to be a direct route to Keys View, Hidden Valley, and other attractive destinations on the park’s west side. The North Entrance leads to Pinto Wye, and you can access it from Twenty Nine Palms town. Using this entrance, you can connect to western and central parts of the park or proceed to Cottonwood Springs and the low desert. Form the city of Twenty-nine Palms, the road to 49 Palms leads to a trailhead for a hike at 49 Palms oasis.

You will not be able to connect to the rest of the park if you use this road. The Black Rock Entrance leads to Black Rock Campground and adjacent hiking trails. You can access it from Yucca town, and it does not connect with the roads in the rest of the park. If you are looking for a small visitor center, this is the entrance to use.

If you would like to fly to Joshua tree, you will use Palm Springs International Airport, which is 45 minutes from the park’s headquarters. You can also use Ontario International Airport, which is approximately an hour and a half from the garden. In addition, Burbank, Los Angeles International, and Long Beach Airports are two to three hours away, and you can use them.

Why Visit Joshua Tree National Park

1. The wildlife. Joshua Tree National Park is home to many wildlife. The wildlife has adapted and learned how to survive in a desert. When you visit their beautiful place, you should expect to see scorpions, bighorn sheep, coyotes, rattlesnakes, black-tailed jackrabbits, kangaroo rats, tarantula, non-venomous snakes, lizards, and other animals. Therefore, if you are a lover of animals, this incredible park will be an excellent destination for you.

2. The amazing nighttime. The Joshua tree experiences little pollution means that the sky at night tends to be so beautiful and epic. Most of the people who enjoy stargazing love going to the park for camping and enjoying the stars. Being at the park will give you an unforgettable stargazing experience. You can also have the chance to see shooing starts.

3. The trees. In the 1850s, the Mormons saw the branches of the trees in Joshua’s arms pointing to the Promised Land and named them after him. The trees give a unique and distinctive feel, something that you cannot get anywhere else.

4. The hikes. The west coast has some fantastic treks, and lovers of walks would have a good time.

5. Sunrises and sunsets. If you are looking for an excellent picture for your Instagram, you should visit this park to see the multicolored sky. You can visit to see a sunset, a sunrise, or both and enjoy taking good pictures.

6. The park. It features the lower Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, two distinct deserts, each ecosystem. The elevation would determine the characteristics of the ecosystem, and it would be a good idea to go and check the deserts. You will have more than 3,000km to explore.

Places and Things to Do and See in Joshua Tree National Park

It does not matter whether you want a place that will offer a sense of peace, an old west-inspired getaway, or a strenuous adventure; you can trust to get everything you want in Joshua Tree National Park. You might be wondering what you can see or do in the park, and we will touch on that in this section.

1. You can walk among cacti in Cholla Cactus Garden. You will experience the best when you visit this cacti grove, which organically exists. It features a 0.25-mile loop, and you will enjoy the dense concentration of the dangerous yet lovely cholla cactus.

2. You can enjoy a kickback to Live Music at Pappy & Harriet’s. Pappy & Harriet Pioneertown Palace is always packed and will offer you a unique experience. It is a musical oasis in the middle of the desert, and everyone deserves to feel the magic of being there. This palace is a part roadhouse, part honky-tonk, and part premier venue and has hosted almost everyone, including Paul McCartney and Vampire Weekend, at the intimate stage.

3. You can relax as you rewind at the Pioneer town Motel. It is a former live-in motion-picture set and was founded by Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. When you visit this motel, you will have the chance to feel its history but in a modern aspect and concept. The rooms look so good, with Aztec blankets, cowhide rugs, and exposed bulbs as part of decorations. With everything looking beautiful, you will find it easier to relax and have a good time.

4. You can have the best time of your life as you experience sunsets at Keys View. It is the highest point in Joshua Tree National Park and features an around-the-clock pleasing view. It will be good to experience the splendor. If the days are clear, you will have the chance to view the Palm Springs, Coachella Valley, and the surrounding peaks spreading to Mexico. When you are at Keys View, sunsets will feature a right orange and blistering red sky.

Joshua Trees national Park red cactus flowers

Paid Accommodations and Dining Near Joshua Tree National Park

If you are looking for a place to stay or dine when you visit the park, here is a list for you.
Accommodation Options

1. Pioneer Town Motel. Here, you should expect to pay around $200 per night.

2. El Rancho Dolores Motel. It is 12.1 miles from the park, and you should expect to pay approximately $85

3. Sure Stay Plus By Best Western Twenty Nine Palms Joshua Tree. It is 9.8 miles from Joshua Tree National Park. $120 is what you will pay for a night. Breakfast is included.

4. High Desert Motel Joshua Tree National Park. It goes for $600 and is 4.5 miles from the park.

5. The Spring Resort & Spa – 15.7 miles away and going for $230 per night, with breakfast included.

6. Fairfield & Suites Twenty Nine Palms – Joshua Tree National Park. It is 10.1 miles from the park, and you should pay $250, inclusive of breakfast.

Joshua Trees national Park johua trees on hiking trail

Dining Options Near the Park

1. Morongo Valley Café. This option offers classic foods like French toast, biscuits, gravy, tuna melts, and rotating soup specials.

2. Frontier Café. If you are a lover of sandwiches and salads, this would be the best option for you. You will find beer, plus wine, and kombucha in addition to the sandwiches and salads.

3. Pizza Pie for the People! Pizza di Circo. After a tiring hike, make sure to visit this place for a delicious pizza. You can get various options for the pizza.

4. Royal Siam Cuisine Thai Restaurant. Even though this restaurant is not as flashy as other options, you can come here for significant portions of pad Thai, pad see ew, poh-tack, and jungle curry.

5. Dillon’s Burgers & Beers. You can trust to get bison burgers, cheeseburgers, chicken burgers, and veggie burgers. They will be serviced with your choice of tater tots, coleslaw, pasta salad, or fries.

What to Pack for Your Visit to Joshua Tree National Park

Water bottle. It would be best if you forgot to carry your water when you go to Joshua Tree National Park. Every person will need at least a gallon of water, especially if the plan is to be at the park for an entire day.

Sunscreen – Since the park is in a desert, it means that the sun is scorching. Despite Joshua trees being tall, they do not offer much shade. Thus, sunscreen will do you good to protect your skin.

Hiking boots – Make sure that you carry closed-toed shoes whenever you are visiting the park. Hiking boots will offer better protection, and you will slip less.

Hat – It should be wide-brimmed so that it can protect the face and neck from the sun.

Sunglasses – They will offer protection to your eyes.

Cooler – If you carry snacks, like fruits, and would like to have them cold, a cooler would be necessary.

Carry a lot of snacks.

Daypack – You can put your items in the pack while you explore the park. You can put snacks, a camera, a water bottle, and other things.

First aid kit – Joshua Tree National Park has so many rocks, and you might hurt yourself. The cacti can also harm you, and that is why a first aid kit would be so crucial.

Everyone deserves to experience the beauty in Joshua Tree National Park. You can plan to visit the park with your family members or friends and create great memories.


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