The first time I came to Joshua Tree, I came to climb. I arrived in September and stayed through May—back when you could camp in the park for free and stay as long as you wanted. I’ve returned many times since then. Once a place like this gets a hold of you, it’s hard to stay away.

Over the years, I’ve seen people struggle to enjoy their time in the park because they didn’t know where to go or what to do once they arrived. This guide is meant to help with that.

Since most people have a limited amount of time, the guide focuses on the well-established areas found along the park’s main roads—especially those with good parking and easy access to picnic areas, viewpoints, and short scenic trails.

I hope you find it helpful.

Tim