This Is Important

There are no services of any kind inside the park. Seriously, not a thing. No gas, no food, no water, no nothing. Before you enter, make sure you have enough gas in the tank and enough food and water to keep everyone energized and hydrated throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is a gallon of water per person per day.

There’s little to no cell service in the park, so be sure to download the guide and save it to your device before you enter. The map will help you navigate your way through the park, and the guide will help you decide where to go and what to do once you’re inside. If you need to use an emergency phone while you’re in the park, there’s one next to the restroom at Intersection Rock.

The Park

At nearly 800,000 acres, Joshua Tree is a huge park. In fact, it’s so large that it’s home to two completely different desert ecosystems.

Up in the northwest lies the high desert of the Mojave. With its iconic Joshua trees, massive rock formations, and miles of beautiful walking trails, this area of the park receives the most attention—and rightly so. It’s one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world.

In stark contrast to the Mojave is the low desert of the Colorado, which occupies the entire southeastern portion of the park. This area of Joshua Tree is hotter, drier, and much more remote than the Mojave. What the Colorado lacks in trails and major attractions, it makes up for with its wide-open spaces, amazing views over the desert, and quiet sense of isolation.

A helpful way to think about the park is like this: the Mojave is a wonderful place to get out of the car and explore on foot, while the Colorado makes for a beautiful scenic drive with a few short stops along the way. However, if your main interest is experiencing the Mojave—as it is for most visitors—it’s probably best to save the long, slow drive through the Colorado for another day.

Limited Time

If you only have a few hours to visit the park, a good option is to enter through the West Entrance and head straight for Keys View. The 16-mile drive to the viewpoint takes you through one of the most beautiful parts of the park on your way to one of the most spectacular views in Joshua Tree. If you have time on the way back, the guide will point you to several spots along the main road that are well worth a quick visit.

One of the most common challenges for visitors is trying to see too much in a short period of time. My advice is to go a little slower. As you’re driving through the park or walking one of its trails, be sure to stop from time to time and take in the view. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from spending time in Joshua Tree, it’s that the desert likes to reveal itself slowly. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is sit still and let it come to you.

Best Advice

The single best piece of advice I can give you for visiting Joshua Tree—the one thing that will completely transform your entire experience—is to arrive early. How early? If you’re inside the park for sunrise or shortly after, you’re on the right track.

There’s a brief window first thing in the morning when Joshua Tree is at its absolute best. The air is crisp, the desert is quiet, the light is breathtaking, and the trails are empty. After a few hours, that magic fades as the morning light disappears, the heat sets in, and the hordes of visitors start to arrive.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spent an incredible morning exploring the park, only to drive out around noon past an endless stream of cars and motorhomes waiting to get in. Every single time, I thank my lucky stars that I got to the park early.

You came all this way to see one of the most spectacular desert landscapes on Earth. If you want to make the most of your time in the park, do yourself a favor and get here early. I promise, it’ll be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.