This is Important

There are no services of any kind inside the park.

Seriously—not a thing.

Before you enter, make sure you have a full tank of gas and enough food and water to keep everyone energized and hydrated throughout the day. There’s little to no cell service inside the park, so be sure to download the guide to your phone or tablet ahead of time—the guide and its park map will help you navigate your way through the park.

The Park

At nearly 800,000 acres, Joshua Tree is vast—so large, in fact, it’s home to two distinct desert ecosystems.

In the northwest lies the high desert of the Mojave. With its iconic Joshua trees, dramatic 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 extraordinary desert landscapes in the world.

In stark contrast is the low desert of the Colorado, which occupies the entire southeastern portion of the park. What this arid and desolate landscape lacks in trails and attractions, it makes up for with its fields of teddy-bear cholla cactus and sweeping views over the desert.

Here’s a helpful way to think about the park: 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. If your primary interest is seeing 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, entering through the West Entrance and heading straight for Keys View is a good option. The 16-mile drive to the viewpoint takes you through the heart of the Mojave to one of the best views in the park. 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 visit.

A common challenge for visitors is trying to see too much in a short period of time. Instead of rushing, use the guide to find an area of the park that sounds appealing, then settle into it and enjoy it thoroughly. As you’re driving through the park or walking one of its trails, be sure to stop from time to time and have a good look around. 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

If you can, start early. Being in the park for sunrise makes all the difference. You won’t have to wait in line to get in, the light is often beautiful, and for the first few hours of the day, it’ll feel like you have the entire park to yourself. Words can’t describe how wonderful it is to experience Joshua Tree in the quiet hours of the early morning.