10 Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

Planning to visit Joshua Tree National Park? As a frequent visitor I have loads of info to share. Here are ten tips for visiting Joshua Tree National Park that will set you up for a smooth journey.

As you plan your visit to Joshua Tree National Park, you might be surprised to learn just how much this popular park has to offer. As a Joshua Tree addict frequent visitor myself, I have really gotten to know the many nooks and crannies in the park.

I know all the best sunrise spots. I have a list of the best hikes in the park, all of which I keep returning to time and time again. And, I have a perfect one day itinerary for you to peruse, as well.

But, nowhere else have I listed out the top ten insider tips to know before you visit Joshua Tree National Park. And, it’s probably time.

After more than a decade of visiting Joshua Tree National Park, here are 10 tips that will make your visit unforgettable.

1. The Park is Primitive. Plan Ahead.

I am all for keeping the wild WILD. When you’re in Joshua Tree, you will definitely feel that this is the case. A vast expanse of dry desert stretches out, anything but barren.

The tall and wild joshua trees litter the landscape. Giant boulders have been scattered here and there onto the earth. Bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes, and jackrabbits hop and slither about. This desert is alive.

But, here you will not find:

So, come mentally and physically prepared! Food and snacks, lots of water, and all of the desert hiking essentials will prepare you for a safe and fun time in the desert.

2. It’s the Closest National Park from both San Diego and LA.

Depending on your exact starting location, you can expect your visit to Joshua Tree National Park to take anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours by car from either city.

I also have very detailed guides on driving from San Diego to Joshua Tree and driving from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree, so you know about some of the fun things to see along the way.

3. Save Money on the Joshua Tree Entry Fee.

A 7 Day entry ticket into the park costs a flat $30 fee. There are no passes for a single day, so this is the cheapest option for even a one day visit to Joshua Tree.

Alternately, you can buy an annual pass for unlimited visits to Joshua Tree within the year. This is a great option if you think you may be back even just twice in a year. It costs $55 to purchase, so after only two visits, it has already paid for itself.

Another option (and the one that I personally do) is to get the America the Beautiful Pass. This pass gets you into every single National Park in the USA for an entire year for the reasonable price of $85.

4. Or, Get In For Free on the Annual Free Entrance Days.

Annually, Joshua Tree (and all national parks in the USA, for that matter) offer several free entry days throughout the year.

Just be prepared for some crowds on Free Days, because a lot of people take advantage of this deal.

5. Camping is Absolutely Worth It.

There are over 300 campsites scattered within Joshua Tree National Park. Some are nestled between the large rocks and some are a bit more off the beaten path.

As mentioned earlier, there is no running water or electricity at any of the campsites. Be sure to pack everything you need for your visit.

Camping reservations can be made here.

Many amazing experiences can be had when camping here. You can see incredible star-filled views before you sleep. And, you can can wake up before dawn and experience the beautiful solitude of a sunrise hike.

6. Consider Taking a Class or a Guided Tour.

Joshua Tree is a haven for rock climbers and hikers. I used to go rock climbing fairly regularly, and this was easily one of the best spots I’ve experienced.

For anyone well-versed in climbing, you can enjoy more than 8,000 climbing routes to choose from. This is truly a world-class climbing destination.

Never tried it? No problem! Day classes are regularly offered where you can learn from a pro. Check out this page for climbing updates and closures.

If climbing is not your thing, consider checking out the best hiking trails in Joshua Tree for some epic views.

7. Don’t Skip the Town of Joshua Tree.

The town of Joshua Tree deserves at least a half-day of exploring in and of itself. A wonderfully-eclectic and artsy town, I personally love all that this spot offers!

Prefer vegan and vegetarian food? They have it. Need to get some crystals or sage? They have it. Want to check out an off-beat art gallery? They have it.

Joshua Tree is a haven for artists, and that includes visual art, music, performance, and everything in between. Quirky shops take the place of the standard fast food joints seen in other cities, and the lack of them is honestly wonderful feeling.

8. The Stargazing is World Class.

If you do go camping in the park – and I wholeheartedly think that you should – don’t forget to look up. There is world-class stargazing here, and that’s not just my opinion!

In 2017, Joshua Tree was designated an International Dark Sky Park (as is the nearby Anza Borrego Desert State Park, fyi.)

This is a testament to the lack of light pollution in the area, since it is far enough from the big SoCal cities. And, the East side of the park is often considered the best place to be, since the closest major city to the east is Phoenix, Arizona.

Stargazing in Joshua Tree is a beautiful reminder of just how small we are in this big wide world.

Pro-Tip: Avoid visiting during the full moon if you want to stargaze. Even though it is absolutely beautiful, it will create too much light to really see all the stars.

9. All of the “Tourist Spots” Are Worth the Visit.

There are several well-known exhibits in the park that all the tourists stop at – and with good reason. You will see them noted on both maps and signage, so they’re pretty easy to spot if you drive the whole park.

Skull rock is a fan favorite. The famous Arch Rock is a cool spot accessible via a short and easy hike. Hall of horrors is a sight. And the Cholla Cactus Garden is one place I never miss.

Don’t skip out on these spots just because they’re crowded or you have to wait a few minutes for parking. Some of them may just become your best memory from the day.

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10. How Many Days Do you Need in Joshua Tree National Park?

It is completely possible to explore the best of Joshua Tree in one day. You can see the major sights, go on a hike or two, and stop into the visitor center for a commemorative canvas tote or sticker.

However, to explore deeper into the desert wilderness, you should plan to spend at least a weekend here. In addition to above, you can also hit more of the best hikes in Joshua Tree, see the brilliant stars while camping, take in some of Joshua Tree’s best sunrise views, and take advantage of golden hour at some of the best photo spots in the park.

You are forced to minimally purchase a 7-Day pass anyway, so you may as well make use of it!

If you have the chance to visit Joshua Tree National Park, I highly suggest doing it! There is so much to see, so much to explore, and so much to learn within this desert park.

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