The sky turns hues of pink and purple over a field of Joshua trees.
Quail Springs area at sunset NPS / Emily Hassell

Joshua Tree National Park

National Park · California · National Park Service

Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself!

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
7603675500
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Archeology · Farming and Agriculture · Ranches · Industry · Mining · Native American Heritage · Westward Expansion · Homesteading · Animals · Birds · Tortoises and Turtles · Climate Change · Geology · Groundwater · Freshwater Springs · Night Sky · Trails · Unique Species · Endangered · Wilderness

Activities & features: Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) · Group Camping · Climbing · Rock Climbing · Food · Picnicking · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Self-Guided Tours - Auto · Hiking · Backcountry Hiking · Front-Country Hiking · Horse Trekking · Horse Camping (see also camping) · Horseback Riding · Junior Ranger Program · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Museum Exhibits · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store

Photos

  • people climbing on boulders are silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky
    NPS/Brad Sutton
  • a little girl smiles while wearing a Jr. Ranger hat and badge
    NPS/Kurt Moses
  • hiker looks over Hidden Valley
    NPS/Hannah Schwalbe
  • an historic wood house seen through the missing windshield of an old, rusty vehicle
    NPS/Kurt Moses
  • Joshua trees grow on a flat plain with boulder outcrops and mountains in the distance
    NPS/Brad Sutton
  • a fiery sky behind the silhouette of a Joshua tree
    NPS/Brad Sutton
  • night scene showing stars of the Milky Way over a sign saying "Entering Joshua Tree National Park"
    NPS/Lian Law

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12