National Parks

Joshua Tree National Park: Southern California's Desert Icon

Wander among iconic twisted trees and dramatic granite boulders in a surreal Southern California desert landscape perfect for hiking, climbing, and stargazing.

Black location pin icon on a white background
Location:

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Black calendar icon with white date squares and two binder rings at the top
When to Visit:

October through April for comfortable hiking temperatures; spring (March–April) for desert wildflower blooms in good rainfall years; fall evenings and winter nights for the best stargazing

Joshua Tree National Park, CA Travel Recommendations

Joshua Tree Stargazing Tours

Joshua Tree Stargazing Tours

Expert-led nighttime astronomy tours in one of Southern California's darkest skies — Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park perfect for stargazing.
Learn More
29 Palms Inn

29 Palms Inn

A beloved desert oasis inn at the north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, featuring adobe cottages, a legendary pool, and a highly-rated restaurant.
Reserve
Jumbo Rocks Campground – Joshua Tree

Jumbo Rocks Campground – Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree's most popular campground nestled among massive boulder formations, offering exceptional stargazing and easy access to rock climbing areas.
Reserve a Site
Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School

Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School

One of the top-rated rock climbing schools in the country, offering beginner to advanced guided climbing instruction in Joshua Tree National Park.
Book a Class
Keys Ranch Tour – Joshua Tree

Keys Ranch Tour – Joshua Tree

A ranger-led guided tour of the historic Keys Ranch inside Joshua Tree National Park, one of the best-preserved working ranches in the California desert.
Reserve Tickets
View more

Joshua Tree National Park, CA Travel Tips

  • Visit from October through April — summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F and heat stroke is a serious risk; if you must visit in summer, hike only at dawn and carry far more water than you think you need.
  • Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky Park — plan a night in the park or at a nearby campground during a new moon for some of the most spectacular stargazing in the American West.
  • Cholla Cactus Garden is a must-stop on the drive through the park — walk the short loop trail at golden hour for extraordinary light on the backlit cholla needles, but stay on the path and never touch.
  • Keys View gives a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, and mountains all the way into Mexico on a clear day — it requires no hiking and is especially beautiful at sunset.
  • The park fills to capacity and closes its gates on peak weekend days — arrive before 8 AM or later in the afternoon to avoid being turned away, especially in spring and fall.

Looking for a different kind of adventure?

Discover the best travel recommendations for over 100 locations in the U.S.