Last updated on May 3rd, 2024 at 10:06 am
Looking for information on the Joshua Tree National Park entrances?
Joshua Tree is a phenomenal destination, and of all the national parks in California, it is the one we live closest to and visit the most!
Joshua Tree has three different entrances, and the one you choose to use will depend on a number of factors. At nearly 800,000 acres ā or 1,250 square miles ā the direction you are coming from will likely determine which one you use.
Each entrance has a visitor center with a shop, restrooms, and park information you should plan on hitting up before driving into the park. Here is a complete guide to Joshua Tree entrances and visitor centers based on our many visits to the park to help you plan a great trip!
Maps of Joshua Tree National Park Entrances and Visitor Centers
Here is a map of Southern California and location of Joshua Tree National Park to give you an overview of where the entrances are located.
And here is an interactive Google map so you can easily access driving directions!
Three Joshua Tree Park Entrances
1. Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance
Widely considered the main gateway into Joshua Tree National Park, the West Entrance is located five miles south Highway 62.
This entrance is best if you are coming from most parts of Southern California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, and Orange County.
Since this is the main entrance, it also tends to get the most crowded. We have seen the lines to get through the West Entrance Station to back up on weekends and popular times of the year. This can cause lots of frustration, especially if youāve already been in the car for hours driving to Joshua Tree!
āŗ Travel Insight
Plan to arrive early in the morning, or use the North Entrance to avoid long lines to enter the park during busy times.
West Entrance Visitor Center
It always surprises me how many people drive right past the Visitor Center and straight to the park. This quick stop sets the tone for your adventure and provides a plethora of information sure to enrich your visit to Joshua Tree.
Located in Joshua Tree village, the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center serves as the perfect introduction to this desert escape. It is a museum as well as an information center; I really enjoyed the exhibits and learned a lot about the area.
The visitor center has a great gift shop, too. It’s a great place to pick up maps, books, souvenirs, or sundries. There are also some restaurants nearby if you want to grab a hot meal, as there is no food for sale inside the park.
You will often find park rangers at the visitor center, giving free talks and providing personalized recommendations on where to go and things to do.
Take a few minutes to check out the exhibits at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center with your kids. They will not only gain knowledge of the parkās history and natural beauty, but also the opportunity to learn about the importance of preserving it.
Visitor Center Hours: Open daily 7:30 am to 5 pm
Joshua Tree West Entrance Visitor Center Address: 6554 Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree
2. Joshua Tree National Park North Entrance
The Joshua Tree National Park North Entrance is located in the town of Twentynine Palms, just a short drive from the West Entrance. It is three miles south of the junction of Highway 62 and Utah Trail.
This entrance is best if you are coming from Las Vegas, Nevada or other areas to the north. We actually use this entrance most often, as it is closest to Twentynine Palms (where we spend a lot of time) and it also happens to be a lot less crowded than the West Entrance in general.
The North Entrance is close to the popular Oasis of Mara, where you can take a walk and use the facilities before entering the park. It has a half-mile paved trail that loops around trees and the oasis. It is a great spot to observe desert wildlife and birds.
North Entrance Visitor Center
There used to be an Oasis Visitor Center located near the North Entrance, but it has been replaced by a new one in downtown Twentynine Palms. The new Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center features EV charging stations, educational exhibits, a gift shop, and visitor information.
Although the Oasis Visitor Center has permanently closed, you can still stop by the site. The native gardens, outdoor art displays, restroom facilities, and Oasis of Mara trail remain open to the public and are completely free to enjoy.
Visitor Center Hours: Open daily 8:30 am to 5 pm
Joshua Tree North Entrance Visitor Center Address: 6533 Freedom Way, Twentynine Palms
3. Joshua Tree National Park South Entrance
The least busy of the three Joshua Tree National Park entrances, the South Entrance is located seven miles north of Interstate 10.
This entrance is best if you are coming from Arizona, Indio, Salton Sea, and other points east. It is also a good alternate entrance if you are driving to the park on a day trip from Palm Springs, as it is located less than an hour away.
The South Entrance will take you into the park via Pinto Basin Road, where youāll find Joshua Treeās Cholla Cactus Garden and the historic Cottonwood Spring area nearby.
Cottonwood Visitor Center
The visitor center at the South Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park is called the Cottonwood Visitor Center. It is fairly small but has some interesting exhibits and a book store.
Visitor Center Hours: Open daily 8:30 am to 4 pm
Address: Pinto Basin Road, Twentynine Palms
Joshua Tree Entrance Fee
How much does it cost to enter Joshua Tree National Park?
The most common entrance fee is the Private Vehicle Pass, which is $30 and valid for 7 days. This covers the cost for everyone riding in the vehicle. You can also opt to buy an annual pass which is good for one year and honors federal interagency passes, including the America the Beautiful Pass.
You can pay in advance at recreation.gov or purchase park passes at any of the Joshua Tree entrances and visitor centers.
The National Park Service also offers several fee-free days throughout the year. These dates are typically:
- MLK Day (January)
- First Day of National Park Week (April)
- Great American Outdoors Act (August)
- National Public Lands Day (September)
- Veterans Day (November)
Joshua Tree Map
The National Park Service offers a variety of maps you can download prior to your visit to Joshua Tree. The main map of the park is below; you can also visit the National Park Service website to check out maps of the various campgrounds, equestrian maps, backcountry roads, and topographical maps of the various regions within the park.
Tips For Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
Before you set off on your adventure in Joshua Tree National Park, itās essential to be prepared and aware of the unique challenges that come with exploring this arid landscape.
Here are ten essential tips for a safe visit and enjoyable experience you should know before entering Joshua Tree National Park.
1. Start Your Day Early
Not only does Joshua Tree National Park get busy later in the day, but it also gets extremely hot. If you are visiting in the summertime, plan to arrive early so you can get your hikes in before the temperatures peak.
It also makes for a much nicer drive and better views of the beautiful rock formations and iconic Joshua trees if you can do it when there are fewer cars on the road!
2. Buy Your Entrance Pass in Advance
Save time and purchase your entrance pass in advance. Buying your pass ahead of time may help expedite your trip into the park.
3. Stay Hydrated
First and foremost, be sure to bring plenty of water. The desert climate can be unforgiving, especially during the summer months. But even if you are visiting on cooler days, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and drink water regularly throughout your time in the park. This goes double if you are going to do some hiking.
Consider bringing reusable water bottles for each family member and refill them at the park’s designated water stations to reduce waste. There are also filling stations at all the park’s visitor centers.
4. Pack a Picnic
You wonāt find any food for sale inside the park, so bring plenty of snacks or better yet pack a picnic so you can enjoy lunch in the park.
Joshua Tree has eight designated picnic areas: Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Live Oak, Split Rock, Cap Rock, Hidden Valley, Quail Springs, and Black Rock.
5. Protect Your Family from the Sun
The desert sun can be intense, so protect everyone from the sun’s relentless rays. Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF before heading out and reapply it every few hours. This is especially important if you are visiting Joshua Tree with kids!
Also consider bringing baseball caps or wide-brimmed hats to shield your face and neck from the sun, along with sunglasses to protect your eyes.
6. Fill Your Gas Tank
There are no gas stations inside the park and the park is huge. Give yourself the peace of mind of knowing your tank is full before you enter.
7. Bring a Paper Map
Thereās no cell service inside the park, so arm yourself with an old-fashioned paper map of Joshua Tree National Park before you drive through the gates so youāll never have to worry about where to go.
You can download a map from the National Park Service, or purchase one at any of the Visitor Centers.
8. Donāt Rely on GPS
Download directions to the Joshua Tree National Park entrance you choose in advance and do not rely on GPS directions. There are some back country roads that navigation systems often think are shortcuts, but they are not always accessible.
9. Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
While it may be tempting to wear flip flops or sandals when the weather is warm, closed-toe shoes are essential for exploring Joshua Tree National Park. Rocks and cacti are abundant in the desert and you want to make sure everyoneās feet are protected.
10. Get to Know the Park in Advance
Familiarize yourself with the park’s facilities and amenities before you arrive. Joshua Tree National Park offers various visitor centers and campgrounds, as well as areas with picnic tables and restrooms throughout the park. Take note of these locations and plan your activities accordingly, ensuring that you have access to necessary facilities when needed.
In the event of an emergency, know the park’s emergency contact information and familiarize yourself with the nearest ranger station or visitor center. It’s always better to be prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise. It is also a good idea to always carry a first aid kit.
āŗ Don’t miss these other amazing national parks near San Diego and across California!
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