Revised 9/2007

Known for its rugged mountains and interesting geologic displays, Joshua Tree is an immense (nearly 800,000 acres) National Park made up of two large desert ecosystems:  the low Colorado Desert and the higher, slightly cooler and wetter Mojave Desert.  The Park’s namesake, the Joshua tree Yucca brevifolia, is a giant member of the lily family.  There are many activities to enjoy year-round in Joshua Tree, but for the best weather, visit in mid-September through early spring.  See below for a few of our favorite hikes.

Entrance Fees

Getting there

Virtual Tour

Coordinates:  33°30′0″N, 116°08′0″W, Latitude 34.13 & Longitude -116.31

Google Earth - Get a bird’s eye view of Joshua Tree National Park. If you have Google Earth installed, you can double-click on the linked Placemark file and it will fly you to Lake Tahoe. If not, you will need to install Google Earth first (available at http://earth.google.com).

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Park Map

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Joshua Tree provides habitat for 712 higher plant species, 40 reptile species, 41 mammal species, and 240 bird species.

The tallest joshua tree in the park is forty feet high, and is estimated to be about 300 years old!

With 700 species of vascular plants, Joshua Tree is renowned for its plant diversity. No wonder that when the area was first proposed for preservation in the early 1930s, the name suggested was Desert Plants National Park.

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Camping Areas

Camping Reservations

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If you plan to out overnight you must register at a backcountry registration board.

Your wilderness camp must be located one mile from the road and 500 feet from any trail. You also must camp outside of day-use areas. Make yourself aware of any day-use areas in the vicinity (they are indicated on the topo maps at the backcountry registration boards) and make certain to camp outside.

BOY SCOUT TRAIL

Trailhead:  Wonderland trailhead (This trail can also be hiked in reverse from Indian Cove trailhead.)

Distance:  16 miles round trip

Difficulty:  Moderate

From the trailhead, follow the marked trail approx. 1.4 miles north.  At the fork, take a left.  At approx. 4 miles the trail will make a left turn out of a wash. Be very vigilant as this section of the trail is easy to miss! The remainder of the trail is generally well marked. There are many places on the west side of the trail to camp overnight.  The east side is for day-use only.

RYAN MOUNTAIN TRAIL

Trailhead: Ryan Mountain parking area or Sheep Pass Campground

Distance: 3 miles roundtrip, 2-3 hours

Difficulty:  Moderately strenuous

Summit Elevation:  Summit elevation is 5461 feet.

The Ryan Mountain Trail offers some of the best views in Joshua Tree including Queen Valley, wonderland of Rocks, Lost Horse Valley, Pleasant Valley, as well as the summits of San Gorgonio and San Jacinto. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow.

LOST PALMS OASIS TRAIL

This rewarding hike leads to a lush palm grove in a rugged canyon.

Trailhead:  Cottonwood Spring Oasis

Distance:  7.5 miles roundtrip

Difficulty:  Moderately strenuous

The first ½ mile follows the same path as the Mastodon Peak Trail.  Once you reach the junction of the trail to Mastodon Peak, continue straight.  At approximately three miles from the trailhead you will come to an overlook above the palms.  From there it is about .25 mile into the lush canyon bottom. Although there is no camping allowed in the Canyon bottom, you may camp in the rolling hills before the overlook.

MISCL LINKS

Hiking Trails

Nature Trails

Star Parties

Ranger Programs

Climbing Routes

360-degree photos

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To see:

 Flowers:  Visit between February and April. Click here for a list of what’s blooming.

 Birds:  Visit between February and April, and in the fall

                -Bird Walks link

                -Bird Sightings link

Desert Tortoise:  Spring is the best time to see a Desert Tortoise. If you see one, please fill out a wildlife observation card, available at visitor centers and entrance stations.           

Least Crowds:  July and January

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Joshua Tree Weather

Weather Webcam

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Before heading out to Josh, check out the latest gear from Black Diamond.

At Black Diamond it's all about climbing and skiing.

What began with a backyard anvil and a hammer has grown into a global company with offices on two continents that's not just for rock climbers, but one that stands for the spirit of the sports they live, their values and goals, past, present and future. Since 1957, Black Diamond’s innovative gear designs have set the standards in numerous areas.

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11th Annual Climb Smart Weekend

Joshua Tree National Park Internships

Visitor Centers

Things to do in Joshua Tree

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Desert temperatures can change rapidly. Take caution to avoid Rattlesnakes, scorpions, cactus and other sharp desert plants when hiking. Dress appropriately for the temperature. Know the signs of Hyperthermia (Heat Stroke).

Avoid dehydration by drinking water at regular intervals.  Symptoms of mild dehydration include thirst, decreased urination, unexplained tiredness, headache, dry, and dizziness.  In severe dehydration, there may be no urine output at all.  Other symptoms include lethergy, slieepiness, and fainting.

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Since 1990, the Access Fund has been the only national advocacy organization that keeps climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment. The Access Fund supports and represents over 1.6 million climbers nationwide in ALL forms of climbing; Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Mountaineering, and Bouldering. Five core programs support the mission on national and local levels: public policy, stewardship & conservation (including grants), grassroots activism, climber education, and land acquisition.

Joshua Tree National Park Association
The nonprofit partner with Joshua Tree National Park dedicated to assist with preservation, education, historical, and scientific programs for the benefit of the park its visitors.

Friends of Joshua Tree - Friends of Joshua Tree is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the historical tradition of climbing in Joshua Tree National Park. Friends of Joshua Tree advocates, communicates, and encourages ethical and environmentally sound climbing practices, and works to shape park policy on climbing and climbing-related issues.

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Hiking, backpacking, and other wilderness activities, are potentially dangerous and unpredictable.  Adventure 16 assumes no liability for injuries associated with the use of information provided on this site. The trails, activities and areas described on this site are to be used for informational purposes only and should not be your sole source of guidance.  Always thoroughly research any outdoor area you plan to visit using various resources--including contacting local ranger stations--to obtain the most up to date information for your destination. Contact your physician if you are unsure about your health or physical abilities.