Joshua Tree National Park
Overview
Joshua Tree National Park boasts an impressive, vast, and unique landscape. Its 800,000 acres encompass two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado. Visitors will find some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California's deserts, ranging from rugged mountains of twisted rock to exposed granite monoliths that testify to the tremendous earth forces that shaped and formed this land. Playas, arroyos, bajadas, alluvial fans, pediments, desert varnish, granites, aplite, and gneiss interact to form a giant mosaic of stunning beauty and complexity. A fascinating variety of plants and animals also make their home in this 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!
To learn more about Joshua Tree National Park, visit nps.gov/jotr
Local Info
Please Note: There are no singletrack trails within Joshua Tree National Park that are open to mountain bikes. Bikes are allowed on the park's established dirt roads. This page serves as a general overview of the area. If you're visiting the park and looking for places to ride, check out the following areas:
Visiting Tips
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Visitation typically increases during the more moderate temperatures in the fall, peaks during the spring wildflower season, and declines during the heat of summer.
Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.
Camping & Lodging
Camping:
There are nine campgrounds located in the park. Most campsites are now only by reservation. Group campsites should be reserved in advance via recreation.gov. It is very likely for campgrounds to fill on weekends from fall through spring. To learn more about camping in the park, visit the park's website.
The only first come, first served campgrounds are White Tank, Belle, and Hidden Valley.
- White Tank Campground: 15 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis.
- Jumbo Rocks Campground: 124 sites. Reservation only.
- Belle Campground: 18 sites. Available on a first come, first served basis.
- Ryan Campground: 31 sites. Reservation only.
- Hidden Valley Campground: 44 sites.Available on a first come, first served basis.
- Indian Cove Campground: 101 sites. Reservation only.
- Black Rock Campground: 99 sites. Reservation only.
- Sheep Pass Group Campground: 6 sites. Reservation only.
- Cottonwood Campground: 62 sites. Reservation only.
Backcountry Camping:
Backcountry camping is also an option for those looking to extend their stay in the park. Visit the park's website to learn more about backcountry camping rules and regulations.
Lodging:
There is no lodging available within Joshua Tree National Park. However, there are many options in the nearby towns. For more, information click here.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants or grocery stores located in the park. A variety of dining options can be found in the nearby towns of 29 Palms, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, and Indio.
Other Activities
Joshua Tree National Park is home to a multitude of outdoor activities. Recreational opportunities include backpacking, camping, bird-watching, horseback riding, photography, stargazing, and wildflower viewing. No matter your interest, this beautiful desert park is sure to exceed your expectations whether you're planning your first visit to a national park or your fiftieth. Additionally, be sure to check out the world-class rock climbing and bouldering in the park. For those looking to extend their adventure beyond the park, check out the opportunities for mountain biking up the road in Palm Springs.
Joshua Tree National Park Biking
- 26 Miles 42 Kilometers of Trail
- 0 Recommended Routes
- 4
Easy Trails
- 2
Intermediate Trails
- 0
Difficult Trails
Areas Within Joshua Tree National Park
Weather Averages
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Trails in Joshua Tree National Park - 6
MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Trails
5.0
mi
8.1
km
#1Lower Covington Flat Road
Joshua Tree, CA
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Joshua Tree, CA |
2
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12.1
mi
19.4
km
#2Geology Tour Road
Twentynine Palms, CA
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Twentynine Palms, CA |
5
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4.0
mi
6.5
km
#3Queen Valley Road
Twentynine Palms, CA
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Twentynine Palms, CA |
2
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2.4
mi
3.8
km
#4Big Horn Pass Road
Twentynine Palms, CA
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Twentynine Palms, CA |
2
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1.5
mi
2.5
km
#5Odelle Road
Twentynine Palms, CA
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Twentynine Palms, CA |
1
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1.4
mi
2.2
km
#6Desert Queen Mine Road
Twentynine Palms, CA
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Twentynine Palms, CA |
1
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Photos of Joshua Tree National Park - 4
MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Photos