Immerse yourself in Joshua Tree National Park for a day to transport yourself to what feels like an entirely different planet. As native trees to the southwestern United States, Joshua Trees (aka Yucca brevifolia), are gems of the Mojave Desert, and a cousin of the agave. With a life span of 150+ years, the Joshua Trees that give the national park its name is a wonder to see.

Ready to plan your trip to JTNP? Keep reading to learn how to spend one day in Joshua Tree National Park before you go:

View from the top of Ryan Mountain in Joshua Tree National Park. — View of Joshua Trees from the top of Ryan Mountain.

Getting to Joshua Tree National Park

Plan to drive to Joshua Tree National Park. LA & San Diego are 3 hours away, Las Vegas is 4 hours, Phoenix is 4.5 hours, and San Francisco is 8 hours.

This park is HUGE. However, 1-3 days should allow plenty of time to see the sights, depending on how you choose to spend your time in the park. Popular things to do include: hiking, rock climbing, camping, photography, stargazing, birding, biking, backpacking, horseback riding, & ranger programs.

Where to Stay

When it comes to Joshua Tree National Park, there are several options for accommodations.

Camping

The majority of the 500 campsites in the park are available by reservation. Reservations can be made the same day or up to 6 months in advance and can be booked on recreation.gov. Book your site BEFORE entering the park. Cell service is unreliable and non-existent in Joshua Tree National Park. Reservations are required for the following campgrounds:

Reserving a site is highly recommended if you plan to camp on a holiday, a weekend, or any day of the week in the spring. The busy season runs from November to May.

Airbnb

When planning our weekend trip to Joshua Tree National Park, we started out in Phoenix and made the road trip to the town of Joshua Tree, which is just minutes from the west entrance of the park. We opted to stay at La Casa at Joshua Tree, and it was absolutely epic. The 5+acre retreat on a paved road (5 min to JT town or 7 min to JTNP), consisted of a huge outdoor area with 180 views of JTNP, a new hot tub, hammocks, a fire pit, outdoor dining area, horseshoe pit, and screened-in yoga patio! We split the cost of the house with two other couples. I recommend this same strategy if you’re traveling with a group! Check out other listings in the Joshua Tree area here.

Hotels

If a hotel is the type of accommodation that meets your needs best, there are plenty of options in the surrounding areas! Take a look.

Park Hot Spots

With so much ground to cover and an overwhelming amount of opportunity for adventure, Joshua Tree is full of sights to see and things to do. Here are some hot spots and excursions to explore during your day(s) in the park:

Joshua Tree Pro Tips

Remember, it’s a Desert

Potable water is non-existent in most of the Joshua Tree National Park. As a rule of thumb, bring 1 gallon per person. Hikers and cyclists should carry 2 gallons per person. Along with water, pack sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothing with UV protection. Because it’s a desert, the shade will be minimal. While there are plenty of Joshua Trees, you can’t rely on them for shade.

Avoid Summer

Again, it’s a desert. Summer brings extreme heat, climbing to 100+ degrees. If you plan your visit to Joshua Tree National Park between the months of October to April, temperatures will be much milder and your adventures in the park will be more enjoyable.

No Service

Cell service is minimal or non-existent throughout Joshua Tree National Park. Plan ahead by downloading the national park app to download offline content so you’ll never be without the info you need for your adventure! Grab a park map on your way in, too.

Pay for Your Pass – & Get Gas!

The entry fee is $15 for a seven-day vehicle permit or $30 for an annual pass. Buy your pass online ahead of time, or pay at visitor centers and entrances. If you plan to visit more national parks this year, consider buying an annual America the Beautiful Pass. This pass will cover your admission to all national parks and federal recreation sites.

There are no gas stations inside the park. If you run out of gas, you’re out of luck. With cell service being spotty or non-existent throughout the park, it will be in your best interest to fill up your tank before starting your adventure in Joshua Tree.

Leave No Trace

Our national parks are highly treasured spaces, and Joshua Tree contains a delicate ecosystem. Plan your trip to the park before you go, stay on the trails, be careful with fire, respect wildlife, and take everything out of the park that you bring with you. Pets are not permitted on any trails in the park, except for the paved Oasis of Mara Trail. For the next generations to be able to enjoy the park, we must do our part to preserve it.