The desert like you've never seen it before
Only in the Mojave Desert will one see a Joshua tree, the largest of the yuccas, that can grow 12 meters tall over 150 years. Named after the agave with dagger-like leaves, the 320,805-hectare Joshua Tree National Park attracts more than 2 million visitors a year, but they come to see more than the trees. Go beyond the desert to ascend the 1,773-meter Quail Mountain, the highest peak here. Visit Keys Ranch in a rocky canyon, where a family once lived and ran a mining operation, school and store. Tour the park by foot or mountain bike, guided or solo.
Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California (less than three hours east of Los Angeles by car). This National Park encompasses a fascinating variety of plants and animals, all of which thrive in the rugged mountains and exposed granite that shape the landscape.
The park encompasses some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California’s deserts. When viewed from the roadside, the desert may seem bare. But a closer look will reveal blossoming wildflowers, scuttling lizards and the contorted trees for which the park was named. Take your time as you travel through Joshua Tree National Park so that you can truly experience the park’s beauty.
Campgrounds
Reservation Camping
The majoritymof the 500 campsites in the park are available by resrvation. Reservations can be made the same day or up to 6 months in advance. Book your site before entering the park. Cell service is unreliable and nonexistent in Joshua Tree National Park. Reserving a site is highly rexommended if you plan to camp on a holiday, a weekend, or any day of the week in the spring. Out busy spring season runsd form November to May.
