Exploring Joshua Tree National Park’s Scenic Trails and Top Camping Spots
Updated March 16, 2025
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Joshua Tree National Park
When our plans to travel in the summer led us to California, I knew that Joshua Tree National Park would be on my list of places to visit. I didn’t know much about this park but as I kept seeing pictures on Instagram or Pinterest I was intrigued by the uniqueness of the trees. They remind me of something Dr Seuss would have created.
Located in the heart of the California desert, Joshua Tree National Park is a breathtaking that offers rugged landscapes, amazing rock formations, and the most iconic Joshua trees with their twisted, spiky branches reaching toward the sky like something from another world.
Those ancient trees, a species of yucca, line the park with striking formations and stand resilient against the harsh desert conditions. You will find solitude as you explore the park.
Things you need to know
Hours: Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Visitor Centers:
Joshua Tree Visitor Center hours (west entrance): Hours: 7:30am to 5 pm daily
Cottonwood Visitor Center hours (south entrance): 8:30am to 4pm daily
Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center located in 6533 Freedom Way, Twentynine Palms (outside of the park). Hours (north entrance): 8:30am to 5pm daily. We had trouble finding this visitor center at first. It is not on the road that leads into the park.
Black Rock Nature Center. Hours: 8:00am to 4:00pm. Limited hours in the summer.
Cost: $30 for private vehicle, pass is good for 7 consecutive days. FREE with America the Beautiful National Park pass.
Cell signal: minimal to non-existence. Download a map or pick one up at the visitor center. If you purchase tickets online for backcountry hiking, download a copy in case you have no signal at entrance.
Activities in the park include hiking, backpacking, stargazing, birding, camping, climbing, biking, horseback riding
Pets are not allowed on the trails, back country, or in buildings
Map of Joshua Tree National Park, see below.
Backcountry Roads
There are multiple backcountry roads that you can travel on during your time at Joshua Tree National Park. Some of the roads will require 4-wheel drive to explore and can be up to 23-miles long.
Image credit nps.gov
Joshua trees
Favorites for hiking
Hiking in the heat
Joshua Tree did not disappoint my love of national parks. We visited Joshua Tree National Park in the summer months when it is the hottest. Be prepared for the weather and dress appropriately, have sunscreen, hat and plenty of water. If you can hike during the year when the weather is cooler, I recommended doing it then. But I was able to see the Joshua trees despite the heat and that made me happy!!
Photo image from weatherspark.com
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Taking the Hidden Valley Nature Trail gives you the opportunity to view the multiple Joshua trees up close. This is a 1-mile round trip hike inside he deserts oasis where you will find the twisted Joshua trees, and vibrant wildflowers which create a breathtaking landscape. I loved this walk!
Skull Rock
It’s amazing how years of being out in the weather can create such character in rocks. This one is similar to a skull as it is titled.
Skull Rock is conveniently located right along the scenic roadway, making it incredibly easy to access for visitors. If you're in the mood for a bit more adventure, there is a beautiful 1.7-mile round trip trail that winds around this fascinating area. This delightful hike would typically take around 1 to 2 hours to complete, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings while enjoying the unique rock formations.
Climbing on the boulders
As you can see from the picture below, there are a lot of large boulders to climb on in this area by skull rock. We spent some time here just letting him climb around. It was fun to watch him problem solve how to climb over a boulder or climb down from one. Make sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes as you climb on the rocks.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Cholla Cactus Garden (Choy-ya) is a short 0.25-mile loop trail on flat land. This trail will take you about 15-20 minutes to complete. These Cholla cactus, also known as “teddy bear” cactus, may look soft and they are so beautiful, but the golden spines are very sharp. Watch young children so they do not touch the cactus.
Warning do not brush against the cholla cactus as the slightest touch can cause the cactus spines to penetrate your skin. Removing the spines is difficult and painful.
Other hiking trails in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park offers multiple other hiking opportunities from short nature trails to strenuous trails.
There are multiple hikes that are short and offer a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. Those trails include Arch Rock, Bajada, Barker Dam, Cap Rock, Cottonwood Spring, Discovery Trail, Hidden Valley, Cholla Cactus Garden, Indian Cove, Keys View, Oasis of Mara, Ryan Ranch, and Skull Rock. These shorter hikes range from 0.1 mile to 1.7 miles.
Moderate hikes consist of Hi-View, Lost Horse Mine, Mastodon Peak, Pine City, Split Rock Loop, and West Side Loop. These moderate hikes range from 1.4 miles to 4.7 miles.
They have several strenuous hikes that are NOT recommended to attempt during the summer or whenever the weather is considered hot. There is a risk of dehydration, getting lost and extreme sun exposure. Those hikes are Boy Scout Trail, California Riding and Hiking Trail, Fortynine Palms Oasis, Lost Horse Loop, Lost Palms Oasis, Panorama Loop/Morongo View, Ryan Mountain, Warren Peak, and Willow Hole. These hikes range from 3 miles to 36.6 miles.
Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
Camping is available within Joshua Tree National Park. There are 500 campsites within this park spread out over 8 campgrounds.
Reservations are required at five of the campgrounds. Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, and Ryan. $30-35 nightly camping fee.
First come, first served camping can be done at Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle Campgrounds. $25 nightly camping fee.
Need to know
White Tank and Belle Campgrounds temporarily close during the summer due to the heat.
Water can only be found at the Black Rock and Cottonwood campgrounds.
Do not tie any lines (hammock, slacklines, laundry lines) to any of the vegetation or anywhere in the campground.
Check out is noon.
There is a 30-day camping limit each year.
Pets are allowed but must be on a leash at all times.
At Hidden Valley and White Tank Campgrounds, RV’s and trailers may not exceed a combined length of 25 feet.
Generator use is permitted only from 7-9am and 12-2pm and 5-7pm.
Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings or grills. Bring your own firewood.
Image credit nps.gov
Gas prices in California
Before we headed to our chosen camping location, I made the decision to stop and get gas. We found ourselves situated on the Nevada-California border, and I was shocked, although I knew they would be high, to see that the gas price was $6.96 per gallon. This was clearly the highest price we encountered during our travels across the beautiful west coast. After filling up, I noticed the total amount came to a whopping $127.79, UGH. It's worth noting that gas prices in California were consistently about $2 higher than in any other state we had previously passed through on our journey.
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Boondocking off Kelbaker Road
I chose to camp outside of Joshua Tree National Park, so we didn’t have to pay for camping. We camped off of Kelbaker Road near highway 40 in California. During our travel to this area temps rose to 114 degrees. I was getting a little nervous but by the time we got to this camp area the temp was much lower and got down to the 80’s at night. This area mentioned being sandy in some spots so get out and look before you park so you do not end up getting stuck. Bring traction boards just in case you get stuck.
Cost: This is a FREE boondocking location and we had the place to ourselves.
Amenities: rock fire ring. No shade.
GPS: 34.74570, -115.65200
Cell signal: Yes, Verizon (1-2 bars)
Location to Joshua Tree National Park: 1 hour 8 minutes
We built a campfire to sit by at night before bed and of course, to roast marshmallows. We had such a fun time at this location. The kids could enjoy climbing the large boulders as well while we waited for the night to end. Don’t forget your roasting sticks for your campfire goodies.
Other accommodations in the Joshua tree area
Check out these beautiful rental homes and hotel located near Joshua Tree National Park. Click on the link to book these locations for your next trip to Joshua tree.
Enjoy this guest house with amazing mountain views.
Stay at this cute, renovated cabin with mountain views.
Stay at this beautiful hotel with kitchenette and desert view.
Other California travel ideas
Your Complete Guide to Visiting Highway 1 in Big Sur California
Hiking Among the Giants at Sequoia National Park in California
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California. Voted Best Seaside Park
A National Park to Remember
You will defiantly enjoy this national park. I recommend going here when the weather is cooler so you can enjoy more of the trails. I knew I would love the trees even more in person and I really did. I find nature so beautiful and relaxing.
If you are just starting on your travel journey of visiting national parks, or you have been to most of them already, I am sure you can agree that each national park brings on such curiosity and diversity as you take in the beauty of each space you visit. Whether your travel consist of mountains, unique trees, rock formations or just to view the stars, each park brings its own sense of peace and solitude.
What is your favorite national park in California? Comment below.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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