What is the best way to enter to Joshua Tree?

99% of visitors from Los Angeles use the Joshua Tree / West Entrance. I've seen lines over a mile long to get into the park on weekends (it's still a single lane road). Instead, travel about 15 miles East on Hwy 62 to the 29 Palms / North Entrance - There are typically no lines there.



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We recommend starting at the West entrance into the park, and continuing through the South entrance, before heading back to Palm Springs.

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You can see a whole lot at Joshua Tree on a one-day driving tour of the park. There's only 50 miles of main road between the Cottonwood Visitor Center and the town of Joshua Tree (the furthest points), so it's easy to see a lot in a day!

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I think two full days is a good length to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. Any less and you won't be able to see the main attractions. With three days, you likely won't see much more, but you'll be able to be a bit more leisurely.

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Joshua Tree is only about an hour outside of Palm Springs, and is more than worth the trip. We recommend starting at the West entrance into the park, and continuing through the South entrance, before heading back to Palm Springs.

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Hypothermia can be a hazard even at temperatures above freezing. Always carry extra layers of clothing during the cooler months. The short days of winter lead some hikers to miscalculate how much time they need to complete a hike. Around the winter solstice, plan to be back at the trailhead by 4 pm.

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You should plan to spend around $152 per day on your vacation in Joshua Tree National Park, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $35 on meals for one day and $47 on local transportation.

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Yes! Joshua Tree is one of the best national parks to see in only a day. In one day, you can see the highlights of Joshua Tree, including Cholla Cactus Garden, Ryan Mountain, and sunset at Keys View.

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With the increasing popularity of the area around Joshua Tree National Park — both for park visitors and for people who can choose where they'd like to work from home — the area has seen a spike in development and home prices.

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