Which entrance is better at Joshua Tree?

Pro Tip: 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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Pro Tip: 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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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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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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Hidden Valley: If you only visit one place in Joshua Tree National Park, make sure you make that place Hidden Valley. Hidden Valley is a gorgeous valley surrounded by rocks of all sizes and loads of Joshua Trees. It makes a great picnic spot or an area to wander, snap pics and climb on boulders.

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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 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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18 Awesome Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
  • Check out the Joshua Trees.
  • Visit the Unique Rock Formations.
  • Go For a Hike.
  • Try to Spot Some Wildlife.
  • Camp in the Desert.
  • Watch the Rock Climbers.
  • Visit the Cactus Garden.
  • amp;amp;lt;Check out the Panorama at Keys View.


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Avoid arriving at the park between 10 am and 2 pm and leave well before or after sunset to avoid crowds. Holidays and weekends are the busiest times to visit so consider adjusting your schedule for a more relaxed visit. Be mindful of where you stay and enter the park.

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One of the most popular Joshua Tree day hikes, Barker Dam is a historic dam built by early cattle ranches and one of the only places you can see natural water in the park. BARKER DAM TRAIL, JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, CA.

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The Invisible House's mirror-clad facade creates the illusion of the home disappearing into the desert landscape. The modern glass architecture is situated on 67.5 acres just steps away from the Joshua Tree National Park.

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Weekdays experience far fewer visitors in the park but more town stores may be closed. If viewing desert wildflowers and hiking in solitude are high on your list, then visiting Joshua Tree during the middle of the week is your best bet.

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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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While touching a Joshua tree or posing leaning against it or hanging from it for that perfect Instagram photo may not technically be illegal, you don't want to risk damaging these unique and fragile plants. The best choice is to admire them without actually touching them.

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It costs $15 to enter Joshua Tree National Park on foot or by bicycle, or $30 per vehicle if you're driving into the national park. You can buy a pass on arrival at the park, but note that the West Entrance doesn't take cash payments.

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