How much is it to camp at joshua tree
Joshua Tree National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
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Reservation 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 nonexistent in Joshua Tree National Park.
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. Our busy spring season runs from November to May.
Summer Status: All reservation campgrounds are open year-round. Some sections of Indian Cove Campground, Black Rock Campground, and Cottonwood Campground close in the summer.
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Black Rock
99 sites. $25 per night. 4,000 feet in elevation. Water, flush toilets, tables, fire grates, and a dump station.
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Cottonwood
62 sites. $25 per night. 3,000 feet in elevation. Water, flush toilets, tables, fire grates, and a dump station.
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Indian Cove
101 sites. $25 per night. 3,200 feet in elevation. Pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. No water.
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Jumbo Rocks
124 sites. $20 per night. 4,400 feet in elevation. Pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. No water.
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Ryan
31 sites.
$20 per night. 4,300 feet in elevation. Pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. No water.
First-Come, First-Served Camping
Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle Campgrounds are first-come, first-served. A ranger will come by with portable registers to collect the campsite payment throughout the day. There is no longer a self-registering, pre-payment system for first-come, first-serve campsites. The fee is $15 per night.
First-come, first-serve campsites are highly competitive on holidays, most weekends, and the springtime. They are full nearly every weekend from Sept-May and most weeknights during our busy spring season from mid-February to mid-May. On the weekends, they are typically full by Friday afternoon. The earlier you arrive in a week, the better chance you will have to secure a site. To avoid disappointment, reserve a site at recreation.gov.
Can't find a campsite inside the park? Learn more about Camping Outside of the Park.
Summer Status: White Tank Campground and Belle Campground temporarily close during the summer. Hidden Valley Campground is open year-round.
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Belle
18 sites. $15 per night. 3,800 feet in elevation. Pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. No water.
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Hidden Valley
44 sites. $15 per night. 4,200 feet. Pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. No water.
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White Tank
15 sites. $15 per night. 3,800 feet in elevation. Pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. No water.
Can't Find A Campsite?
The park has become an extremely popular destination in recent years. Due to this popularity, all park campgrounds are usually full on weekends October through May.
If you arrive too late to get a site in a designated campground, you have the following options:
- Camp on Bureau of Land Management land outside the park.
- Go to a private campground or stay in lodging in gateway communities. Please contact area chambers of commerce for information.
Sleeping in your vehicle overnight along the roadside or at a roadside pull off is not allowed, and violators may be subject to a citation.
For more information, visit our Camping Outside of the Park page.
Group Sites
There are three areas that have group campsites: Cottonwood, Indian Cove, and Sheep Pass.
- Group sites can accommodate 10-60 people.
- Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance for Cottonwood, Indian Cove, and Sheep Pass.
- Cottonwood and Sheep Pass Group Campgrounds are for tents only. Indian Cove Group Campground can accommodate small RVs or trailers, with a maximum combined length of 25 feet.
Equestrian Camping
Black Rock and Ryan Campgrounds have designated horse camps. Ryan is closed in the summer months. See the horseback riding page for more information.
Regulations
Visit our Camping Regulations page to learn more about general rules, pets, quiet hours, and fires/firewood. Attaching lines to vegetation, including Joshua trees and junipers, is prohibited. Hammocks, slacklines, and other horizontal ropes must be tied to rocks and climbing bolts, and are not permitted in campgrounds.Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I get campsite reservations?Reservations are required at the following campgrounds: Indian Cove, Black Rock, Jumbo Rocks, Ryan, Cottonwood, Sheep Pass Group Campground, Cottonwood Group Campground, and Indian Cove Group Campground. Campsite reservations can only made on recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Reservations be made up to six months in advance (subject to availability).
How do I get a first-come, first-served campsite?When you arrive at a first-come, first-served campground (Hidden Valley, Belle, or White Tank), look for an open site. If you find a vacated site without equipment, move into the site and set up camp.
A ranger comes around to first-come, first-served campgrounds multiple times a day to register campers and take payment. You can also pay at an entrance station after you’ve moved into a site. We only accept debit and credit card payments for campsites. You do not need to seek out a ranger to pay. It is our job to charge you for the campsite.
What are my chances of getting a first-come, first-serve site on the weekend?First-come, first-serve campsites are highly competitive on holidays, most weekends, and the springtime. They are full nearly every weekend from Sept-May and most weeknights during our busy spring season from mid-February to April. On the weekends, they are typically full by Friday afternoon. The earlier you arrive in a week, the better your chance of securing a site. To avoid disappointment, reserve a site at recreation.gov.
How many tents will fit in my site?
For reservation-only campsites, please check the campsite information on recreation.gov before you book. Not all campsites can accommodate the maximum number of people and tents. For first-come, first-served campgrounds, up to six people and three tents (if they fit) are allowed. If site capacity is exceeded, extra guests will be asked to leave or the site may be forfeited.
Can I sleep in my vehicle?
You are welcome to sleep in your vehicle at a lawfully occupied, designated campsite. It is illegal to sleep in your vehicle outside of campgrounds e.g., trailheads, dirt roads, parking lots, roadsides, etcetera.
If my campsite only allows 1 or 2 vehicles, can I bring an extra and squeeze it in?
No. You are only allowed to bring the stated number of allowed vehicles listed in the campsite information on recreation.gov. It’s typically two and sometimes one. For first-come, first-serve sites, it’s a two-vehicle limit if they fit. The stated vehicle limit is based on available parking space. If exceeding this limit, it typically leads to illegal parking, obstructing the roadway, and vegetation damage. If you bring an extra vehicle, you will be asked to move it. This applies to group sites too; do not exceed the vehicle limit.
If I have more vehicles than my campsite allows, where can I park the extra vehicle(s)?
There is no overflow parking in the national park. For extra vehicles, seek parking outside of the park and carpool in.
Does a trailer or camper count as a vehicle?
Yes, a vehicle towing a trailer, popup, tent trailer, or fifth wheel—or a motorhome towing a vehicle—is considered two vehicles.
What if I have more people than my campsite allows?
Then you will need to book an additional site. Exceeding the maximum number of allowed guests commonly leads to out-of-bounds camping, vegetation damage, and noise complaints. If site capacity is exceeded, extra guests will be asked to leave or the site may be forfeited.
How do I check-in if I’m arriving late?
You don't need to. There is no formal check-in process at the campgrounds. Once you arrive, simply move into your reserved site. A campground host or ranger may or may not greet you and go over campground rules. Campground rules are also posted at the entrance to each campground.
If I’m not going to make it to the first night of my reservation, will my reservation be canceled?
To avoid cancellation, please call 760-367-5554 and leave a message for the park if you are arriving one or more nights late. If you do not plan on using your reserved nights, please cancel them on recreation.gov to give others the opportunity to use the campsite.
Do the gates to the campgrounds close at a certain time?
No, we never close the gates. You are free to enter and exit the campgrounds 24 hours a day.
Can I have a campfire?
Campfires are allowed in the provided campfire ring within designated campsites. Occasionally, we have fire bans in the summer/fall due to high risk of wildfires. If there is a fire ban, check our alerts and conditions webpage to read more about it. If there are no alerts on this webpage about a campfire ban, then you are allowed to have a campfire at your site. Campfires are not allowed in the backcountry or outside of designated campsites in the campgrounds. Charcoal grills are okay to use. When you are done with the fire, dump excess amounts of water on it, stir it up, and check for any remaining heat. Do not leave a smoldering fire unattended.
Where can I buy firewood?
It can be purchased in town from gas stations, grocery stores, and roadside vendors. It is not sold in the park or at visitor centers. You may not gather park vegetation, whether living or dead, to fuel your campfire. Do not burn combustible objects other than firewood.
Can I leave my food and trash bags out during the day?
No, please protect these from the wildlife in a secure container or your vehicle. If you leave your food and trash out, rodents and ravens will likely get into it. This creates behaviors that are detrimental to the wildlife, to you, and to future visitors.
Do I need a horse to book an equestrian site?
Yes, they are reserved for equestrians. If you show up without a horse, you will forfeit the site.
RV-related questionsAre there dump stations?
Yes, they are located at Black Rock Campground (near campsite 6) and at Cottonwood (between the visitor center and the campground). They cost $5 to use. Payment can be made before or after use at any entrance station.
Are there water fill stations?Yes, there are water fill stations at Black Rock campground (near campsite 6) and at Cottonwood (between the visitor center and the campground).
White Tank and Hidden Valley campgrounds have a length limit of 25 feet combined. Belle campground can accommodate up to 35 feet but most only accommodate 25-30 feet RV's. For reservation-only campgrounds, check the individual campsite information for the maximum vehicle length allowed. If you're searching for a campsite to accommodate a specific RV length on recreation.gov, click on the "filter" button and adjust the vehicle length to the length of your RV.
What if my RV is slightly longer than the campsite parking length?
Then it will not fit, and you should choose a different campsite to book. If your RV extends out into the road, it is prone to being hit or causing an accident. Campsite information on recreation.gov has details about parking limitations for each site. If you book a site and discover your equipment does not fit, reservation changes depend on the availability of suitable sites. Modifications are subject to a fee and can be completed on the recreation.gov app or website.
Generator use is only permitted 7–9 am, noon–2 pm, and 5–7 pm.
Costs of Camping at Joshua Tree? | Hipcamp Journal
The cost of camping at Joshua Tree varies, depending on where you stay. Every group entering the park, including campers with reservations, pays an entry fee: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. For $55, you can get unlimited visits with an Annual Pass to Joshua Tree. Or, for $80, purchase an Annual U.S. National Park Pass that’s good for a year at all U.S. national parks and 2,000 federal recreation sites—a golden ticket for frequent park visitors.
Find Joshua Tree camping & glamping
Fees for Campsites in Joshua Tree National ParkFor Joshua Tree’s in-park campgrounds, there are two price tiers. The first-come, first-served campsites you’ll find at Hidden Valley, Ryan, Belle, and White Tank cost $15 per night. Make sure you bring cash in exact change, as you’ll drop your site fee into a safe deposit box at camp to register the old-fashioned way. The campgrounds that allow online reservations, including Black Rock, Jumbo Rocks, Indian Cove, and Cottonwood, are $20 per night.
The Sheep Pass campground features large group campsites for parties of 7 to 50 people. These sites cost $40-$50 per night. RV users will find 16 group sites at Indian Cove (max length 25-foot vehicles) for $50 per night.
Backpackers camp in Joshua Tree for free, but this requires hiking in at least one mile from a trailhead with all of your water and supplies, then packing everything out in the morning. Joshua Tree has 13 trailheads with backcountry registration boards. You can find more info on backcountry camping and backpacking regulations in Joshua Tree here.
BLM camping sites are freeOutside the national park, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) maintains two overflow dispersed camping lots for Joshua Tree visitors. These BLM sites are free to camp at, but have no facilities (running water, bathrooms, trash cans, etc). Users are expected to pack everything out, including waste. A BLM site sits just north of the town of Joshua Tree and just south of Cottonwood Springs. Find more information on dispersed BLM camping here.
There are a number of eye-catching camping, glamping, and RV sites at a wide variety of price points available on Hipcamp in the desert communities surrounding Joshua Tree National Park. These campsites, glampsites, and RV spots are ideal sites for day trips into Joshua Tree and exploration of the area’s local restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
Find Joshua Tree camping & glamping
Here are a few of our favorites:The Pathfinder sits among Joshua trees in a gorgeous setting just 30 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park.
This spot will be an unforgettable part of your Joshua Tree trip thanks to the canvas-walled tipi’s queen-sized bed, the heated indoor shower, and the outdoor kitchen.
Photo by Hipcamp Photographer Andrea Watson2. The Watering HoleThis is a spacious campground just a 10-minutes drive from Joshua Tree’s northeast entrance. Not only does the Watering Hole have views for days (and nights), it has showers and a kitchen to keep you clean and comfortable at camp.
Photo by Hipcamp Photographer Brittany Stepp3. Wendy’s Kick-it SpotGet a taste of desert life at Wendy’s Kick-it Spot, a tent and RV site 20 minutes from Joshua Tree. Wendy’s has fire pits and a gigantic tree with plenty of shade, plus it’s close to the sound baths of the Integratron.
4. Porte-Cochere in Joshua TreeThis is a simple cabin that will break the desert wind and keep you cozy at night. Just down the road from the West Entrance Station, it has its own patio, fire pit, and views of the Joshua Tree Mountains.
- The Best Spots for Camping and Glamping at Joshua Tree?
- What’s the Best Time of Year to Camp at Joshua Tree?
- Are There Showers at Joshua Tree?
- Can I Sleep in My Car at Joshua Tree?
- Is It Safe to Drink the Water at Joshua Tree?
- Can You Enter Joshua Tree at Night?
- Is There Cell Service at Joshua Tree?
- Can You Backpack at Joshua Tree?
- Which Entrance Is Best for Joshua Tree?
- Can You Touch a Joshua Tree?
- Are There Snakes in Joshua Tree?
- Can You Stay in Joshua Tree National Park?
- Do You Need a Permit to Camp at Joshua Tree?
- Is Camping in Joshua Tree Free?
- What Is BLM Land for Camping?
- Is Joshua Tree Safe at Night?
Now’s a great time to find the perfect spot in Joshua Tree for your next camping, glamping, or RV adventure. (TIP: Get $10 off your first booking when you create a new account here and use the referral code JOURNAL)
Find Joshua Tree camping & glamping
What to do in Joshua Tree National Park
This guest post was written by Monica Chapon, California desert enthusiast:
I love the desert. Dry heat, endless sun, and thorny plants are all positives in my book. For those who are skeptical that the desert can actually be interesting, I have the perfect place to change their minds: Joshua Tree National Park.
No matter how many times I visit, I always find a new nook or cranny to explore. This park is so unique that I think every visitor will find something worthy!
The wild and bewildered yuccas known as Joshua Trees have such a personality and the park's geology is so unlike the surrounding areas. This untamed piece of land was declared a National Park in 1994, and it's easy to see why.
From hiking to climbing, photography and stargazing, Joshua Tree has something for you! Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit to California's Joshua Tree National Park:
Joshua Tree is approximately 2. 5 hours east of Los Angeles and San Diego, and is a popular outdoor recreation destination from both cities.
Remoteness is part of the attraction, but it also means visitors must plan ahead.
When to visit
While I can honestly say that I couldn't stand (and enjoyed) visiting the park all year round, the best seasons to visit Joshua Tree are definitely spring and autumn.
Spring (February-April): Milder temperatures are much more pleasant for hiking and climbing in spring. Colorful wildflowers dot the landscape, making this the most popular season to visit Joshua Tree. Cacti and Joshua trees display their white and pink flowers. Fiery red ocotillo flowers can be seen in the southern part of the park. As temperatures range from 50 to 85 degrees, visitors flock here.
Summer (May to September): The beauty of a summer visit is that many people avoid the desert because of the triple digit temperatures. . The crowd will be sparse, there will be more daylight hours. The downside is that Joshua Tree's summer heat can be dangerous. Hiking and active activities should be done as early as possible, and visitors should come with a sufficient supply of water and sunscreen!
Autumn (October - November): Autumn is a popular time to visit. And again, the temperature is within the comfortable range of 50 to 85 degrees. Campsites tend to sell out, especially on weekends, and trail parking becomes rare. Remember that daylight hours get shorter in autumn, so plan your hikes wisely.
Winter (December - January): Winter months can vary greatly, from 32 to 60 degrees. Although rare, it does snow in Joshua Tree under the right conditions. A beautiful sight! On the other hand, some winter days can be sunny and warm. Winter is still a great time for long hikes - dress in layers to cover all grounds.
Joshua Tree National Park Entrance
If you don't already have the America The Beautiful Annual National Park Ticket which I highly recommend, you have several payment options for the park.
- 7-day pass: $30
- Joshua Tree Annual Pass: $55
- America the Beautiful National Park Annual Pass (for ALL US National Parks): $80
Each of these passes can be purchased at any Joshua Tree entrance.
As you get deeper into the park, you will begin to notice the changing landscapes. Joshua Tree actually keeps two deserts within the park's boundaries; the Mojave Desert to the north and the Colorado Desert to the south.
The northern part of the park contains some of the iconic views associated with Joshua Tree National Park - the giant bulbous rocks, most of the hiking trails and of course, the Joshua tree itself.
The southern landscape is a bit more sparse, with warmer temperatures, lots of cacti, and rugged purple mountains. There are very few Joshua trees in the Colorado Desert because it is not an upland area for this species.
Although the northern half is more popular, I highly recommend driving and hiking in both areas as they offer visitors something completely different. from each other!
Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park
Hiking
No visit to Joshua Tree is complete without getting to know the flora and fauna found here. The unique look of this park is why hiking here is so special. If you come here in the spring, you'll likely see colorful wildflowers on many of the trails, and even cacti in full bloom in the Colorado desert.
There are trails for adventurers of all levels, from easy to hard. Here are some of my favorites:
Arch Rock Nature Trail: An easy 1.2 mile back and forth hike leading to the famous Arch Rock. To get to Arch Rock, visitors must park across the road in a designated parking area and follow the trail to mountains of large rock groups. The trail is well marked and level. This is a very popular route so expect the crowds!
Jeolla Cactus Garden: 0.5 mile flat and easy loop. This trail is in the Colorado Desert region, so people often skip this stop and choose to stay north. Although it is a very short loop, I promise you it will be worth it! Photogenic cholls appear out of nowhere and brighten the landscape. Be careful though - these cacti will stubbornly bite into clothes and shoes (and skin!) if you get too close.
49 Palms Oasis Trail: Moderate 3.1 mile trail crossing steep mountains. This hike includes barrel cacti lying low in the mountains, stunning views of the valley below, and a real oasis in the middle of the desert. This is the only patch of shade throughout the hike, so be sure to stop and rest here before turning back.
Lost Horse Mine Loop: Complicated loop 6.8 miles long. the hike is named after an old mine in the park. Although you will pass a real mine, there is not much to see here, as it is fenced for safety. However, for me, the highlight of this trail is the many Joshua tree hikers who can get a close-up view. If the 6.8-mile loop seems too long in the hot desert sun, feel free to take it as a shorter back and forth.
Extended Boy Scout Trail to Willow Hole: moderate 17.6-mile exit and back hiking trail. Please note that I do not recommend this route during the summer months! Take it only during the winter months. It is in the northern part of the park, there are several small rock climbs near Willow Hole. This is a good route if you want a longer workout. This route will take about 8 or 9 hours.
Camping
Fantastic StarspotMany people visit the park for short 24 hours. If so, then I promise you will have a fun and action-packed one-day itinerary at Joshua Tree . However, if you have the opportunity to stay a few nights, try camping in the desert!
The peace and solitude of sleep in the desert is what we lack today! In particular, Joshua Tree is a special desert in which to spend the night.
It was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2017, so it's impossible to observe here. Because the park is located a few hours from Los Angeles and San Diego, light pollution is kept to a minimum. On clear nights, this is one of the best places on the planet for stargazing!
The desert morning is just as peaceful. You will wake up to the rising sun, the sounds of small birds and animals in the distance, and an unrivaled view when you unzip your tent.
With colorful desert sunsets, epic stars and surreal landscapes seemingly from space, it really is a no brainer. You must try camping here.
There are more than 300 campsites in the park. While this may seem like a lot, they are scattered across nine campgrounds within the 1,235-square-mile park.
Campsites are a combination of booking only and first come, first served basis. Please note that many campsites are closed during the summer months due to the heat. Please check your options carefully before leaving.
Also, plan ahead! Reserve-only lots usually sell out in advance, especially in the spring and fall. Reservations can be made six months in advance.
Campsites accepting reservations: Black Rock; cotton tree; Indian bay; Jumbo Rocks; Sheep Pass
Camps primarily served by: Belle; Hidden Valley; Ryan; White tank.
Pro Tip: For an epic sunrise, camp in the White Tank. The campsites are separated by the iconic giant Joshua Tree boulders, making it a semi-private and vibrant campsite. Before dawn, you can walk the last 0.5 miles of the trail leading to Arch Rock (White Tank is right on the walking trail) and see the sunrise at Arch Rock.
Camping rates range from $15 to $25 per night. various amenities. You can find all the information you need about booking here .
Rock Climbing
Joshua Tree National Park has a reputation for rock climbing. The park offers over 8,000 documented climbing sites, most of which are bouldering and traditional climbing sites. There are several sport climbing routes, though not as common.
I've climbed Joshua Tree before and my best advice is to start early! The midday sun can be cruel.
For information on rock climbing and current climbing bans, click here.
Joshua Tree Safety
Bring twice as much water as you think. Park rangers recommend one gallon per person per day (at a minimum). Wear suitable hiking shoes and dress in layers; temperatures in the desert can fluctuate up to 40 degrees in 24 hours!
There is nowhere to buy food within the park. Before heading to the park, pack snacks, sandwiches, fruit, etc.
Here you are likely to see small desert critters such as lizards and bees. On the walk, you may well see a scorpion or a rattlesnake, so keep an eye on the trails. They are not aggressive unless provoked, so give them enough space and they will be fine.
There are even herds of big horned sheep in the park, which, although I haven't seen them lately, like to climb some of them. rocky cliffs along the roadway.
Park your vehicle only in designated areas. Many hikes have small sections, and there are paved areas where you can stop for good photos. Off-road driving is prohibited in the park.
Beware of flash floods! Always check the weather before going on longer hikes. And be aware that cell phone reception is poor and non-existent in some areas. Download offline maps before entering or pick up a paper copy from the Visitor Center.
As you prepare for the experience, I promise the desert is an amazing escape.
Have I already convinced you?! [19659003] With all this information at hand, I would say it's time for you to visit the park and see for yourself! Take in the views, get to know the Joshua trees, take some amazing photos, and go hiking or climbing for the day. Camp overnight if time permits, then do it again the next day.
I have no doubt that Joshua Tree will prove how incredible the desert climate and landscape can be!
About the Author: Monica Chapon has traveled solo to 6 continents and chronicles her adventures on her blog This Rare Earth . She is usually found exploring the deserts of the world, making impromptu road trips or performing as a silk aerialist. Follow Monica's adventures at Instagram .
Beautiful sunsets in Joshua Tri National Park - a prayer to the setting sun
Tree Joshua tree (Joshua Tree or Yucca Brevifolia - a tree-like succulent from the genus Yucca) grows only in the vast and beautiful Mojave Desert in the United States, which occupies part of the territory of the states of California and Arizona. We first saw Joshua Trees in the Mojave National Park. And then we went to another national park, Joshua Tree National Park, to once again communicate with the most creative trees in the world. We got into it just before sunset and instantly fell in love with this park. Since there was no time left to explore the sights, we decided to definitely return here, and soon we did! In this article, I will tell you where is the best place to meet sunsets and sunrises in Joshua Tree National Park.
Content of Article
- 1 Trees Joshua
- 2 Sunses in Joshua Three
- 2.1 Where it is better to watch sunsets
- 2.
2 Sunset at Hidden Valley
- 2.3 Sunset for Park BLVD in the Park Joshua Three
- 2.4 Sanding Palms Oasis
- 3 Joshua Tree Dawn
- 4 Joshua Tree National Park Map
Joshua Trees
Joshua Tree ( 900 Joshua Tree0004 ) is a yucca tree, Joshua tree, or yucca brevofolia . The name of the tree was given by the Mormons who crossed the Colorado River, and when they saw a tree-like yucca, they decided that it was the prayer of Joshua embodied in the plant with hands raised to the sky. Like a prayer to the setting and rising sun, the high desert of the Mojave appeared before us when we first arrived here.
Joshua three are not just tall yuccas, but whole trees with real bark! This was the main surprise. And the biggest surprise was that huge blocks of granite, which are of volcanic origin, have mysteriously accumulated in this Californian national park. Climbers enjoy coming to Joshua Tree and training on the local rocks.
Like I said, I fell in love with these trees at first sight when we arrived at Joshua Tree at sunset. Since then we have been there two more times, staying for a few days. Joshua Tree is the most visited park on our travels in the US Southwest.
Joshua Three Park in California has several trails for those who like to walk among the thorny Joshua trees, bushes and other plants that are still rich in the Mojave and Colorado deserts. Yes, the park is located in two deserts at once! For information on how to get there, what to see in the park, if you come for the whole day or for several, see our detailed review of the Joshua Tree National Park. And now I will talk about sunsets and sunrises.
Read also:
- California National Parks in the USA
- TOP-10 AMASTICAL PARGES
Sunset three
to see spectacular sunsets on the territory of the Park Joshua three, it costs spend the night here. However, unlike other national parks in California and other states like Yosemite, the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone, Joshua Tree has no lodges inside the park. And there are only campsites.
We spent the night both in the territory of this park, both in campsites and in hotels located in the cities at the entrance to the park. A hotel near Joshua Tree can be booked in Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms in the north, or in Indio or Palm Springs in the south of the park (direct link to Booking). Of course, it is better and more comfortable to sleep in a hotel, and you don’t need to carry camping equipment with you!). Based on our experience, we recommend an inexpensive decent hotel Super 8 in the city of Yucca Valley.
But for sunsets, and especially sunrises, it's easier to be already in the park in order to pack up in just five minutes and arrive at the right point on time. From the nearest cities to the best points for observing the setting sun - 15-20 miles. That is half an hour on the road. And driving in the dark is not the most pleasant experience.
Joshua Tree Twilight Park
Best places to watch sunsets
So, I'm talking about the best places in our opinion where you should see the sun off in Joshua Tree Park. And coming here for the sunsets is a must! It's like going to Bagan in Myanmar and not seeing the sunset or sunrise with the pagodas. Or skip the sunset at the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.
Even in California, everyone prefers to be on the beach at sunset. We've been to the ocean at Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach too, and there's no doubt it's great. And yet we are always drawn back to the sunset in Joshua Tree.
The park has a road called Park Blvd that starts at the park's western entrance (Joshua Tree City) and ends at the northern entrance (Twentynine Palms). Or vice versa, depending on which side you come from.
Joshua Tree Park Map (clickable)
Here are the best places to watch the sunset in Joshua Tree: from North to South. At the same time, the western side is open, while from the east there is a mountain, which is illuminated by the sun leaving the horizon. It is here that you should find a suitable place to meet the sunset with the most liked joshua trees or climb a rock. On our first visit to the park, we just passed here at sunset, and we were just lucky. But it was then that we noticed this place, and returned there more than once.
And now I will show you the sunsets in these places, as well as one sunset that we met in the part of the park where the Colorado desert reigns.
Sunset at the Hidden Valley rocks
As I said, on the very first day we had very little time, we could only drive through the park by car. However, nature decided to show us all the magical beauty of Joshua Tree Park, and there were beautiful clouds in the sky. As dusk approached, the spectacle became more and more magnificent!
We still do not suspect what is ahead of us
The rocks are gradually reddening
The mountains have become colored in the east
And clouds have crawled into the sky
By the way, someone climbed these rocks in advance and saw off the sun there!
What a sight we saw from the car!
And we even hung this photo on our wall!
As if on Mars
The road to sunset
And suddenly the sky began to acquire lilac shades!
Here sit the lucky ones!
The sky is rapidly darkening, but it's still beautiful!
How could you not fall in love with this park?
Park Blvd Sunset at Joshua Tree Park
The second time we deliberately arrived at the section of the road on the park boulevard, which faces west, and began to wait for the setting sun. And although this time the clouds were not so effects, but we still liked it!
Golden time
Clear blue sky at sunset
Reflection of the sun behind the tree
Soon the sun will go behind the mountains
Yucca and Joshua Tree
Lilac twilight view
went camping for the night. It is located very close0005
We also came to the same section of the road a few years later and saw the sun off there again. With us there were guys from Los Angeles who were filming an amateur film. They needed a scene where the main character drives off into the sunset in a convertible. And as you can see, they chose the same place.
We also admired the joshua trees, trying not to disturb the young filmmakers.
Again, not a cloud in the sky, but a clear blue sky
In autumn, the faded colors of withered grass turn golden at sunset
Waiting for a miracle
And then the eastern mountain began to turn red, like a whole mountain of sand, as we saw in Great Sand Dunes Park in Colorado
And in the west everything is in gold
We drove a little south towards Cap Rock
We waited for the lilac sky
I think, if possible, we will come to Joshua Tree for sunsets
Sunset on the Lost Palms Oasis trail
We also met the sunset on the hiking route to the Lost Palms Oasis, more precisely on the way back. This trail is located in the southeast part of the park in the Colorado Desert. It is quite difficult, but we managed to return just before sunset.
Joshua trees do not grow here, as they are typical of the Mojave Desert. But we admired other plants, such as jumping choya (Choya cactus), yucca and okotiyo.
The sun is setting and the choya cacti are getting sunny
It will be dusk in Joshua Tree very soon
- Yuccas are tree-like cacti. These are the most famous representatives of the Joshua Tree Park in Russia. Sometimes it seems as if yuccas are not yet grown Joshua trees, but they are completely different species.
- Focchieria Ocotillo is, of course, not quite a cactus like other desert dwellers. For most of the year, dead branches stick out of the ground, but from spring and even early autumn, these branches are covered with delicate green leaves, and bright red flowers appear on the tips of the branches. We were lucky, and at the end of October we found both greenery and flowering.
Fuquieria Ocotillo. In the dark you can't see how beautifully it blooms
Yucca and sunset
But we reached the Californian palms at the very beginning of the trail. They are facing east, and therefore do not look as impressive as in the afternoon and in the morning.
Sunrise at Joshua Tree
For sunsets that are especially beautiful at Joshua Tree, as well as Saguaro Cactus Park near Tucson, Arizona, this national park is worth a visit. And also for the sunrise.
For this purpose, we chose places in the campsites of the park. And although there are hotels in the towns near the park, you will have to spend time getting to the park - and it is not small! – and there is always the temptation to stay for breakfast. And the sun rises early.
You usually have to get up around 5 am to catch sunrise
But it's very easy in a tent! We did not plan to rise early on purpose, we thought: if we wake up, we will go at dawn. And suddenly I woke up in the predawn hour and woke up Dima: let's go, I say, to meet the sun.