Sheep Pass Campground

Great campgroujd, no water but there are toilets. Our scout troop loved it

We had a amazing time at sheep's pass I will definitely be returning and recommending this as a camping ground destination love it.!

I had an experience here. Ha having grown up visiting the monument in the early days this campground did exist and upon my entrance and confounding campsites My hippie uncle and his friends brought me here and taught me ecology although I didn’t know it at the time. So although sheep’s pass was there although I had not became an adventure of years gone by. Each area of the monument has its unique features although they appear to look alike. So when I had paid for a week entrance, stopped by my he 29 palms Park visitor center. Remarkably the newest displayed the Park in a holistic way bringing the people of the past in our vision. Knowing every camp site circa 1980 in the park I was on the hunt for afternoon shade over the taboe. Eventually I found the space I was looking for. The quiet solitude of footsteps gave way to deafening silence! Ah! Joshua Tree!

Spacious sites. Clean, odorless bathrooms. I stayed at g4 which couldve been more isolated but it was great for what it was. Next time i would choose a different site a little further away from the rest. You’ll need to set up shade somehow, theres no shade at this site.

Great campground for family or a large group. We went with our Boy Scout Troop for the weekend and managed to fit about 15 tents plus have plenty of room for several cooking areas. Fire pit is huge. Pit latrines are close enough and far enough from the site to be comfortable and not have the unpleasant odors waft into the camping area. Will note, there is no water or firewood available in the immediate area so you should bring a good supply with you. Cell service is not available in most of the park, but wandering around a bit can find pockets of service. Plenty of trails to go hiking and bouldering on in the vast desert grounds. Be sure to be prepared for the desert weather. It is cold at night and can be very hot in the direct sun. Pop up shelters are recommended for an escape during peak temperature hours.

One of the most beautiful experiences of my life. The place is extremely quiet but you feel safe 100% . Bathrooms are located at a walking distance and you find toilet paper, it's clean and you see the park officers cleaning and disinfecting for Covid 19. The view is gorgeous and the tents are easily installed, you find fire pit and a grill.

Great tent camping with very low light pollution at night so the stars are amazing! Facilities are close by and the site was very clean. Nice bouldering close by both walking distance as well as a few quick drives. Can't wait to go back this season.

Nice trails, water pumps, normal restrooms... Pretty views of lots of Joshua trees and yucca, it's a different experience then that off the beaten path type of camping. Definitely a cool spot, we will be back!

Such a fun tour of Joshua Tree National Park. Open 24x7 and I recommend coming early in the morning before temperatures spike. It is a desert, after all... You are going to drive from stop-to-stop. I sincerely recommend you plan the locations you want to see. Sure, you can (and probably will) add stops, but the more planned out you can be, the more you will see. Not all who wander are lost... Stones are climbable, with appropriate footwear; even young kiddos can enjoy the exploration!Nothing crazy either. If you just have pedestrian sneakers, you will be fine for many of the super cool exhibits. Bring water! Plan for lack of bathroom stops. Lots of opportunities for jeep tours of the park. We looked at them, but did not want to spend thousands of dollars for the day. Totally unnecessary to do those tours, unless you choose. We paid park admission for all adults and kids in our car - like $50ish... Have a great time! It's amazing!

I have lived in California for the majority of my life. There were those two years when I lived in New York--- I was the worm in the big apple. But most of them time I have lived in California, and I never visited this treasure of the land I call mine. I am not sure why I never visited or how I knew I should, but that is the magic of life that I attribute to a guiding hand- that is mystical or angelic- but that definitely has my best interest at heart. I went in there and I was expecting to see more. I drove for a bit and all say was desert and its limited green. But I new I needed more. So I stopped the car and just walked. And that made the experience feel real. It was real but not impactful. The impact would come later. I walked to a rock formation and imagined myself a lizard looking for a rock to lay and shade. I sat in the rock formation, and saw a few people and actual lizards running from one hole to the other. But still I was not taken somewhere special. I was still laying a top of rock. I had researched different points of interest within the park. There were many, and one, was mentioned the Beaver Dam Trail. I did not know much of the park so I went looking for it not knowing what to expect. I first went and parking was unavailable. So I drove around some more. I did stop at another rock formation. I walked and saw picnic tables, and a rock formation that I could reach. I was jealous of the kids and adults who were able to climb to the top of rock formations. I could barely climb a little, and got scrapped and bruised. I drop my watter bottle. I had to ask a fit fellow park goer to reach between the rocks it had fallen into. The fit park goer laid in his stomach and got my water bottle. He got up quickly without a grunt or scratch. He made that seem so easy. I had come to the conclusion that I would leave my water behind, but the desert hero came to save my thirst. I will go on day when I am better fit, but maybe I still wont be able to lay in my stomach. On my future vision board I will place a semblance of these words and a picture that matches. On my walk I did see a groom and his bride taking pictures. They were young. Why marry so young I thought? I suspect certain things but I will not write them as my musing may go to hard. The bride jumped into the groom's waiting arms. The groom held her a bit, kind of like an ice skater holds another, and he trembled a bit, but he gained his footing, called on his strength, and held her high and then placed her down. It was of course a metaphor for a promise that he was going to make--- I am going to be strong to catch you before you fall. But what if he needed to be catch? How would a woman make this promise? Ok there I go musing again when no one asked me to. But it is my review, and I will muse if I want to. Eventually, I did find myself back in the lot for the Beaver hike. This time I was determined. I waited and waited (not that long) for a car to vacate and claim a space for my own. And thank you to the hand that guides my path. I walked the path not knowing what to expect and what I received was the impact I was looking for that did not know would come at this moment. At one point, I looked at a descending sun, and miles and miles of desert and its limited green in the form of Joshua trees and my sight beheld the glory of nature, my heart felt the skip of awe, and my soul felt a ring of peace commanded by the vastness of the land. I saw some other fit show-offs too. But you know what I walked the path and no one can take that away from me--- so for that I am proud of myself. A gold star was placed on my forehead, again, by the unseen hand that leads me to moments like this. I cannot imagine seeing anything better than the beaver dam walk, especially if you are at my fitness level. You actually see a dam- not build by beavers--- that is no longer in use. I saw rock formations that were shaped like elephants. I felt the present of the dessert and I felt one with nature. I am not a convert, I like my rooftop bars and pre-appetizers- there is a french name for them that I do not want to look up- so I cannot condone this life for myself on the daily, but I will go again to this desert and I have a plan of something to see--- the stars. I waited till night to see the stars. And the beauty of the stars did not come into full effect. I did not see a blanket of stars so vast that the sky could only be described as alive with the dust that makes dreams come true. Laying down on a bench seeing the sky I did feel small. It was a scary feeling. I could not keep my sight oin the empty sky. The bathroom situation is gross. They do not have plumbing. That was the worst experience. I will go back and eat seldomly to not be pressured into that bathroom again. I also was stopped by the police on my way out. One of my brake lights got off. I am a law abiding ciitizen so it was a routine stop for them. My first experience at Joshua was eventful!

Went to Joshua Tree NP in New Year's Day. We worried it would be crowded so we left LA at 6am and arrived shortly after 8am. We got in through the north entrance smoothly. Here is the stops we djd- arch rock trail to see heart rock and arch rock, skull rock, hidden valley nature trail, cap rock and sunset at keys view. We also get to see lots of Joshua trees on random places as we drive from one point to another. Overall we love Joshua tree NP! Perfect for a day trip from LA. We tried going to barker dam but the road was a bit too bumper for our non- 4x4 so we didn't want to risk it. Also, cholla cactus garden was close at the time so we didn't get to see it. We will be back for it next time! Remember there's no food stores or cell signal inside the park. So pack your food and download the map before going in and enjoy what Joshua tree NP has to offer!

Joshua Tree National Park is one of my favorite places in the world. Whenever people ask me for a list of must-visit places in California, I ALWAYS recommend Joshua Tree. Yes it's beautiful in the day but seeing the sky at night for the first time was honestly such a beautiful (dare I say life-changing) experience for my friend and I. On my first visit, my best friend and I brought a huge tent and hammock and we had such a beautiful weekend in the Jumbo Rocks Campground. On my following visit I stayed in an Airbnb nearby and it didn't hit the same. I 100% recommend staying in a campground and camping in a tent for two or three nights. I would stay for an entire week if I could. If you plan to camp, try to aim for early October to avoid the extreme heat/cold. Huge shoutout to the people who maintain the park, it's always very clean when I visit. The trails are also very well maintained. Such an amazing place, I can't wait to revisit.

Joshua Tree is such a vibe! Living in LA, this national park is only a 2-3 hour drive making it a fun day trip or weekend excursion for locals. There's a lot of stops to park and explore, hikes to check out, and the best part, a place to go climbing!

Joshua Tree National Park is one of my favorite national parks in the US. Hiking, climbing, bouldering, and stargazing in this otherworldly landscape is only half the adventure. I've driven to the park from both San Diego & Las Vegas. The drive from Las Vegas (on secondary roads through historic mining towns and other NPS sites in Nevada & California) is truly top tier, and the drive from San Diego passes through multiple microclimates/plant communities/ecoregions in SoCal. All pictures are from 2018 when I spent the weekend in Twentynine Palms following a conference in San Diego. The video is from December 30, 2023 when I met a colleague and her family at JTNP on their tour of NPS sites out West.

I just visited Joshua Tree for the second time recently, and fell in love even more! This is an extremely accessible National Park for all ages and abilities. Last time we visited in the winter and it was perfect temps. This time in early September, it was VERY hot so we limited our outside time and went early morning but was still beautiful. I love that you drive through the park, north to south (ideally) and get to see so much along the way without having to do huge hikes to see viewpoints. This makes it super accessible. The spots you do want to go walk around have accessible and convenient parking lots. There are some favorite stops along the way: Keys View - great viewpoint and photo op just up a quick hill - 5 mins up Skull Rock - right by the parking pull off, great photo op and plenty of cool rocks to walk around nearby Arch Rock - again a great photo op and just a quick 10-15 minute walk from lot Heart Rock - a bit further - maybe 15-20 minutes max from parking lot but really cool! Cholla Cactus Garden - tons of these cute cacti and a nice easy flat loop through them towards the south end Cottonwood Spring / Fortynine Palms are some other options for longer hikes we didn't do this time. Such an incredible landscape and epic views - you can do it in as little as 4-5 hours, or spend multiple days out there camping and backcountry trekking!

Still an awesome park! Before you enter, download the great NPS app, choose the Joshua Tree National Park, and tap the icon to download the information. There is no cell signal in the park unless you are within about two miles of the entrance. One correction to the app: under Things To Do, Stargazing, the Milky Way is best seen from July through October after it gets dark.

We came to the area mainly to spend a lot of time at Joshua Tree. Amazing, spectacular, and soul-stirring. We did multiple hikes during the day but my favorite part was stargazing on a dark night. I will never forget that night, it was blissful, awe inspiring and spiritual.

It's always fun driving around in the national park just looking at all the beautiful rocks and bushes! With blue skies and the temp at 70 you can't ask for more!

Joshua Tree National Park is nothing short of magical, especially when it comes to its sunrises and sunsets. If you're a lover of natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, this is a must-visit destination. I recently spent a few days exploring the park, and what truly stood out were the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The vast desert landscape transforms into a vibrant canvas of colors as the sun dips below the horizon or begins its ascent. Sunset: The sunsets in Joshua Tree are absolutely mesmerizing. I caught a few at the iconic Keys View, where the panorama of the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, and the distant San Andreas Fault is stunning on its own. But as the sun sets, the sky bursts into hues of pink, orange, and purple, casting long shadows over the rocky formations and Joshua trees. The contrast of the golden light against the rugged terrain creates a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Watching the sun disappear behind the mountains is a peaceful, almost meditative experience that I highly recommend. Sunrise: While sunsets are beautiful, the sunrises in Joshua Tree are equally enchanting, if not more so. I set my alarm early and headed out to the Cholla Cactus Garden to catch the first light of day. The air was crisp, and the desert was still, making it the perfect setting to witness the daybreak. As the sun slowly rose, the garden came to life with a golden glow, illuminating the spiky cacti in a way that made them look like they were glowing from within. The colors of the sky shifted from deep purples to soft pinks and eventually to a bright, clear blue. It was truly a sight to behold and made the early wake-up call totally worth it. In addition to the stunning sunrises and sunsets, the park offers plenty of other activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. The unique landscape, with its twisted Joshua trees, massive boulders, and vast desert expanses, is unlike any other place I've visited. Whether you're an avid photographer or just someone who appreciates natural beauty, Joshua Tree National Park should be at the top of your list. The sunrises and sunsets alone are worth the trip, providing a serene and awe-inspiring experience that will stay with you long after you leave. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, layers for the changing temperatures, and a camera to capture the magic!

500th review! There's no better way to celebrate this milestone than by reflecting upon one of the most spectacular places I've set foot in thus far. As one might assume, you'll encounter the most comfortable weather in the winter months. That said, we visited in December and enjoyed a clear day with temperatures in the upper 60s, which was perfect. From the Palm Desert / Palm Springs area, it's about a 1.5 hour drive to Joshua Tree. Of the three entrances, we went to the North entrance (Twenty-Nine Palms side) since we heard that one is less busy... and that was actually the case! We first stopped at the nearest visitor's center where one of the park guides graciously handed us a map and labeled some of the popular easy & moderate hikes. The actual entrance itself is a short drive away. Since there was no line, we were able to head right in after processing our admission with the park ranger. Prior to our trip, I had done some research and scoped out three attractions that each featured a different landscape, knowing that we only had about half a day to spend here. I'm sure you can't go wrong with whatever you choose to see, but these three places were scenic and didn't require any strenuous effort. * Cholla Cactus Garden * Cap Rock * Hidden Valley Check out their individual Yelp pages for more details. Even simply driving through the park was a unique experience in itself. The Joshua Trees have such a distinct appearance and it was almost like no two were identical. It honestly felt like we were on a different planet as we admired the desert scenery, plants, gigantic boulders, and surrounding rockery. One could easily spend days exploring all this park has to offer.

THE HIGH AND THE MIGHTY: A STORY OF WONDER A wondrous and awe-inspiring variety of plants and animals make their homes on the gentle slopes, mesas, and flats of Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave High Desert meets the mighty Sonoran Desert. Joshua Tree is where you'll experience wonder and awe, moments when you discover vast and amazing things that are greater than yourself. Coexisting in beautiful harmony amongst juniper, pine, and joshua trees are the coyotes, iguanas, and jackrabbits. Also quite a few humans... I am always in awe when encountering things that are outside of, and larger than myself. It is when I consider how my unique identity is connected to wondrous things that are right in front of me, right now. This mindset of the self... and the relationship to what's vast and full of wonder is my antidote to all the dysfunction and hatred and narcissism out there in the world right now. As a bonus it helps me forget how everything has recently doubled in price. If you look at social media, it's obvious that we are living in an age of great self-awareness, shame, and insecurity. Everybody's following the same "influencers" and comparing themselves to the fake lives of others (when do they bring the Lambo for moi?). We are now more inward-focused then at any other time in human history. But experiencing the wonder and awe and ethereal beauty of the sparkling night sky or the fierce joshua trees at sunset is otherworldly. It can help us feel more connected to something bigger than ourselves, more than any app ever could. So ask yourself, what is out there that is wonderful and beautiful that I'm part of? And how can I serve it? Then post about it on your socials. Pro tip: don't miss the chance to experience the rugged rock formations and twisted trees of this National Park. It is said that the joshua tree symbolizes the strength and beauty that can arise from dysfunction. We need that right now.

Joshua Tree The Joshua Tree, the fifth album by U2, is considered one of the worlds best albums selling over 25 million albums. What does this have to do with Joshua Tree National Park in TwentyninePalms, CA? Nothing, other than the album was my introduction to the Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia), the unusual tree named for its branches that look outstretched to the sky in prayer. Located about an hour from Palm Sorings on Twentynine Palms Highway (62), we entered through the West entrance. The paved road winds its way throughout the popular sites in the almost 800,000 acres. We visited and "hiked" in Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, drove past Skull Rock and walked though Cholla Cactus Garden. The Joshua trees are present throughout the Mojave Desert portions -- startling how many there are and also startling that they are expected to become extinct by 2070. Also striking are the enormous piles of boulders, quartz monzogranite, that rose from magma and weathered, leaving these large piles of rock. There are signs all over -- Don't die today-- so take precaution, plenty of water, dress appropriately, stay on paths. Pretty as Joshua Tree National Park is, it is a desert, so if you're not a seasoned hiker or camper, heed the warnings.

Joshuah Tree NP is a huge sprawling fascinating place filled with spots of beauty large and small. The desert is a harsh environment is what makes the variety of flora and fauna so spectacular. There are plants and animals here that are nowhere else on earth. Delicate flowers bloom in patches of gravel, cactuses of every size and shape proudly wear their spines, and strange trees spring from the rocky soil. The rock formations are strange and look like huge blocks that have been tossed around by a giant child. I learned the rocks were born underground by volcanic activity. The granite cooled and crystalized and formed into blocks. Through weathering and erosion the rocks cracked and became rounded looking like large mounds and chunks of dough. Look down to see the small miracles of life. Look out to see the magnificent display of natural forces. Look up to see the cerulean sky by day, and the stary heavens at night. Beauty is there if you quiet your soul and see what is around you.

I am so happy that we were able to spend some time exploring Joshua Tree National Park. I had searched online for tips and discovered that starting at the North entrance would be ideal. We did not have to wait at all to be admitted. Upon entering, we drove along Park Blvd and took a detour to Cholla Garden. Subsequently, we drove the entire Park Blvd route, stopping along the way for some pictures. When we left the park at one of the other entrances, we noticed very long lines, probably an hour.

This has been my favorite national park to visit. It's incredibly quiet, expansive, and very well-maintained. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, including rock climbing spots that are perfect for both beginners and experienced climbers. If you're looking for a peaceful and scenic escape, this place is perfect. However, I highly recommend avoiding a trip between May and September, as it gets extremely hot during those months. Other than that, it's an amazing place to explore year-round!

Had fun there! It was a bit unusual that the visitor center was not in the park but in the town next to it instead. Overall, very nice park: plenty of spots to stop by and see amazing views or take photos. Make sure to stop by the Cactus garden, it is extremely pretty. In winter months it is very very windy, so bring a beanie.

Our favorite National Park - - - - - - - - January, 2024 Visit - - - - - - - - We have visited Palm Springs / Palm Desert and Joshua Tree for more than 20 years now, and we still love visiting. Such a beautiful park The same, yet uniquely different, every visit So colorful in the spring, especially if there was rain/snow in the winter Go, enjoy your visit... get out, walk around... enjoy - - - - - - - - My wonderful wife and I visited Palm Desert / Palm Springs in January, and we only had a couple things planned - and visiting Joshua Tree NP was on that short list. This was our first trip without the kids; after a beautiful sunrise and breakfast, we were driving by 8am; even with a brief detour we arrived at the Cottonwood entrance (I-10, East of Coachella) by 9am. While the day was partly cloudy, it was another wonderful visit. We typically take this counter-clockwise driven returning to Palm Desert via California Highway 62, with its long slope downward (in this direction), into the valley and I-10 and Highway 111. Thank you, National Park Service (NPS) and to all who volunteer and maintain Joshua Tree as the wonderful national park that it is! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Previous Review, March, 2021 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There are four deserts in the US, and Joshua Tree National Park spans two - the southern section of the park is part of the Colorado desert, and is lower elevation; the northern section is part of the higher elevation Mojave Desert. The Joshua Trees are in the Mojave section of the park. Note: The Joshua Tree on the U2 album cover was photographed near Death Valley, not very close to here, and no longer stands. The National Park is named for the Joshua Tree, which were named by Mormons as they made their way westward... they viewed the trees as guiding them through the Mojave just as the prophet Joshua guided the Jewish people to conquer Canaan. Joshua Trees are officially tree-like yucca plants, which can grow an inch or two a year... so the tall, 40-foot tall trees are some 400 years old!!! ---------- Sharing what we see, as we travel from Cottonwood Entrance... - - - The area around the Cottonwood entrance, heading North / Northwest through the Pinto Basin is definitely dry, but there are shorter yuccas and many yellow flowering bristle bushes. And bees and other flying insects, and an occasional dragonfly. The tall Ocotillo have red flowers in the spring. And Pinto Mountain off in the distance... such a sight. Desert Primrose - the white desert primrose... the beauty of the desert. - - - Cholla Cactus GardenWhile there are clearly some dried out sections of the cholla... there are so many cholla that are alive are a brilliant yellow with a hint of green... and they have a flowers that looks like a yellow raspberry, a raspberry amid cactus spikes. The walkway/pathway is nice... and you're quickly surrounded by the cholla... such beauty. A couple minute's drive uphill from the cholla garden you move from the Colorado to the Mojave desert. - - - Jumbo Rocks Once you crest the hill you see some of the first jumbo rocks. Like Elephant Rocks State Park in Missouri, these are made when igneous rock rises up and cools... and over time the surrounding rock and dirt eventually weather away, leaving these rounded rocks. There are many places where you can get out and walk among, and climb on, the jumbo rocks. They are rounded and smooth (yet still rough (but not sharp)) rocks, so climbing on and round the jumbo rocks is pretty easy. - - - Joshua Trees The Joshua Trees grow in many areas, and are dense as you head south toward Keys View. We got out and walked a bit and, while we could still see the van and heard other cars, we really felt out on our own just a couple hundred feet from the road... and the Joshua Trees are in so many shapes and sized in this area - nice. - - - Keys View Almost a mile high with a great view of all of the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, and Mounts San Jacinto and Gorgonio at the western edge of the valley, "gatekeepers" of the (I-10) route into Los Angeles (The City of the Angels) - - - Frogger Hill As we drove back through the Joshua Trees, I spied it, to the right/east of the road... "Frogger Hill." I named it that on our first visit because, it looks like the video game character... a mountain peak of lighter brown/grey color with a darker brown/grey color in a shape that looks, to me, like Frogger jumping across the road (or onto a log) - left arm reaching up, back legs extended as they just propelled him forward. Always brings a smile to me. The drive from there to the West entrance is a mix of Jumbo Rocks and Joshua Trees. --------- Joshua Tree National Park is a national and international treasure and is maintained by a wonderful staff of personnel and volunteers - THANK YOU to each of you! ---------

With dramatic landscapes and the beauty of the desert, Joshua Tree National Park is an oasis of vegetation, and wildlife A protected area for the famous Joshua Tree, the delicate species flourish here with an interesting lifespan. There are several ways to enjoy this National treasure. Follow the main roads and they will lead you to many scenic routes and stops. Many stops will also have long and short hiking trails into some beautiful protected areas. There are also some nice designated areas for camping and RV parking. Updated information on this is available at the visitor's centers. For the more adventurous there are OHV roads for 4WD/high clearance vehicles to gain access to less traveled areas. Remote camping is also accessible by this method in the park and outskirts but may be unregulated by NPS. Summer months are hot and can be unforgiving for those who venture out unprepared. Fall and Winter months may have inclement weather and some high winds. Spring is often very popular because of desert blooms that produce some of the most beautiful desert scenery available. A NPS entry fee is required unless you have an annual pass. Consult the NPS website for further information.

Wonderful day here. Saw a lot!! Skull rock. Arch rock. Heart rock. Sunset. Easy to navigate.

Seems odd reviewing a National Park but personally I think this is one of the "least exciting" National Parks. I guess it all depends on what you're into but to me it's just all dirt and rocks. You are seeing pretty much the same landscape outside the park in the nearby town. Nothing particular interesting or impressive... especially compared to parks like Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone, etc.

Gorgeous drive on a roadtrip from San Francisco to Las Vegas. Could be a moonscape or on another planet.

Such a beautiful National Park. Gods creation is amazing. The shops were touristy, but that's to be expected. I bought the Joshua Tree coffee, and we are hooked!

A great place to visit and spend a couple of days! The park is well maintained with beautiful views! I came in Dec 2023 and the park was not crowded at all which was great! Got to do all the items on my itinerary! Ryan mountain is a great hike 1.5 miles each way. Hidden valley trail was a nice and short hike but I liked Barker Dam hike better the view was better and more things to see. Hall of horrors was one of my favorite sites to go see. Skull rock was cool. The arch and heart rock was beautiful as well! Cholla cactus garden was also a must see! I loved it!

Just beautiful. I wish the national park center was laid out a little better for junior rangers compared to other national parks but still cool. It's just a very small center. But once you are in the parks it's just amazing.

Absolutely beautiful park! A stunning example of the incredible ecosystem that exists in our state. I've never seen anything like it and I've lived in California my whole life.

I came here with my boyfriend for a little anniversary trip. We drove all morning from the Bay Area and spent two days at Joshua Tree. It was super windy when we went, but it was still plenty enjoyable. If you love the outdoors and adventuring, this is a perfect spot for you! We had so much fun going on the hikes. We did Ryan Mountain and Fortynine Palms despite it being windy and the rangers cautioning us. Ryan Mountain is no joke. It's basically climbing lots of stairs and I had to sit on a rock for a little bit and take breaks at times. Fortynine Palms was really cool, it started raining a little but it was awesome to see a little oasis in a place where you wouldn't think there would be one. I thought Fortynine Palms had a really fun trail and I was lowkey skipping from rock to rock and bouncing with every step because it seemed easier after doing Ryan Mountain about 2 hours before. Also went on the popular trails like Hidden Valley and Barker Dam. Did some side exploring in both climbing some boulders and got to see some pretty amazing views. Recommend having good hiking shoes with good grip to do some bouldering if you choose to scramble up some rocks to be safe. We didn't see Skull Rock because it was way too crowded and we were mostly there for the hikes and adventuring. We did do the Arch Rock trail which was fun and got to climb some rocks there as well. Some things that were disappointing were people's disregard for the plants. Going off trail is okay but not when you're stepping on the plants trying to grow. Be respectful of nature :)

I had a great time at Joshua Tree! I was intimidated before visiting because of the crowds and navigation in the desert without service. We went over my college spring break on a Wednesday morning/afternoon and didn't have trouble finding parking and it wasn't overly crowded. Lots of signage and the map they provide is very helpful. Definitely come early, the park is open 24 hours. You will need to buy a pass which can be done online or in person. The hikes are very customizable and range in distance. Bring necessities like water, food, and sunscreen since it is a hassle to leave the park and come back. Also bring layers because temperature varies in different areas of the park. Some standout spots I would recommend checking out are heart rock, hidden valley, and the cholla cactus garden.

This place might be one of the coolest National Parks I have ever been to. The landscape is just out of this world. At first, it just appears to be endless flat desert with Joshua Trees. But pretty soon, you start encountering the amazing rock formations! The mix of rocks and Joshua Trees really gives you a whole new perspective of nature. It's amazing what millions of years, rain, and wind will do. While some areas like Skull Rock are super crowded, other places are so quiet that you feel like you're the only person there. Truly breathtaking views and a must visit in Southern California :)

I Josh Can't Stop Originally designated a National Monument in 1936, Joshua Tree National Park was later designated as a National Park in 1994 as part of the California Desert Protection Act. This gigantic 795k-acre park (#15 overall) features two distinct desert environments as well as a mountain range for good measure. And if you're a fan of the Southwest and the desert scene in general, then it almost doesn't get any better than this place. The only other park I enjoyed more might be Saguaro National Park in Tucson, but it's a 1/1A situation. Be aware that there are three separate entrances--as well as three different Visitor Centers (VC)--and navigating from one end to her other takes a lot more time than you'd think. To get from the Cottonwood VC (the farthest south and the entrance from Palm Springs and Coachella) to the Joshua Tree VC is about 1.5hrs--assuming one is doing the speed limit ofc... There's a plethora of different Yelp sites for all the individual hikes and places to see, so I recommend checking those out for more specific info. The one piece of advice I'd give is to make sure you catch a sunrise or sunset here, as they can be downright spectacular. Otherwise, go early, hydrate, and enjoy the beauty of the desert.

Absolutely stunning!! Went to Joshua Tree for a weekend with some friends and my boyfriend, and we had the best time. We went to Joshua Tree National Park on a Friday night to watch the sunset, and it was beautiful. It wasn't too crowded either, so it gave us a lot of room to take all the photos that we wanted. You can actually drive your car into the park, and park on the side of the road to take photos I do recommend bringing a coat / jacket, because it does get a bit chilly as the sun starts to set. The sunset had the most beautiful colors. Such a tranquil scenery.

We went to Joshua Tree National Park on Christmas Day which we read was one of the busiest days to visit due to its' near location to Palm Springs/LA area. We got there around 9:30am where there was about a 10 minute wait to get through the entrance. By the time we left at 3pm, the line of cars was about 20x longer, my estimate about an hour+ to get into the park. I would recommend getting there early! Cell service is nearly non-existent once in the park, so remember to download the map before hand! The park is very well maintained. Great signage and easy to navigate. We started at Beaver Dam trail which had ample parking and by the time we got to Ryan Mountain Trail, we were lucky to get one spot in the lot with someone leaving. Ryan Mountain Trail was probably my favorite spot. Strenuous, but you're walking near the edge and see such a great view all the way to the top. After doing a few trails and lookouts, I felt like we saw a good amount of Joshua Tree National Park seeing most of the different plant species and rock formations. I saw a lot of climbing and I can see this being such a great spot with all the unique rock formations. The weather was quite pleasant with some layers, minus the gusts of winds on Ryan Mountain trail, but not too hot. Joshua Tree is very dog-friendly as well! Make a day trip here and bring some food for all the cool picnic areas!

Getting there: If you're heading up from Palm Springs, you can go North on Indian Canyon all the way until you reach the 62 in which you'll make a right onto the highway. Take the 62 until you reach Park Blvd & make a right. This road will take you directly to the park entrance. Experience: This was my second time going to JTree. To be honest, you do not need to stay here a few day, unless you are into rock climbing or love rocks. There is not really much to see and the hikes are mostly flat. I imagine on a clear night here the stars are amazing to view.

Came here for the first time with my girlies!! We got a house for the weekend that wasn't far from Jtree National Park so we were easily able to visit twice. The entry fee is per car and covers multiple days ;) I'm not much of an outdoorsy person unless it's the beach, but this was so fun! It's way bigger than I thought it was going to be, with plenty of sight seeing and photo ops. We brought a cooler with snacks and such because gotta have snacks. I especially loved that you could drive to so many different spots. Next trip I'd love to stay overnight in the park and see the stars! Definitely recommend

Amazing location, wonderful staff at the café and the gift shop. Great mix of art and nature. Definitely a place to visit if you're in the area. Nature scene was unique with good vibes.

I absolutely love spending time at Joshua Tree National Park. I feel like this would be a park that you either love or hate, but there's such a wide variety of things to do here. There's great rock climbing and hiking, it's great for photography - especially of the night sky, and has beautiful drives. Highly recommend entering from the Joshua Tree entrance - stop at the visitor center first and then drive the next few miles to enter the park. You'll immediately see a bunch of Joshua trees from this entrance Loved going to Keys View, Hall of Horrors, Cholla Cactus Garden, and Arch Rock. Skull Rock is fun to see for a moment, but not worth the stop to explore. The night sky here is absolutely beautiful. Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park, so you will see some of the most incredible night skies and views of the stars. If you time it right, you can also see the Milky Way without issue. A great national park.

Beautiful national park. Thank you Theodore Roosevelt. Accidentally came on a very windy day, which wasn't the most ideal. But the cool temperatures with sun was perfect. I would recommended winter or fall to visit though because it would be miserable in the heat, as there's not really any shade. Also, I think a nice time to go would be later in the day like past 3 in the winter, so you can see the sunset and golden hour sunlight before. Very beautiful. And if it's a clear day then you can also stay to stargaze.

Awesome National Park. Quite big and with lots of places to explore. It has lots of hiking trails and they are quite interesting, long, and worthy of a workout. Tho you need to be prepared because it is in the middle of a dessert. Should be prepared with GPS app like Gaia, All Trails or something else for reference and not to get lost. These app work and are good for reference I will definitely come back again in the future for an encore! : )

Such a great destination if you are in Southern California. Park is maintained well. Definitely visit during the fall and winter season for cooler temperatures. Make sure to be properly prepared for hik There are many different hikes with different skill levels. Also so many areas to explore and rocks to climb. Main entrance is the West entrance. Cottonwood entrance is to the southwest which is much smaller.

Joshua Tree National Park - should be visited but not visually appealing stopping from one spot to another. As the name of the park called out the vast acres are covered with thousands of succulents. I was more impressed with the various rock formations. The Capstone Station is certainly popular spot and during peak times parking spaces are primed. I'm surprised visitors come here, with their dogs, for a quick picnics. You see more climbers/hikers than walkers. I had visited in two different occasions - once during the summer (not recommended) and in December (sunny but very breezy). With kids, Joshua Trees cannot hold their attention so often times, we leave after two hours. It's a shame as we never drove past Capstone. Perhaps third time will be a charm, I'll come solo with a cup of coffee and aim to stroll/hike some trails.

Nice place in May not to hot or cold. But make sure to take your allergy pills the pollen is crazy and the little wind stirs it up. Beautiful rock formations and cactus and flowers. You have to drive through from one side to the other because it's all different make sure to take some time out for a few trails.. your pass is good for 7 days..

My second visit to Joshua Tree NP. First visit was only a morning visit. I only got to hike Barker Dam and see Keys View. This visit, I got to camp for a few nights at Indian Cove Campground. All the sites looked great but they are right next to one another with not much space between but luckily I had great site mates. The vaulted toilet was actually very clean and it smelled great. (Weird thing to talk about but they can be pretty rancid!) Visited all the visitor centers to get my passport stamps. They are all pretty small though. Did some hiking and the only thing I didn't get to do was the guided tour of keys ranch. Luckily I would love to visit again so it's always nice to have some things to look forward to. Weather was perfect but out last day it got really windy. REALLY WINDY. It unfortunately took down our tent and we woke up to some snow on the ground. Overall, I think it's the perfect time to visit. Weather was nice and crowds weren't THAT bad.

Go to Joshua Tree National Park! Every time I'm in the Palm Springs area, I head to Joshua Tree. The views are stunning. With rock formations from 85 million years ago, this national park is spectacular. The famous Joshua Trees are funky and the varied geographical features including hills, valleys, and more are unusual and beatiful. There are hikes for all levels and rock climbing too. The flora is gorgeous. I feel like I've gone back to prehistoric times. This place is special and shouldn't be missed. Bring food and water and make sure your car is based up. The West entrance is a great starting point, but can be crowded. There is no wifi service, so be prepared. It's also cooler here. I'd suggest getting a pass online before arriving at the park. You will enter more quickly. There are a few bathrooms scattered about, but go in advance because it can take time to enter the park. It's peaceful even on busy days.

Here is a list of all the FUN and SILLY things you can do in Joshua Tree National Park... AND.. if you go during the week.. like on a Wednesday, for example, you can sometimes get into the park totally legally free ! SO ... here's the funny list: Embark on an Arboreal Adventure: Meander through the marvelous Mojave Desert, where the majestic Joshua trees stand tall like botanical sentinels, offering shade for sun-weary travelers and posing for selfies with the enthusiasm of a selfie-loving sasquatch. Pique Your Paleontological Curiosity: Unleash your inner Indiana Jones (or should we say Dr. Alan Grant?) by exploring the fossil-rich areas of the park. Discover ancient remnants that would make even the most experienced paleontologist geek out like a kid in a dino-themed bounce house. Ascend the Pinnacle of Puns: Engage in a battle of wits with your fellow adventurers as you scramble up rock formations with names like "Bunghole Buttress" or "Flapjack Flats." Conquer these geological enigmas while channeling your inner pun master, leaving everyone around you chuckling like hyenas on laughing gas. Stargaze Under Cosmic Canopies: Witness the celestial spectacle unfold above you as you lie back on a moonlit night, marveling at the celestial luminaries scattered across the firmament. The cosmic display is sure to make your brain cells shimmy with excitement like disco-dancing neurons. Wander through Cholla's Charming Cacti Collection: Take a stroll amidst the spiky sentinels of the Cholla Cactus Garden. Behold the botanical prowess of these prickly personalities, whose unique defense mechanisms would put even the most intricate security systems to shame. Just remember not to embrace them like a long-lost cactus cousin! Channel Your Inner Desert Diva: Experience the scorching sensation of desert fashion by wrapping yourself in layers of oversized, sun-blocking hats, flowy scarves, and stylish yet functional cargo shorts. Strut your stuff along the sandy trails, radiating more confidence than a cactus with a new coat of sunscreen. Savor the Sweet Symphony of Silence: Bask in the auditory delights of Joshua Tree's tranquility, where the melodious absence of sound can make your ears dance like maracas at a Mexican fiesta. Tune in to nature's silence and find your Zen while feeling more centered than a tightrope-walking flamingo.

To be honest, I was expecting the Joshua Trees to be more grand and visually spectacular. The whole experience just ended up being a lot of driving seeing rock formations and Joshua Trees here and there. My wife and I made several stops during our car trek to hike certain destination points like Arch Rock, Skull Rock, Heart Rock and the Jumbo Rocks. Since I paid $30 for entry into the park which was good for 7 days, I made it a point to come back at night when the sky was pitch dark and unpolluted by city lights to stargaze. Stargazing was basically the highlight for me at Joshua Tree National Park. The darkness allowed for some amazing visuals of the stars. I was in awe at the beauty of our night time sky inside the National Park.

Worth to come if you are rock climbing lover or just want to reconnect to the nature. It's only about 2 hours from LA/OC, it's totally doable as a one day trip. We entered from the Joshua tree entrance (30 dollars per car for 7 days). You will see a lot of nice rock formations and Joshua trees here...We appreciate the trip more after learning the trees might be extinct due to global warming and we feel so energetic after looking at the rocks and reminding ourselves how small and powerless we are; that humbled us to move forward with life. There are other two entrances/exits, the 29 palm one was kind of shady, we saw some homeless and gangs hung out outside at the admin office. Be sure to download the map before driving, don't go off roading. Bring tons of water and snacks since summer can get hot here and there is no stop for water. They have bathrooms at all the campsites, but it's just the very basic bathroom you can imagine.

Great hiking area! Highly recommend if you have a day to spend out in nature...Don't forget your backpack and a jacket (it gets windy)!

I always have to giggle a little when I see reviews like "nothing here but trees" or "there's nothing to do because it's the desert". Helpful hint for everyone, maybe check out the area before you visit. Anyway, I digress. Having expectations of what this park had to offer, this park is actually stunning. Yes, it's the desert and yes, it's in a place known for its trees, but one of the best parts about this park is its ease of traversing the area. Since it's desert, there is a lot of flat area to move about. If you want to crawl up some rocks, you can do that too. Most of the trails are not terribly difficult. There are also some fun point of interest. Skull rock, the dam, and the old mill are some that are definitely easier to get to. Since it was pretty warm when we visited, we didn't really get out on some of the longer trails, but we were very satisfied with our visit.