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Notice of Public Closure

The rock climbing area known as Towers of Uncertainty is closed to public use due to wildlife activity. The closure is in effect from March 25, 2010 until further notice.

A Desert Park

Viewed from the road, this desert park only hints at its vitality. Closer examination reveals a fascinating variety of plants and animals that make their home in this land shaped by strong winds, unpredictable torrents of rain, and climatic extremes. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the attraction of this place. Come see for yourself!
 
Costumed park ranger and visitors at Keys Ranch

Living History at Keys Ranch

New this year, ranch visitors can step back in time as a costumed ranger, circa 1940, engages them with stories, historical facts, questions, and memories. A uniformed ranger introduces the tour and makes the transition to 1940. Visitors are encouraged to participate by asking questions about work, family, diet, school, medical care, and other aspects of pioneer life. More...

 
great horned owl mother and chick

Spring Birding

Spring is an excellent season for birding in Joshua Tree. In addition to year-round residents, spring brings an influx of transients and summer nesting species. A birding check-list is available at visitor centers. More...
 
Wildflowers

Wildflower Viewing

Wildflower season usually begins with the large, cream-colored blooms of the Joshua trees in late February, followed by colorful annuals at the lower elevations around the south boundary of the park. Sometime in March, the bloom will follow rising temperatures into the higher elevations of the park. Cacti usually wait until April or May to produce their bright, waxy flowers. More...

 
 

Write to

Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Phone

Visitor Information
(760) 367-5500

Fax

(760) 367-6392

Climate

Days are typically clear with less than 25 precent humidity. Temperatures are most comfortable in the spring and fall, with an average high/low of 85 and 50°F (29 and 10°C) respectively. Winter brings cooler days, around 60°F (15°C), and freezing nights. It occasionally snows at higher elevations. Summers are hot, over 100°F (38°C) during the day and not cooling much below 85°F (29°C) until the early hours of the morning.
Communities Surrounding Joshua Tree National Park
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Joshua Tree, CA (7 min. ) Pop. 4,207
Twentynine Palms, CA (14 min. ) Pop. 14,764
Yucca Valley, CA (15 min. )
Pioneertown, CA (17 min. )
Morongo Valley, CA (29 min. ) Pop. 1,929
Desert Center, CA (30 min. )
Indio, CA (33 min. ) Pop. 49,116
Coachella, CA (34 min. ) Pop. 22,724
Mecca, CA (35 min. ) Pop. 5,402
Thermal, CA (36 min. )
Landers, CA (40 min. )
 La Quinta, CA (42 min. ) Pop. 23,694
Desert Hot Springs, CA (44 min. ) Pop. 16,582
Thousand Palms, CA (44 min. ) Pop. 5,120
White Water, CA (44 min. )
Palm Desert, CA (46 min. ) Pop. 41,155
North Palm Springs, CA (46 min. )
Cabazon, CA (52 min. ) Pop. 2,229
Palm Springs, CA (56 min. ) Pop. 42,807
Rancho Mirage, CA (58 min. ) Pop. 13,249
Cathedral City, CA (59 min. ) Pop. 42,647