National Park · CA
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is quietest in July and August and busiest in March.
Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself!
3.1M recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Joshua Tree
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Partly cloudy | 78°F | 59°F | 1% |
| Mon 19 | Clear | 82°F | 61°F | 2% |
| Tue 20 | Mostly clear | 82°F | 62°F | 1% |
| Wed 21 | Clear | 79°F | 68°F | 4% |
| Thu 22 | Overcast | 73°F | 63°F | 12% |
| Fri 23 | Clear | 73°F | 60°F | 0% |
| Sat 24 | Clear | 78°F | 65°F | 1% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63°F | 42°F | 0.5" |
| February | 67°F | 44°F | 0.6" |
| March | 74°F | 49°F | 0.3" |
| April | 81°F | 55°F | 0.1" |
| May | 90°F | 63°F | 0.1" |
| June | 99°F | 71°F | 0.0" |
| July | 104°F | 77°F | 0.4" |
| August | 103°F | 76°F | 0.7" |
| September | 97°F | 69°F | 0.3" |
| October | 85°F | 58°F | 0.1" |
| November | 72°F | 47°F | 0.2" |
| December | 62°F | 40°F | 0.6" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $30 — 7-day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days.
- Hours
- Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Visitation increases as temperatures moderate in the fall, peaks during the spring wildflower season, and diminishes during the heat of summer. Some areas of the park are designated for day use only. Visitor centers keep separate hours; please see descriptions.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Caution
Inaccurate Third-Party Apps
Some third-party hiking apps are providing inaccurate trail and safety information to users. Please use the official NPS app for accurate information.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure
Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closed past the Oasis.
- Park Closure
Geology Tour Road Temporarily Closed
The park received a significant amount of rain. Due to flooding, Geology Tour Road is temporarily closed. Please use caution while traveling on all other roads in the park.
- Caution
Partial Trail Closure of West Side Loop
There is a partial trail closure of West Side Loop trail in the Black Rock area to allow for trail crew and volunteers to conduct trail repairs. Sections of West Side will be closed to all forms of traffic, Equestrians and hikers will have to take one of the connector trails along Black Rock Canyon to bypass the planned work. Estimated reopening date is November.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Joshua Tree questions
When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree?
Joshua Tree is least crowded in July, August, and September. March is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Joshua Tree?
Entrance to Joshua Tree costs $30 (7-day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days.).
When is Joshua Tree busiest?
Joshua Tree is busiest in March, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Joshua Tree during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Joshua Tree. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.