Joshua Tree National Park sits where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, just north of I-10 between Los Angeles and Phoenix. The park is famous for its twisted Joshua trees and surreal boulder piles that look like they were placed by giants. Rock climbers come from around the world for the granite. For a quick visit, the south entrance from I-10 is closest, but the best Joshua tree forests are in the higher elevations near the north and west entrances. One hour from the south gives you desert scenery and boulders; for the iconic trees, enter from the north via Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree town.
The Essential Stop
Cholla Cactus Garden
A dense concentration of teddy bear cholla cactus in a desert basin. A short boardwalk loop winds through thousands of backlit cholla at sunset. The spines glow golden. It is not the Joshua trees, but it is uniquely beautiful and accessible from the south entrance.
Visit near sunset when the light illuminates the cholla spines. Do not touch. The spines detach and are painful to remove.
One Hour Experience
From I-10, the south entrance is quickest. This route hits the highlights accessible from that side.
Cottonwood Visitor Center
Just inside the south entrance. Quick orientation and restrooms. The Colorado Desert landscape here is different from the Mojave higher up.
Cholla Cactus Garden
A 0.25-mile loop through a dense cholla forest. The essential stop from this entrance. Surreal at any time, magical at sunset.
Ocotillo Patch
Pullout with views of ocotillo cacti and the Pinto Basin. A different desert character than the Mojave side.
Drive toward White Tank
Continue north to see the transition from Colorado to Mojave desert. Turn around when time requires.
If You Have More Time
Hidden Valley
Classic Joshua trees and boulder piles, but requires entering from the north. The park's most iconic landscape.
Skull Rock
A boulder that looks like a skull. Popular photo stop. Also requires the north route.
Keys View
Panoramic view from 5,185 feet overlooking the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, and San Andreas Fault. Requires significant detour.
Logistics
Best Entrance
South Entrance (Cottonwood) from I-10 Exit 168 for quickest access. North Entrance (Twentynine Palms) or West Entrance (Joshua Tree town) for the iconic landscapes, but adds 30+ minutes.
Parking
Visitor center lot is adequate. Cholla Cactus Garden has a small lot that rarely fills.
Best Time of Day
Sunset at Cholla Cactus Garden is spectacular. Morning light is soft but less dramatic.
Entrance Fee
$30/vehicle, $15/person on foot or bike. Free with America the Beautiful pass.
Amenities
Cottonwood Visitor Center has restrooms and water. No food inside the park.
Tips
- The south entrance shows the Colorado Desert, not the Joshua trees. For iconic tree photos, enter from the north.
- Cholla cactus spines are barbed and extremely painful. Do not touch, do not brush against them, do not let dogs near them.
- Summer temperatures exceed 110°F. Bring more water than you think you need.
- Palm Springs, 30 miles west, has hotels and restaurants if you want to extend your visit.
- The park spans two deserts at different elevations. The north is higher and cooler; the south is lower and hotter.