JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Originally declared a National Monument on August 10, 1936, Joshua Tree became a National Park on October 31, 1994. The park shows off rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes against very dark, starry nights. Named for the bristled Joshua trees, the park encompasses both the Colorado and Mojave Deserts, with the Little San Bernardino Mountains along the southwest edge. This beautiful Southern California desert park offers scenic drives, hiking, birding, horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, wildflower viewing, stargazing, camping, and several nature walks. It is a photographers paradise. Spring is a fantastic time to visit to take in all the wildflowers, summer brings the dramatic monsoon storms, fall offers wide blue skies and cooler weather, and winter can sometimes bring snow flurries. Keys View is a favorite destination within the park, for those seeking panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, and the high peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio.
Location & Local Communities: Joshua Tree National Park is wedged between Riverside County and San Bernadino County in Southern California’s desert vast park region that runs from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to the south, and Mojave Preserve, Castle Mountains National Monument, and Death Valley National Park to the north. Local gateway communities include: Twentynine Palms (approx. 5 miles), Joshua Tree (approx 5 miles), Yucca Valley (approx. 12 miles), Palm Springs (approx. 50 miles), Palm Desert (approx. 40 miles), Desert Hot Springs (approx. 40 miles), La Quinta (approx. 40 miles), Rancho Mirage (approx. 50 miles), Coachella (approx. 30 miles), and Indio (approx 30 miles).
For more information call (760) 367-5500 or visit www.NPS.gov/jotr.
