General Info and Entrance and other Joshua Tree National Park, CA Things to Do Tips

The Joshua Tree National Park houses a surprisingly diverse plant and animal life. The main attraction, of course is the Joshua Tree itself (Yucca brevifolia). Additionally, there is the landscape which was 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. You would need to spend a few days here to fully explore the park. If your time is limited you may want to consider limiting yourself to the main park roads. There are a number of pullouts with wayside exhibits all along these roads. There are 12 self-guiding nature trails, and you may want to experience at least one of these walks. Keys View, which was closed during my visit, offers views beyond Salton Sea to Mexico. There are 9 campgrounds and a number of picnic areas in the park. Joshua Tree National Park is also a very popular rock-climbing destination. The park is always open and may be visited anytime of year. Visitation increases as temperatures moderate in the fall, peaks during spring wildflower season, and diminishes during the heat of summer. A 7-Day Vehicle Permit costs $15 and admits the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle for the day of purchase and the next six days. An additional attraction in the park is the Keys Ranch, a prime example of the way the rugged individuals who populated this desolate area eked out their living. Ranger guided tours of the ranch, the only way to see it, are scheduled for 11 AM and 1 PM Saturday and Sunday from October through May. Weekday tours vary during the season and are listed on the Ranger Program schedule. The tour costs $5 per person, is 1/2-mile in length and lasts 90 minutes. Group size is limited to 25 people. Just after you enter the park from the north there is a pulloff that has a map to help you plan your visit.

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Phone: (760) 367-5500
Address: 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA
Directions: Just north of Interstate 10 between LA and Arizona.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/

As you look at the map near the north entrance take some time to enjoy the incredible views.

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Phone: (760) 367-5500
Address: 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA
Directions: Just north of Interstate 10 between LA and Arizona.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/

The Joshua Tree (Yucca Brevifolia) grows mostly in the Mojave Desert. It is a very specialized type of plam tree that has a wide ranging shallow root sytem that takes advantage of as much ground moisture as possible. Ancient indians used the fibers from the plant to make baskets sandals, and sleeping mats. Birds made nest from the fibers and hung them from the branches, or lived in holes the made in the trunks. Many types of animals eat the flowers, fruit and seeds produced by the plant. The Joshua Tree is a very intesresting example of how a plant can adapt to its environment.

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Phone: (760) 367-5500
Address: 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA
Directions: Just north of Interstate 10 between LA and Arizona.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/

One of the first signs at a turnoff along the road is the one that says "Barren or Bountiful?" This sign explains how people can look at this landscape and see many different things. Some see a vast wasteland full of mothingness; while others see a bountiful land of opportunities. The photos of the area around the sign show exactly what they mean. What do you see?

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Phone: (760) 367-5500
Address: 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA
Directions: Just north of Interstate 10 between LA and Arizona.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/

As you turn west from the main road the first locations you arrive upon are Split Rock Picnic Area to the north and Live Oak Picnic Area to the south. Both have picnic tables and nice views. If you go to Split Rock follow the trail to the small cave (especially on a hot day) and then continue a little further to where you get a nice view through a split in the rock.

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Phone: (760) 367-5500
Address: 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA
Directions: Just north of Interstate 10 between LA and Arizona.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/

I just wanted to add this photo to show you the picnic tables at Split Rock.

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Phone: (760) 367-5500
Address: 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA
Directions: Just north of Interstate 10 between LA and Arizona.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/

As you turn west from the main road the first locations you arrive upon are Split Rock Picnic Area to the north and Live Oak Picnic Area to the south. Both have picnic tables and nice views. If you go to Live Oak make sure you explore the area; there are some great views and lots of huge rocks and joshua tree to see.

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Phone: (760) 367-5500
Address: 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA
Directions: Just north of Interstate 10 between LA and Arizona.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/

I just wanted to add this picture to show the picnic facilities. Note the barbecue pit at Live Oak, I don't remember seeing these at Split Rock.

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Phone: (760) 367-5500
Address: 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA
Directions: Just north of Interstate 10 between LA and Arizona.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/

One of the interesting sites in Joshua Tree National Park is Skull Rock. You can park by the side of the road and Skull Rock is a very short easy walk south. If you feel more adventurous, you can drive on to the Jumbo Rocks Camping Area and take a longer interpretive trail to Skull Rock. The trail is fairly well marked and has informative signs about plant and animal life along the way (see the next several tips).

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Phone: (760) 367-5500
Address: 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA
Directions: Just north of Interstate 10 between LA and Arizona.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/

The Jojoba Plant, commonly referred to as the Deernut, Goat nut, or Coffeeberry plant grows extensively throughoout the Mojave Desert and provides food for deer, squirrels and other animals. The indians and early sttlers in the area ground the nuts to make coffee. Medicinal and lubracations uses have also been found for this versatile plant.

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Phone: (760) 367-5500
Address: 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA
Directions: Just north of Interstate 10 between LA and Arizona.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/