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Hidden Valley Campground, which is just one of the areas to set up camp and explore the park.
Words by Rick Stedman
With a desert landscape covering 3,237 sq km (1,250 sq mi), Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California is located between the Mojave and Colorado deserts and became a national park in 1994. It’s affectionately dubbed ‘J-Tree’ by the locals and what’s so spectacular about this destination are its amazing night skies and unique rock formations that can be experienced all year.
Dark Skies and Hiking Trails to Wildlife
One of the unforgettable experiences is witnessing the breathtaking beauty long after the sun sets and darkness falls. When you escape the big city lights and observe an unfiltered view of the Milky Way and countless twinkling stars, you’ll be gifted with memories to treasure forever.
To its credit, the park is a refuge for those who want to experience a naturally dark night sky. There’s no better opportunity than in Joshua Tree National Park.
In addition to the stunning night sky, the park has 483 km (300 mi) of hiking trails, nine campgrounds, and features the namesake Joshua Trees. In fact, these species only grow at elevations between 610 m (2,000 ft) and 1,829 m (6,000 feet) and strictly within the Mojave Desert of California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
Of the many trails, one of the easiest is the 1.6 km (1 mi) Hidden Valley. This picturesque setting is a favourite among photographers as the valley is set in a bowl featuring a variety of boulders lining its outer perimeter. This is a short but beautiful walk.
Another natural attraction is Cottonwood Spring Oasis. The panoramic views are perfect for bird watching and more than 250 species have been observed throughout the park.
Cottonwood Spring Nature Trail is 2.5 km (1.5 mi) with only a slight elevation gain. If you time your hike right, you can enjoy magnificent sunsets but be alert for the cholla cacti, which is also known as the jumping cacti. They tend to snag or ‘jump’ on your feet and legs.
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When night falls, the skies come alive with amazing star-lit scenes such as the Milky Way.
Scenery that Stands the Test of Time
Exploring some of the many unique rock formations can keep you busy for weeks. A few to consider include Skull Rock near Jumbo Rocks campground; it does look like a skull. About 1 km (.6 mi ) from White Tank campground is Arch Rock. It is unique like so many others in the park and is why hiking trails and rock formations are such stellar attractions.
Photographers deem this park a gold mine for the unique natural settings and the variety of creatures that call Joshua Tree National Park home. During the day, you’ll likely see a variety of birds, ground squirrels, and lizards. When the sun goes down, the nocturnal animals make their appearance including snakes, kangaroo rats, coyotes, bobcats, and black-tailed jackrabbits. Bobcats are clearly the dominant force in this ecosystem.
Technology and Services Reminders
The reality when visiting Joshua Tree National Park is WiFi is very limited. If you really need to connect, free public Wi-Fi is available at the Black Rock Visitor Center, Joshua Tree Visitor Center, and the Joshua Tree Cultural Center.
Another reality is the park doesn’t have general services such as restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores. However, these are available in nearby California towns like Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Twentynine Palms.
However, water stations are the exception. It’s available but only at a few locations. You can fill water bottles and quench your thirst at the Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms; West Entrance Station; Black Rock Campground; Cottonwood Campground; and Indian Cove Ranger Station.
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Cottonwood Springs Oasis - a famous place for photographers and hikers.
Camping Suggestions within Joshua
Park staff strongly suggest you purchase an entry pass ahead of time by visiting www.recreation.gov but they can be purchased at any visitor centre or entrance station. A seven-day private vehicle pass costs $30 USD.
The majority of the 500-plus campsites are available by reservation and can be booked up to six months in advance. Reserve your site at recreation.gov. Be advised, RV hook ups are not available within the park so expect - and plan - for a boondocking experience.
To enhance your visit, download the free National Park Service app. This is a fabulous tool that will assist you over and over again. It not only provides every detail you’ll need when visiting the park but it is a great resource for all 425 national park sites in the U.S. and its territories. A few of its useful tools include interactive maps, tours, accessibility information, and more.
Safety, too, is a major concern when visiting a desert park. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to also download the Red Cross first aid app, which is available for iOS and Android devices.
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Nearby Palm Springs has a number of first-class RV resorts and excellent golfing.
Getting Oriented in the Region
There are four park visitor centres that provide information and assistance all year to the three million visitors annually. There is a wealth of information and also learn about ranger-led tours, which vary depending on the time of year.
Where to Camp
When visiting Joshua Tree National Park, there are nine campgrounds grouped in the following categories:
- Campgrounds that require reservations include Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, and Ryan.
- Those available on a first-come, first-served basis include Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle campgrounds.
- Group sites can be found at Cottonwood, Indian Cove, and Sheep Pass.
Although it’s located just a few kilometres outside of Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground is a good option. There are 44 sites with full hookups, showers, a dump station, and water.
The peaceful pond offers catch-and-release fishing, while the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains offer a serene setting. If a campsite is not available, there are a number of other options in the immediate area including Coachella Lakes RV Resort, which is approximately a 20-minute drive.
Specific Park Information
Keep in mind that some campgrounds in the park have size restrictions on RV models. Motorhomes and trailers are restricted to 8 m (25 ft) (combined) at White Tank while Hidden Valley and Belle campgrounds accommodate models up to 11 m (35 ft). Yet, most spaces only accommodate rigs up to 8 - 9 m (25 - 30 ft) RVs. For more information visit www.recreation.gov.
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Wildlife viewing is common day or night.
Bring your Game
When golfing is in your plans, you’ll find plenty of courses less than 32 m (20 mi) from the park in the Palm Springs area. It won’t be difficult finding one. There are approximately 120 throughout the expansive Coachella Valley (sometimes referred to as Greater Palm Springs or the Palm Springs Area).
One of the courses to consider is the nine-hole executive layout that’s part of The Sands RV & Golf Resort in Desert Hot Springs, CA. A 55-plus resort, it’s truly an oasis in the desert with panoramic views of the mountain ranges, including the snow-capped peak of Mt. San Jacinto to the southwest.
If you’re on the course near sunset, you’ll see the signal light blinking from the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The par 32 course is 2,127 yards and the resort has more than 500 RV sites. Amenities include 30- and 50-amp service, concrete patios, a driving range, natural grass putting and chipping green, an exercise room, pickleball courts, and more.
The 12-hole Hawk's Landing Golf Course (formerly the Blue Skies Golf & Country Club) is another choice. It spans 6,121 yards, located in Yucca Valley, and just 30 minutes from Palm Springs. This semi-private golf course was artistically designed and features beautiful natural surroundings that contrast the desert scape with undulating greens.
The area is also home to the par 72, 18-hole Desert Dunes Golf Club, a spectacular course that is 6,876 yards. Crafted by legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Desert Dunes is widely considered one of the best courses in the region.
Joshua Tree National Park and its surrounding area have lots to offer visitors any time of the year. It will undoubtedly provide entertainment and a true learning experience about the region while offering something for everybody. For more information be sure to visit www.nps.gov.
Additional Park Guide Information:
- Water fill stations are located at Black Rock campground near campsite 6 and Cottonwood campground near the visitor center.
- Dump stations at Black Rock and Cottonwood have a fee of $5 (USD) and payment can be made before or after use at any entrance station.
- Generator use is restricted from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Noon to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- The gates are never closed. You can enter and exit the park 24 hours-a-day.