Map of Joshua Tree National Park in California

A beautiful and strange Joshua Tree forest, rugged geological  formations, a handful of palm oases, mining history, homesteading  history, and peace and quiet are the attractions at this 792,750-acre  park. Its a prime spot for rock climbing and hiking. Two different  deserts meet at Joshua Tree: in the north and west portions is the  Mojave Desert; and in the south and east portions is the Colorado  Desert, a subsystem of the Sonoran Desert. The site was designated a  national monument in 1936, redesignated a national park in 1994, and  designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1984.    

WHAT TO SEE & DO    

Backpacking, boulder hopping, hiking, mountain biking, rock  climbing (rentals, town of Joshua Tree), picnicking. Facilities: 3  visitor centers: Twentynine Palms (Rte. 62), Cottonwood (off I—10),  Black Rock Nature Center (Yucca Valley), hiking trails. Bookstore and  sales areas, picnic tables. Programs & Events: Ranger-led hikes,  interpretive talks, and camp-fire programs (mid-Oct.-May). Tips &  Hints: Be prepared for all types of weather. Temperatures can reach  110°F June-Sept. Bring plenty of water, at least one gallon per person  per day. Go Feb.-mid-May for flowers, Feb.-Apr. and in fall for bird  migrations; and in spring, fall, and winter for best weather. Busiest  Mar. and Apr., least crowded July and Aug.    

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES    

Camping: 9 campgrounds in the park: Belle (18 sites; free),  Black Rock (100 sites; $10; flush toilets), Cottonwood (62 sites; $10;  flush toilets), Hidden Valley (sites; free), Indian Cove (101 sites;  $10), Jumbo Rocks (125 sites; free), Ryan (31 sites; free), Sheep Pass  (tel. 800/365-2267; 6 sites; $20-$35), White Tank (15 sites; free).   Hotels: None in park. In Twentynine Palms: 29 Palms Inn (73950 Inn Ave.,  tel. 760/ 367-3505; 15 rooms, 4 suites; $75-$100), Roughley Manor  (74744 Joe Davis Rd., tel. 760/367-3238; 6 suites; $135-$150). X  Restaurants: None in park. In Yucca Valley: Edchadas (56805 Rte. 62,  tel. 760/365-7655; $5-$9).  Groceries & Gear: None in park. In  Twentynine Palms: Circle ? (5687 Adobe Rd., tel. 760/367-6116).    

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS    

Entrance fee: $5 per person on foot, $10 per vehicle. No  hunting. Leashed pets only. Pets may not be left alone and are  restricted to campgrounds and dirt road areas. Mountain bikes only on  designated trails and roads open to motorized vehicles. Park open daily.  Visitor centers open daily 8-5.    

HOW TO GET THERE    

50 mi north of Palm Springs. From 1-10, take Rte. 62 north to  the town of Joshua Tree and turn south on Park Blvd. to reach west  entrance. Park entrances also at Twentynine Palms (15 mi east of Joshua  Tree) and off 1-10 (47 mi east of Palm Springs). Closest airport: Palm  Springs.    

CONTACTS    

Joshua Tree National Park (74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine  Palms, CA 92277, tel. 760/367-5500; 800/365-2267 campground  reservations, fax 760/367-6392,). Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce  (6455A Mesquite Ave., Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, tel. 760/367-3445,).  Joshua Tree Chamber of Commerce (Box 600, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, tel.  760/366-3723). Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce (55569 Rte. 62, Yucca  Valley, CA 92284, tel. 760/365-6323,).    

Joshua Tree National Park. How to get by car to the Joshua Tree  National Park. How to book a room and its price in the Joshua Tree  National Park