Explore the Desert at Joshua Tree National Park

One of California's greatest national parks, Joshua Tree, is located among the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, about an hour east of Palm Springs. Nearly 800,000 acres of stark and beautiful terrain, ranging from palm tree oases to massive boulders that glow at sunset, make up the park.

Joshua Tree National Park includes two unique desert ecosystems: the Mojave and the Colorado. In a terrain shaped by powerful winds and occasional torrents of rain, a remarkable variety of plants and animals make their homes. The wonder of this enormous wilderness in southern California is enhanced by dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features. To see everything Joshua Tree has to offer would take hundreds of sun-drenched days and starry nights. Hiking, rock climbing, and camping are just a few favorite activities. The best time to visit is between October and May, outside of the severely hot summer months.