Joshua Tree
Stop 24 of 51 on the loop. Stay in Twentynine Palms CA, give it 2 nights, and plan the day around Park Boulevard / Keys View.
- State
- CA
- Stay in
- Twentynine Palms CA
- Nights on this route
- 2
- Month on this route
- May
- Don't miss
- Park Boulevard / Keys View
- Getting here
- 237 mi from Furnace Creek CA, about 5 h 40 min.
- Next stop
- Channel Islands, 208 mi, about 4 h 10 min.
About the Park
Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself!
Description from the National Park Service.
Where to Stay
On this route you sleep in Twentynine Palms CA. Gateway towns have more lodging, groceries and fuel than the park itself. If you want an in-park lodge instead, the busiest parks book up as early as 13 months out.
Entrance Fees
- $30 Private Vehicle
- $25 Motorcycle
- $15 Per person (walk or bike in)
An $80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry at every national park; on a trip like this it pays for itself after three parks. Fees from the NPS, checked 2026-10-18.
Nearby Parks
- Death Valley about 167 mi as the crow flies
- Channel Islands about 182 mi as the crow flies
- Sequoia about 226 mi as the crow flies
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/. Route data checked 2026-10-19.