Where is joshua tree national park located

We typically bring an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent with us just in case. Dogs are not allowed on trails in most national parks due to their potentially disruptive presence with the natural ecosystem. The basic rule is they are allowed where cars can go so be sure to check the rules before bringing along your furry friend.

Like so many other national parks, the story of Joshua Tree National Park can trace its origins to the foresight and dedication of one person. After the death of her husband in , Minerva threw herself into an effort save these desert plants and landscapes from what she saw as an increasing threat of destruction from development.

In , with the stroke of his pen, Roosevelt proclaimed Joshua Tree National Monument, setting aside over , acres of precious California desert. In Joshua Tree underwent a different change in fortunes when the Truman administration reduced the size of the monument by more than , acres to allow for mining in the area. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on Halloween Day in An additional 4, acres was added to the park in under the John D.

Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. Joshua Tree National Park is nestled in the Southern California desert about 40 minutes east of the sprawling desert city of Palm Springs. From Palm Springs you can rent a car and be in the park in under an hour without trouble. Joshua Tree is an easy park to navigate from your car. There are a few 4WD high-clearance roads in the park that will get you out away from the main roads and crowds without having to hike.

Some of those roads are nasty. Please Recreate Responsibly! Joshua Tree has become somewhat notorious as a destination for miscreants who enjoy defacing or otherwise degrading park property. Be Safe on Those Trails! Seriously, Joshua Tree has had an epidemic of missing hikers in recent years due in part to increased visitation, unpreparedness, and very unforgiving terrain.

Think again before pushing your sedan onto some of the back roads here labeled 4WD. Best to take advantage of it for food, lodging, and more. We chose Joshua Tree because of its fascinating and unique landscape.

Its immense boulder piles, colorful cactus fields, endless desert expanses, and one-of-a-kind Joshua trees make for a spectacular setting.

This film was shot entirely in 4K. Knowing when to visit Joshua Tree is critical to making the most out of your trip to this beautiful desert park. The best time of year to visit Joshua Tree National Park is February through May when visitation is down and temperatures are mild for a more intimate experience.

During this time of year daily highs are in the mid 60s to low 70s while lows can drop down to freezing. Despite the cold lows, the park warms up every day and almost always has abundant sunshine to shower visitors with. The best season to visit Joshua Tree National Park is Spring when temperatures are warming up but not hot and and crowds are down.

Spring is great because visitors can still soak in abundant stargazing with long nights and much fewer visitors to compete with for solitude. Interested in learning more about the seasons of Joshua Tree National Park? That said, if you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, food, wear the proper clothing, and avoid hikes during midday you should be fine.

Nights are very pleasant in the summer and of course Joshua Tree always provides stellar stargazing opportunities. Fall in Joshua Tree is an underrated season with visitation dwindling, temperatures cooling off but still warm, and abundant sunshine. High temperatures during fall can still hit Winter is wonderful in Joshua Tree with high temperatures still hitting the mid 60s, abundant sunshine, and less crowds.

The winter months bring more solitude to a usually very popular park. Despite the fact that Joshua Tree is a desert park, light snowfall is not out of the ordinary during the winter months. A hike through this unique and otherworldly landscape is a must for everyone visiting the park.

Planning a visit to a nearby park? This article was last updated on August 26, and was excerpted from the National Geographic book Parks, Ideas.

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Download the NPS App! Install the app and save Joshua Tree for offline use prior to arrival so you can use it without cell coverage.

Learn about current conditions, closures, construction and other relevant info before you arrive. Find essential trip planning information here: visitor center hours, entrance fees, an event calendar, where you can take pets, and more. Where to go, what to do, and what you need to know for your Joshua Tree adventure. Dagger-like leaves?