Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
WHERE TO STAY IN JOSHUA TREE
Jumbo Rocks is one of the largest campgrounds in the park. It has a central location that is close to many hikes. Most of the 124 sites are small and are tucked in among the rock formations.
Amenities: vault toilets, no water, wheelchair friendly
Price: $20, plus $30 per car
This campground is smaller than Jumbo Rocks and the sites are bigger but more out in the open. There are many hikes that start from this campground including Ryan Ranch and Ryan Mountain.
Amenities: vault toilets, no water
Price: $20, plus $30 per car
This campground is the only one in Joshua Tree that has all the amenities you would need for a comfortable stay. That makes this campground great for first-time campers. The 200 sites are crowded together mostly with no privacy but the abundance of joshua trees makes for almost complete shade over the campground. Note: This campground is near the north border of the park and requires a 30-minute drive to the sights of the park.
Amenities: drinking water, flush toilets, general store, on-site visitors center, wheelchair friendly
Price: $25, no car fees
WHAT TO DO IN JOSHUA TREE
Sights
A one mile trail takes you to to Barker Dam, which forms a small, pretty pond.
This giant arch will have you reaching for your camera to take a picture of your family inside it.
A two mile trail takes you to the abandoned cars and mining artifacts of the Wall Street Mill.
Hikes
This one mile loop trail passes through granite boulders to emerge in scenic Hidden Valley.
This scenic, two mile loop trail starts at Jumbo Rocks Campground and takes you to Skull Rock. Then it crosses the street and winds through the desert back to the campground.
The three mile trail to Ryan Mountain starts at Ryan Campground and climbs more than 1,000 feet in its ascent to the summit. There you will find panoramic views of the entire park.