Visiting Joshua Tree National Park: Helpful Tips + Campground Info

Visiting Joshua Tree National Park: Helpful Tips + Campground Info
Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California, is a mesmerizing desert landscape characterized by its striking rock formations, ancient Joshua trees, and vibrant flora and fauna. Spanning over 790,000 acres, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities such as hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, and photography. Visitors are greeted by the iconic Joshua trees, which dot the landscape with their whimsical and otherworldly appearance, while the park's rugged terrain is adorned with massive granite boulders, hidden oases, and expansive vistas that inspire awe and wonder.
As noted in the video this park has no amenities and limited cell phone service, so bring plenty of food and water- and your maps ahead of time.
We cover all the campgrounds, summarize the hiking trails, and cover the most popular spots at the park
Here are some of the coolest rock features in the park
Arch Rock: Located near the White Tank Campground, it's easily accessible via a short hike and is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
Skull Rock: Named for its resemblance to a human skull, this rock formation is a favorite among visitors. You can find it along the main road through the park with Discovery Trail at the same spot
Hidden Valley: While not a single rock formation, Hidden Valley is a picturesque area surrounded by towering rock walls. It's a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Split Rock: Split Rock is a large boulder that has split in half, creating a narrow passage between the two halves. It's located in the northern part of the park and is easily accessible from the main road.
Hall of Horrors: This area is known for its dramatic rock formations and challenging rock climbing routes. It's a favorite spot among experienced climbers, but even non-climbers can appreciate the beauty of the towering rocks.
Cap Rock: This massive rock formation is located near the west entrance of the park and is easily accessible from the parking area. It's a popular spot for hiking and rock scrambling, and it offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Jumbo Rocks: This area of the park is known for its massive granite boulders, which are popular among rock climbers and hikers.
Camping should be reserved in advance. There are over 500 campgrounds at the national park and 80% of them are reservation only. There are three first come first serve campground two out of the three are closed during the summer. Indian Cove, Black Rock, and Cottonwood are the most developed campsites: Jumbo Rocks and Ryan Campgrounds are moderately developed and Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle Campgrounds are first come first serve.
Special thanks to the Joshua Tree team with the National Park Service for the wonderful photos used in this video available for use in the public domain. 😀
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro to Joshua Tree National Park
00:52 Basic Information
01:27 Joshua Tree National Park Visitors Center
01:46 Camping Information
02:30 Our First Stop Joshua Tree National Park
03:07 Plan Ahead
03:19 Hiking Trails
03:27 Skull Rock
04:31 Unique Rock Formations
04:40 Cholla Cactus Garden
06:03 Keys View, Keys Ranch, Hidden Valley, Barker Dam
#nationalparks #california #joshuatree

[@Indianamatthew]

Very nice video...Thanks...

[@SwiftyTravels]

Thanks again!!

[@CactusAtlas]

It’s been too long since I’ve been. Very complete video. I can attest, this is a great guide! I love driving around there at night listening to Gram Parsons and The Rolling Stones and taking night photography!

[@SwiftyTravels]

Oh driving through at night would be so awesome!! I didn’t spend as much time there as I would’ve liked- but I tried to provide some useful information! Have a great week!!

[@georgecuster527]

Best video ever .

[@SwiftyTravels]

😀🙏 thanks!

[@SantosChronicles]

I always thought Joshua Tree was one tree. Learn something every day. That’s what scares me in the area when it is super hot. Fall and Spring is a great tip. Really pretty area for sure. The time lapse shot was so cool. Skull Rock is my type of atop for sure. Bet heart rock gets a lot of visit during Valentine’s Day.

[@SwiftyTravels]

I was just a little early for the wildflowers- it would be so pretty during a super bloom!!! The heat would be unbearable there in the summer! Thanks for checking it out!!

[@ColoradoMartini]

I have not been to Joshua Tree in ages. We use to go all the time.

[@SwiftyTravels]

There was so much more I wanted to see in the area and I ran out of time!

[@deborahjones7003]

Loved this park, so much to see thanks for all the tips

[@SwiftyTravels]

Thanks Deb!!!

[@trvlnthru]

Beautiful park! I love seeing the Joshua Trees. They are so unique. You did cram a lot of helpful information into this video and we appreciate it. We won't make it there this year but Joshua Tree National Park is definitely on our to do list. We can't wait to see the trees and cool rock formations in person. Thanks for sharing this video!

[@SwiftyTravels]

Glad you enjoyed it! It is very unique! The rock formations are so cool!! 😀👍

[@LaDonnashielded-kc7zm]

Thank you, beautiful video!

[@SwiftyTravels]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Wi77iam]

I used to be stationed in 29 Palms, CA and Joshua Tree is one of my favorite parks. Now I get to explore New Mexico.

[@SwiftyTravels]

Nice! I wish we had more time in Joshua Tree- both areas are amazing- and thank you for your service!!

[@vs123]

I like park

[@SwiftyTravels]

Thank you! This is a popular one!!

[@thatplace1]

Big park Always have wondered about this place Dark sky park is interesting tidbit Sounds like good to plan ahead for trip to Joshua Tree National Park Limited camping and, well, out in the middle of the desert Thanks for the information Cheers🤠👍

[@SwiftyTravels]

Thanks for checking it out!!

[@SusansRoadLessTraveled]

What a neat place!

[@SwiftyTravels]

It is very unique for sure!!

[@TheJournalofanExplorer]

What a beautiful National Park! Though this landscape isn't something I would have expected in California, seems like it should fit more in Nevada / Arizona - guess it just really shows how much variety you can get within in states! Seems like a perfect for a night timelapse!

[@SwiftyTravels]

Thank you! It is very close to the Arizona/Nevada border! California is so diverse! I would’ve loved to have stayed the night here