March 16, 2020  |   

UPDATE MARCH 23– here’s some coverage via USA TODAY and KCRW radio interview  featuring our own John Lauretig (Executive Director). Joshua Tree National Park still closed; FOJT strongly recommends not coming out to JTree at this time. 

UPDATE MARCH 21- PARK IS NOW CLOSED. ALL CAMPERS MUST EXIT BY NOON. This is shared on firsthand information from the Park Superintendent and staff. We know their website may not be updated yet, but we’ve confirmed with local guides and Park officials. 

Stay tuned here for further news about eventual reopening. 

Though the Park is open and staffed at this time, please consider limiting travel, group contact and practice social spacing if you’re considering coming out to what has been a fairly crowded Park. There is also no cell service in the Park, so going there will remove an important communication mode for friends and loved ones. Remember there is NO WATER in the Park. Washing more frequently will require that you bring  extra water. 

Here’s an update from Climbing Mag/Thundercling, one of many climbing blogs out there recommending NOT coming to high traffic sites in gateway communities with precious few healthcare resources and many residents considered vulnerable to COVID-19. This includes Joshua Tree, Bishop, Indian Creek, and Mammoth Lakes. Most concentrated bouldering areas, like Tramway or Stoney Point, should also be avoided. 

We will update this list daily with information as we receive it, regarding restrictions and available resources for the Joshua Tree National Park and environs. 

  • The Park Visitors Center in Joshua Tree will close as of Tuesday March 17
  • Climbers Coffee is suspended for the next several weekends 
  • Order food as take out only from area restaurants – CDC guidelines 
  • See resources page on our website for other resources like overflow campgrounds, 

 

Help ‘Flatten The Curve’ by practicing the recommended self-isolation and hygienic behavior from CDC and the American Red Cross. 

Be safe, uplevel your awareness and personal hygiene, look out for your neighbors; we hope to see you when the coast is clear.

FOJT