UPDATE – Guidance for Responsible Recreation as Park re-opens

UPDATE MAY 18, 2020

Joshua Tree National Park will re-open to visitors beginning Monday May 19, 2020. Due to expectations of crowding and extreme pressure on the gateway communities and Park staff, we recommend waiting and staggering trips to midweek and next month. 

If you choose to visit, know that many businesses in town are still closed; call in advance if you need to stop to check status. Some services in the Park, such as visitors centers and entrance kiosks, will also be closed. Be fully self-sufficient, practice good physical distancing and extra good hygiene, and have a Plan B.REMINDER: there is NO WATER in the Park. At all. If you venture into the Park, bring plenty of water, and come fully equipped… the community is in transition and some stores and restaurants are closed or operating on curbside pickup protocol only. 

Also consider visiting less popular nearby places. There are many great outdoor adventures to be had outside of JTNP, such as in the Mojave National Preserve, Anza-Borrego State Park, Amboy Crater, Giant Rock, Tramway, and plenty of other gems on the region. See our Community Resources page for more ideas. 

Getting out and into the desert rejuvenates energy and helps clear the mental/physical fog of the times. We are excited to get out, and spread out! Thanks in advance for being gentle on JTree.

Some guidance from the Access Fund for climbing outdoors, Stay tuned for updates!