Joshua Tree
National Park
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Visit the Joshua Web Tree our extended home page |
| Special Report |
| Fires in Joshua Tree National Park | |
| General Information |
| Joshua Tree National Park’s 794,000 acres span the transition between the Mojave and Colorado deserts of Southern California. Proclaimed a National Monument in 1936 and a Biosphere Reserve in 1984, Joshua Tree was designated a National Park in 1994. The area posseses a rich human history and a pristine natural environment. | |
| Environment |
| Two deserts, two large ecosystems whose characteristics are determined primarily by elevation, come together at Joshua Tree National Park. Below 3,000 feet, the Colorado Desert encompasses the eastern part of the park and features natural gardens of creosote bush, ocotillo, and cholla cactus. The higher, moister, and slightly cooler Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the Joshua tree. Joshua tree forests occur in the western half of the park. The western part of the park also includes some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California’s deserts. In addition, five fan palm oases dot the park, indicating those few areas where water occurs naturally and where wildlife abounds. | |
| Directions |
| Joshua Tree National Park lies 140 miles east of Los Angeles. You can approach it from the west via Interstate 10 and Hwy 62 (29 Palms Highway). The north entrances to the park are located at Joshua Tree Village and the city of Twentynine Palms. The south entrance at Cottonwood Spring, which lies 25 miles east of Indio, can be approached from the east or west, also via Interstate 10. | |
| Area Map | |
| Operating Hours |
| The park is always open. Visitor Centers are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | |
| Climate |
| Days are typically clear with less than 25% humidity. Temperatures are most comfortable in the spring and fall, with an average high/low of 85 and 50 degrees F respectively. Winter brings cooler days, around 60 degrees F, and freezing nights. It occasionally snows at higher elevations. Summers are hot, over 100 degrees F during the day and not cooling much below 75 degrees F until the early hours of the morning. | Forecast for 29 Palms. |
| Fees & Permits |
| The entrance fee is $10 per car and it is valid for 7 days. | |
| Visitor Activities |
| Hiking, picnicing, wildflower viewing, birding, interpretive walks and talks, and camping. | ||
| Cooperating Association |
| Each year millions of people visit America’s national parks, forests, and other public lands At many of these areas their visits are enhanced by agency-approved, high-quality publications, maps, videos, and theme-related merchandise provided through a cooperating association. Purchases at a cooperating association sales outlet generate revenues that will be returned to the parks to support interpretation, education, and visitor service programs. | |
| International Visitors |
| Park information is available at visitor centers and entrance stations in Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. | |
| Food, Lodging, Services |
| There are no concessions within the park. However, the communities that surround the park can fulfill most visitor needs. Contact local chambers of commerce for additional information. | |
| Safety Information |
| It is easy to become dehydrated in arid desert environments. Even if you only plan to drive through the park, you should have some water with you. | |
| Park Address |
| 74485 National Park Drive, 29 Palms, CA 92277 | |
| Telephone Numbers |
| Voice: 760-367-5500 Fax: 760-367-6392 | |
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http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.html
Last Updated: 4/13/99
Author: Sandra Kaye