Joshua Tree Webcams

Introduction

Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California, is named after the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the Mojave Desert. The park's history dates back thousands of years, with the earliest known inhabitants being the Pinto Culture, who lived and hunted in the area between 8000 and 4000 BCE. Later, the Serrano, Cahuilla, and Chemehuevi peoples inhabited the region, utilizing its resources for food, medicine, and tools. The first European sightings of Joshua trees were made by Spaniards led by Pedro Fages in 1772. The area was designated a national monument in 1936 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was later redesignated as a national park in 1994 when the U.S. Congress passed the California Desert Protection Act. Joshua Tree National Park is a popular destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. In 2022, the park saw 3,058,294 visitors.

Joshua Tree National Park spans a vast area of 795,156 acres (3,217.9 square kilometers), making it slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island. The park includes 429,690 acres (1,738.9 square km) of designated wilderness. It straddles San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and encompasses parts of two distinct deserts: the higher Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert.

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, with over 350 vertebrate species recorded. This includes 57 species of mammals, 46 species of reptiles, more than 250 species of birds, and two species of amphibians⁷. Some of the most seen mammals include white-tailed antelope ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, and coyotes. More elusive species include foxes, bobcats, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. The park also hosts 16 species of bats, which are primarily nocturnal.  For more information go to the park’s Wikipedia site.

Top Hikes

Joshua Tree National Park has 253 miles (407 km) of equestrian trails and trail corridors that traverse open lands, canyon bottoms, and dry washes throughout the park.  The national park service recommends that you should be cautious when using hiking apps, since they may provide incorrect information.  Avoid hiking in the heat of summer and carry a lot of water and salty foods. A full list of trails is available at the NPS website.  Also, keep in mind, cell service is unreliable in parts of the park.

Top five day-hiking trails

49 Palms Oasis Trail is approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) round-trip. Total elevation gain is 700 feet (213 m) during the hike.  There are great views ascending the ridge on your way to the oasis. After about 1.5 miles (2.4 km), you'll reach the grove of towering fan palms, nourished by a cool spring which is a favorite watering hole for bighorn sheep. A primitive toilet is at the trailhead.

Ryan Mountain Trail is 3 miles (4.8 km) round-trip. Total elevation gain is 1,050 feet (320 m).   The trailhead for Ryan Mountain is located along Park Boulevard, situated between Ryan Campground and Sheep Pass Campground.  The trail ends at the summit of Ryan Mountain which stands at 3,080 feet (938 m) above sea level.

The Lost Horse Mine Trail is approximately 6.8 miles (10.9 km) as a loop hike and has an elevation gain of 900 feet (274 m).  The highest point is 5,070 feet (1545 m) above sea level. The trail leads to the Lost Horse Mine, which dates back over 100 years. This historic mine was founded by Johnny Lang in the 1890's. Lang, a colorful character, arrived in Joshua Tree after fleeing rival cowboys who had tragically killed his brother. The trailhead is about 10 minutes south of the main road, Park Blvd. The last part of the drive is on a dirt road, but it's in good condition and suitable for most vehicles. A primitive toilet at the trailhead.

The Pine City Trail covers approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 km) as an out-and-back hike. Total elevation gain is 280 feet (85 m).  The maximum elevation is 4,810 feet (1446 m) above sea level. The trail is straightforward and easy to follow, making it suitable for everyone, including families. There is not much left of Pine City, but there are a couple of hidden mine shafts. The trailhead shares a parking lot with the hike to Desert Queen Mine. The dirt road leading to the trailhead is drivable by regular (low-clearance) cars. There's a small parking lot by the trailhead, but no water available.

The West Side Loop Trail is approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) as a loop hike. Total elevation gain is 797 feet (242 m). The rocky trail winds through the ridges and washes west of the Black Rock Campground.  The trail provides great views of Mount San Gorgonio and San Jacinto.  If you are lucky, you may see quail and jackrabbits.

Backpacking

Joshua Tree is a great place to backpack.  The park is a certified Internation Dark Sky Park, providing incredible views of the stars.  Permits are required and can be obtain at Recreation.gov.  

The Boy Scout Trail in Joshua Tree National Park is approximately 16 miles (25.7 km) as an out-and-back hike, but you can also hike to a viewpoint for a respectable 9.5 miles (15.25 km) round-trip. Total elevation gain is 1,850 feet (564 m).  The highest point in the trail is 4,240 feet (1286 m) above sea level. The trailhead is located at the Keys West Trailhead. The trail is full of Joshua Trees and passes through the Wonderland of Rocks.  Water is available at the Indian Cove entrance but requires an additional half mile hike. 

The California Riding and Hiking Trail (CRHT) is 37.6 miles (60.5 km) as a point-to-point trail, with an elevation gain of 3,175 feet (967 m).  THIS IS A Point to Point trail so you must leave a car at the end point or arrange other transportation.  Most hikers hike from west to east. There is no water along the trail so be prepared. Although the CRHT passes official campgrounds, dispersed camping along the trail offers a more authentic experience.

The Quail Mountain Via Juniper Flats Trail is 13.4 miles (20.6 km) as an out-and-back hike. The total elevation gain is 1,709 feet (512 m).  The summit of Quail Mountain stands at 5,813 feet (1800 m) above sea level.  The trailhead is at Juniper Flats parking area. Be aware that the trail starts as a designated, marked path but eventually turns into a faint trail for the summit push. The final few miles of the summit "loop" are not well marked and involve some off-trail hiking through sections. Hike west along the rolling California Riding and Hiking Trail (CRHT), enjoying beautiful desert scenery for several miles. Just after mile marker 23 on the CRHT, turn right onto an old closed sandy dirt road, the Stubbe Springs Trail. Follow the worn trail directly to the base of Quail Mountain.

Campgrounds

Joshua Tree has nine campgrounds, with around 500 campsites.  Five of the campgrounds can be reserved at the Recreation.gov website.  The others are first come first severed.  

Reservable Campgrounds

Black Rock Campground lies among one of the thickest Joshua tree forests in the park.  The campground is located on the park's northern perimeter, making it a popular rest stop for hikers, birders, horseback riders, and RV campers. The campground offers beautiful views of the desert views. and unique Joshua Trees. Each of the 99 campsites includes picnic tables and fire pits. Water spigots scattered throughout the campground, as well as clean restrooms. There are no electric or water hookups. The campground can accommodate RVs with a maximum length of 35 feet 10.5 m).

Cottonwood Campground is located in the southeastern part of the park.  The campsite has 62 sites, potable water and flush toilets. The campground is near the Cottonwood Visitor Center and is open year round.  The nearest town is Indio, 30 miles away (48 km).  The campground is open year-round.

Indian Cove Campground is located near the Cottonwood Visitor Center lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known. It's a popular camping location, especially for climbers due to its proximity to many rock climbing routes. There are a total of 97 campsites available for reservation. Each site provides potable water and flush toilets. The campground can accommodate RV’s and trailers between 18 (5.5 m) and 35 feet (10.6 m).

Jumbo Rocks Campground is our favorite campground.  It lies amid the massive, steep rock formations.  There are a total of 97 campsites available for reservation which can accommodate RVs and trailers between 18 (5.5 m) and 35 feet (10.6 m). The campground is near the Cottonwood Visitor Center.

Ryan Campground is located adjacent to the California Riding and Hiking Trail. It offers 31 campsites and four equestrian sites. RV’s must be 35 feet (10.6 m) or under in length. Each campsite provides potable water and flush toilets.  In addition, there are 3 bicycle sites, accommodating no more than 3 tents and 3 people per campsite.  Ryan Campground is open year-round.

First Come, First Served Campgrounds

There are several campgrounds that operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Keep in mind that these first-come, first-served sites are highly competitive during holidays, weekends, and the spring season. Arriving early in the day and before the weekend gives you a better chance of securing a site.

Hidden Valley Campground has 44 sites. There are pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. There is no water in the campground.

White Tank Campground has 15 sites.  RV’s cannot exceed 25 feet (7.5 m). There are pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. There is no water in the campground.

Belle Campground has 18 sites. There are pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. There is no water in the campground.

Climbing and Biking

Climbing

Joshua Tree National Park is renowned destination for rock climbing, bouldering, highlining, and slacklining.

Rock Climbing.  The park offers more than 8,000 climbing routes across its unique monzogranite formations. Climbers can explore traditional-style crack climbs, slab climbs, and steep face climbs.

Highlining and Slacklining. Highlining involves balancing and walking along a length of webbing stretched between two anchor points. Slacklining is similar but done closer to the ground. To protect Joshua trees, Slacklines may be attached to rocks, but not to vegetation (Joshua trees have shallow roots). Slacklines are not allowed in campgrounds due to safety concerns and potential damage. Fixed anchors and bolting for highlining require permits and careful consideration of impacts.

The park offers biking opportunities, but there are some important guidelines to keep in mind.

Biking

Biking is restricted to roads open to vehicles within the park and are not allowed on trails. There are no bike lanes on most paved roads, and many of them lack a shoulder. For a more enjoyable experience, consider cycling on the park's backcountry roads, which have less traffic compared to the busy paved roads.

Ryan Campground has three sites specifically for bicyclists (sites 32 A, B, and C).  Each site allows a maximum of three tents and three people. All sites share one fire pit.  Also, since there is no water at Ryan Campground, campers should obtain water at the West Entrance station or Oasis Visitor Center.