Joshua Tree National Park in southern California offers untouched desert landscapes and craggy rock formations. The park is also dotted with smooth boulders and of course the area’s characteristic Joshua Trees.
If you’re wondering how do you get to Joshua Tree to explore this unique region, then this guide is for you. National Parks in the US aren’t always the easiest places to access, but we have the full lowdown on the Joshua Tree and how to get there.
From the location of Joshua Tree National Park and directions to Joshua Tree Park for drivers to airports near Joshua Tree National Park and whether there’s a LA to Joshua Tree bus you can take, here you’ll find all the info you need to make a decision about how to reach this remote part of California.
Read on to find all the facts you need – from how far from Phoenix to Joshua Tree National Park it is by road to how to get to Joshua Tree from Palm Springs – so you can start planning your park itinerary!
🛏️TOP HOTEL PICK: Check availability now
🚘FIND THE CHEAPEST CAR RENTAL: Search Discover Cars for the best deals
✈️FIND THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS: Search Skyscanner for the best deals
🧳GET TRAVEL INSURANCE: Get insured with Travelex before you go
📱TAKE AN AUDIO TOUR: Buy an audio tour now
No time right now to read about how to get to Joshua Tree National Park? Pin It and save it for later:
Please note this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at zero cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full Disclosure for more information. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Subscribe to daily national parks planning tips, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this guide to
How to Get to Joshua Tree National Park
You might also like to read:
- Joshua Tree National Park Guide
- The 10 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
- The Closest Airports To Joshua Tree National Park
- The 20 Best Vacation Rentals near Joshua Tree
- Fun Facts about Joshua Tree National Park
Where is Joshua Tree National Park?
When working out how to get to Joshua Tree, California, the first thing you need to know is precisely where the park is located.
The Joshua Tree National Park location is pretty much due east of Los Angeles and directly to the east of Palm Springs, in California. It occupies 794,000 acres, and includes the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
Joshua Tree National Park Entrances
When getting directions to Joshua Tree National Park, it’s worth knowing how you can access the park. There are three entrances visitors can use.
West Entrance: Joshua Tree Village south of Highway 62 and Park Boulevard junction
North Entrance: Twentynine Palms south of Highway 62 and Utah Trail junction
South Entrance: Cottonwood Spring on Interstate 10
What’s the closest town to Joshua Tree National Park?
If you want to find a city near Joshua Tree National Park, then many visitors head to Palm Springs. This i a reasonable sized town in the Sonoran Desert offering stylish accommodations, spas, hot springs, dining, shopping and more. Palm Springs is less than an hour south of the park.
Smaller towns near Joshua Tree National park include Joshua Tree, which is very close. There’s also Yukka Valley and Twentynine Palms.
Towns Near Joshua Tree National Park
- Joshua Tree is where one of the park entrances is located. This offbeat town offers places to stay and eat and an interesting arts scene.
- Yukka Valley is around eight miles from Joshua Tree National Park. This town offers various amenities, high desert nature museum, accommodation, at galleries, dining options and more.
- Twentynine Palms is home to the North Entrance to the national park. It has accommodation, places to eat and more, and is often seen as the gateway to Route 66 as well as Joshua Tree National Park.
Taking a Tour to Joshua Tree National Park
You can book an organized Joshua Tree National Park tour if you prefer not to get there by yourself.
This can help you to make the most of your time in southern California and can also be the simplest way to see the area. Doing it this way means no stress over car rental, navigating your way or buying gas.
Here are some of the top Joshua Tree National Park trips you can book.
Palm Desert to Joshua Tree driving tour
Departing from Palm Desert, which is close to Palm Springs, this four-and-a-half hour tour is by air conditioned SUV or van. It includes a couple of optional nature hikes, and your expert guide will teach you all about the desert landscape. During the tour, you’ll see the desert landscapes, plus the characteristic rock formations and of course the famous Joshua Trees.
BOOK A DRIVING TOUR FROM PALM DESERT TO JOSHUA TREE
Palm Desert to Joshua Tree 4×4 day trip
This five hour tour also departs from Palm Desert. It allows you to explore the national park in a 4×4 vehicle, which means you can access spots which can otherwise be impossible to reach. Rugged rock formations, the Mojave Desert and Joshua Trees await. The cost includes park entry fees, bottled water and snacks. Kids over 5 are also welcome to join this trip.
BOOK A DAY TRIP FROM PALM DESERT TO JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Half day hiking tour to Joshua Tree National Park
A four-and-a-half hour tour allows you to hike the trails of Joshua Tree National Park. This private tour gives you an insider’s view of the park, exploring all the wildlife, geology and history of the area. A day pack is provided for you, as well as bottled water. As this is a private hike, the pace of the hike is determined by the participants, so it can be just as relaxed or strenuous as you like.
BOOK A HALF DAY HIKE TO JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Full day of hiking in Joshua Tree National Park
This seven-hour tour is led by an experienced guide, who will tailor the hiking adventure to suit your group. It’s all designed for an encounter with Mother Nature, plus the history, flora, fauna and geology of the region. Again, water and day packs are supplied, and the meeting point can be determined when you decide where will best suit you.
BOOK A FULL DAY HIKE TO JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Beginner’s rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park
Even if you’ve never climbed before, this beginner’s rock climbing adventure in Joshua Tree National Park means you can conquer a granite rock face. All instruction, supervision and equipment is supplied. The Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center on Park Boulevard is your meeting point.
BOOK A ROCK CLIMBING ADVENTURE IN JOSHUA TREE
Private custom Joshua Tree tour with photography
A customized tour to suit you means you can see what you want to when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Hiking equipment is included, as well as Las Vegas hotel pick-up and private transport. Lunch is also supplied, and best of all is the fact that professional photography is also part of the package.
BOOK A PRIVATE JOSHUA TREE TOUR WITH PHOTOGRAPHY
How to Fly to Joshua Tree National Park
If you want to take a flight to Joshua Tree National Park, then you need to know which airports you can arrive at and how to reach the park from there. This section focuses on airports near Joshua Tree, so you can decide where to fly to in the area.
What’s the nearest airport to Joshua Tree National Park?
The closest airport to Joshua Tree National Park is Palm Springs. Around a dozen airlines fly here from all over the US plus various destinations in Mexico and Canada. The park’s South Entrance is 45 miles away and the closest, but all are easily accessible from here.
It takes around 50 minutes to get to the park from Palm Springs International Airport. Lots of car rental companies are represented, or you can use the Morongo Basin Transportation Authority shuttle service to Yucca Valley and 29 Palms (see Taking a Bus section below for more details).
Also, why not check out my guide to saving money on rental cars before you book?
Another option for flights to Joshua Tree National Park is Ontario airport. About ten airlines serve the airport, and there’s a Rental Car Center on site. The park’s West Entrance is closest to Ontario. This is about 95 miles away and takes just over an hour-and-a-half to get to by car.
John Wayne Airport isn’t the closest to Joshua Tree National Park, but is good for those who also want to explore Orange County. The park is around two-and-a-half hours from this airport. For Orange County, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) connects John Wayne Airport to the Tustin Metrolink Station. provides over 75 routes from here.
The West Entrance is the closest to this airport, and is around two hours and 15 minutes’ or 120 miles away. There are various on and off site car hire companies here, and flights to the US, Canada and Mexico.
Los Angeles International Airport
For a major international hub, LAX to Joshua Tree National Park is another option you could consider. It’s around three hours from the park entrances, and offers flights to and from domestic and worldwide destinations. Car rental companies provide shuttles to their off site locations.
If you want to spend time in the LA area, this airport is also a good option to consider.
San Diego International Airport
San Diego offers flights to more than 70 destinations across the US and internationally. There are various off and on site car rental options, and the West Entrance is 165 miles or just under three hours away. This is a good choice for anyone who wants to spend time in the San Diego area.
Harry Reid Las Vegas International Airport
Las Vegas isn’t exactly what you might call an airport near Joshua Tree National Park, but for some it’s a viable option. The South Entrance is 215 miles and a 3.5 hour drive away, but it’s a good choice if you want to combine Joshua Tree with a city break, the Grand Canyon or another national park.
It’s also suited to those arriving from International destinations. Ideally, you’ll need a rental car to reach the park from here, and there are plenty of companies represented here.
This small airport lies close to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. It’s good for charter flights or visiting Coachella Valley, and there’s a Go Rentals outlet. The South Entrance is under an hour’s drive from Bermuda Dunes Airport.
For more information about flying to Joshua Tree, read my guide to the best airports for Joshua Tree National Park.
Check prices on flights to Palm Springs here.
Taking the Train to Joshua Tree National Park
If you want to take an Amtrak train to Joshua Tree, the closest station is Palm Springs. This city is a popular place to stay for those discovering the park. It’s located under an hour’s drive away.
Palm Springs Amtrak station is on the Sunset Limited line between New Orleans and Los Angeles and Texas Eagle route that goes between Chicago and Los Angeles via San Antonio.
The Palm Springs Amtrak station is around eight miles north of downtown Palm Springs.
Taking a Bus to Joshua Tree National Park
If you want to get as close as possible to the park only by bus, then you’ll need to take a Greyhound bus to Indio. This is your best bet if you want to travel by bus from LA to Joshua Tree National Park.
However, in addition to the Los Angeles – Joshua Tree National Park bus, there are direct connections on Greyhound between Indio and Phoenix, Calexico, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, Tijuana MX, Fresno, Bakersfield and Dallas.
Once you’re in Indio, it is about a 30-minute drive north to Palm Springs and a half hour drive east to the South Entrance (Cottonwood Springs) of Joshua Tree National Park.
There’s an Enterprise car rental agency half a mile from the Greyhound bus station in Indio.
If you fly into Palm Springs International Airport, you can take a bus with Morongo Basin Transit Authority (MBTA) from the airport to Twentynine Palms or Yucca Valley. These two towns lie juts outside the national park, so if you didn’t want to drive, you could stay here and then take a taxi or UBER into the park (which is expensive).
There is no bus service or shuttle service into Joshua Tree National Park itself.
Driving to Joshua Tree National Park
The only way other than a tour or an expensive taxi into the national park it to drive. Whether you fly to a nearby airport, take a train or taxi to a nearby station and rent a car there, or drive from home on a road trip, having your own vehicle is essential.
Check you have all these essentials for a Road Trip Packing List before heading out on your road trip.
If you want to reach the park all the way from your home, then you’re going to need directions to Joshua Tree National Park from various points in the US. Here’s all you need to know about the Palm Springs to Joshua Tree distance, how far is Joshua Tree from LA, the distance from San Diego Joshua Tree National Park, how long the drive from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park is, and more.
Joshua Tree National Park Directions
Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park
How far is Joshua Tree National Park from Palm Springs? The distance is around 35 miles, and the drive from Joshua Tree to Palm Springs or vice versa takes about 45 minutes. You can reach the park from Palm Springs via North Indian Canyon Drive and CA-62 E. Car rental is available in the city or at the airport.
Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park
Another option is to travel from the international airport – or downtown – in LA. So how far is Joshua Tree from Los Angeles? The distance from LA to Joshua Tree is about 130 miles, and the drive takes about two hours and 10 minutes. If you’re wondering how to get to Joshua Tree from Los Angeles, then you can take the I-10 E.
San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park
There’s also a major airport in San Diego. How to get to Joshua Tree from San Diego means taking the I-15 N. The distance from Joshua Tree to San Diego and vice versa is around 165 miles, and the drive takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes plus.
Phoenix AZ to Joshua Tree National Park
The distance from Phoenix to Joshua Tree National Park is around 220 miles. The drive Phoenix to Joshua Tree National Park will take about three hours and 20 minutes. You can travel via I-10 W to reach the park from Arizona.
Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park
The distance from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park is further than from some cities, at about 185 miles. This trip typically takes a little over three hours by car, or more. You can travel via I-15 S.
Palm Desert to Joshua Tree National Park
Palm Desert is just outside Palm Springs. You can travel from Palm Desert to the park via I-10 E, and the distance is around 40 miles. Expect a journey time of about 45 minutes.
San Francisco to Joshua Tree National Park
Though it’s a little further, some might like to travel between San Fran and Joshua Tree. The 500 mile trip from SFO to Joshua Tree National Park should take around eight hours by car, and is via I-5 S and CA-58 E.
Sedona to Joshua Tree National Park
Sedona is another possible departure point. The drive between here and Joshua Tree takes about five hours, covering a distance of about 320 miles. I-10 is the best route to take.
Flagstaff to Joshua Tree National Park
Flagstaff in Arizona is around 340 miles – or five hours and 15 minutes – from Joshua Tree. You can drive this distance via I-40 W.
Anaheim to Joshua Tree National Park
From Anaheim to Joshua Tree the drive is via CA-91 E. The trip will take you about two hours or slightly under. It’s a distance of around 115 miles.
La Quinta to Joshua Tree National Park
Driving to Joshua Tree from La Quinta only takes around 45 minutes. The distance between the two is around 35 miles, via I-10 E.
Check out my guide to saving money on rental cars before you book.
How to Get to Joshua Tree Without a Car
Getting to Palm Springs without a car
If you want to get from California to Joshua Tree National Park – or indeed another state – without a car, then flying or taking a bus or train to Palm Springs is your best option.
How do I get from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree without a car?
Your options are limited.
First up, you can take a tour. See the Tours to Joshua Tree section above.
Second, Morongo Basin Transit Authority operates services between Palm Springs Airport and Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms. From there, you’ll need to take a taxi or Uber into the park (expensive). See the Taking a Bus section above. You could also take a taxi/ Uber from Palm Springs, but that’s much further.
FAQs about Getting to Joshua Tree National Park
Where do you fly into for Joshua Tree National Park?
Most visitors who want to explore Joshua Tree National Park fly into Palm Springs. This airport is under an hour’s drive from the park entrance, and is around 45 miles away. You can rent a car at the airport, and it’s served by around 12 major airlines.
Other options for flying into the area include the larger international airports in LA, San Diego or Las Vegas. You can also arrive at smaller local airports like Ontario, John Wayne and Bermuda Dunes.
What is the best time of year to visit Joshua Tree?
Joshua Tree National Park is open all year round. The best time of year to visit Joshua Tree is between March and May or October and November. This is because temperatures are at their most comfortable during spring and fall, outside of the summer highs and winter lows.
During fall and spring, there are average highs of about 85°F (or 29°C). Temperatures and humidity levels can vary a lot depending on where you are in the park, however. The Mojave Desert is more humid, for example, while the Sonoran Desert is more arid.
Travel Insurance for Joshua Tree
You should definitely have travel insurance when you travel to Joshua Tree. Good travel insurance will cover you for trip cancellation, theft or damage of your property when traveling, medical help if you have an accident in or while getting to Joshua Tree National Park, or medical repatriation if you need to get medi-vaced out.
A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:
Enjoy Joshua Tree National Park!
Did you decide how to see Joshua Tree National Park? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
Subscribe to daily national parks planning tips, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this guide to
How to Get to Joshua Tree National Park
If you liked this post about how to visit Joshua Tree National Park, please share the love and Pin It to your Joshua Tree National Park board!
Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
Are you starting to plan a trip to Joshua Tree National Park? Read my Guide to Joshua Tree National Park
Are you looking for a place to stay near Joshua Tree National Park? Find a vacation rental near Joshua Tree National Park
Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
Parks Collecting is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.