Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park sits roughly two to two and a half hours east of Los Angeles depending on traffic, with several entrances spread far apart and no single hub connecting them.

Cell signal is weak or absent across most of the park, some interior roads are unpaved, and there is nowhere to buy food once inside, so water and supplies need to be sorted beforehand.

Summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 38°C (100°F), which rules out serious hiking or climbing in the middle of the day; the workable window for physical activity runs from November to April. Rock climbing, rappelling and backcountry routes here are done with a certified guide, booked ahead, not approached solo or unprepared.