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The Oasis Visitor Center is located at the Twentynine Palms entrance. The Cottonwood Visitor Center is at the south entrance. The Black Rock Canyon Visitor Center is at the campground southeast of Yucca Valley.
Visitor Centers are open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Joshua Tree National Park is opened year round. The peak visitation month is April. Each season adds its personality to the desert's character. Two deserts come together at Joshua Tree National Park. The Colorado Desert, occupying the eastern half of the park, is dominated by the abundant creosote bush. The higher, slightly cooler and wetter Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the Joshua tree, extensive stands of which occur throughout the western half of the park.
Joshua Tree has some fantastic scenic beauty. Activities to consider while here are but not limited to: hiking, interpretive walks and talks, picnicking, and camping, as well as stargazing and photography.
As in other National Parks, Joshua Tree National Park has a Junior Ranger program for youth ages 12 and under. The Junior program really helps the youth, and their parents the most out of their park visit and to become in the Junior Ranger and earn their patch.
Visiting students can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing a number of activities as they explore the park. The Jr Ranger workbook is available at park entrance stations and visitor centers. Workbook activities include drawing, writing, attending a ranger program, and picking up trash in the park.
Local student groups earn Junior Ranger recognition through a comprehensive study of seven units that involve an exploration of the National Park Service, Joshua Tree National Park, and their local desert. Students also complete a service project in their local area and attend a ranger-led program.
Walks, hikes and campfire talks are conducted chiefly in the spring and fall; information is posted on campground bulletin boards, at ranger stations and at visitor centers. Ranger conducted activities can increase your enjoyment and understanding of the park.
Check the Visitor Center bulletin board for more information and scheduled activities.
| Description |
| Tour is 0.5 mile long and lasts for 2 hours. It is an easy tour. Because of the sensitive nature of Desert Queen Ranch, tours are limited to 25 people. To find the ranch, enter the Hidden Valley Campground, keep to the right, turn left at the T-intersection, and follow the road to the gate. Your guide will meet you there. Tours are offered daily October through May: weekdays at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm and weekends at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm Summer tours are by reservation only, at 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. The tour costs $5.00 per person aged 12 and over and $2.50 for children 6 to 11. Children under six are admitted free. Golden Age and Golden Access pasport holders pay $2.50. You may book tours up to five months in advance by calling 760-367-5555 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Tickets may also be purchased at the Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms during normal visitor center hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily). Tours fill quickly and reservations are recommended. Tours will not be reserved until payment is received; credit cards are accepted. |
| Activity | Length | Time | Day | Description |
| Saturday Evening Programs | 1.0 hour | 7:00 pm | Sat | Rangers and volunteers offer a variety of slide presentations illustrating Joshua Tree's natural resources and colorful history at the Cottonwood Campground amphitheater and the Jumbo Rocks Campground amphitheater. |
| Climbers' Wake up | 1.0 hour | 8:00 am | Sun | A ranger will provide hot drinks along with route orientation, safety tips and information about climbing issues. Bring your mug to the campfire circle in Hidden Valley Campground. |
| Cottonwood Campfire Coffee | 1.0 hour | 8:00 am | Sun | A volunteer will provide coffee, tea, and hot chocolate and will help you plan your day in the park. Don't forget to bring your mug! |
| Cottonwood Nature Walk | 1.0 hour 1.5 hours | 10:00 am | Sun | Easy. There's more to this special place than meets the eye. Meet at the Cottonwood Spring parking area. |
The extent and timing of spring wildflower blooms in Joshua Tree National Park may vary from one year to the next. Fall and winter precipitation and spring temperatures are key environmental factors affecting the spring blooming period. Normally desert annuals germinate between September and December. Many need a good soaking rain to get started.
In addition to rains at the right time, plants also require warm enough temperatures before flower stalks will be produced. Green leaf rosettes may cover the ground in January; however, flower stalks wait until temperatures rise.
Wildflowers may begin blooming in the lower elevations of the Pinto Basin and along the park’s south boundary in February and at higher elevations in March and April. Desert regions above 5,000 feet may have plants blooming as late as June.
| Plant | Blooming Dates |
| Annuals | Feb, Mar and Apr |
| Cacti | Mar, Apr and May |
| Yuccas | Mar and Apr |
| Plant | Blooming Dates |
| Annuals | Mar, Apr and May |
| Cacti | Apr, May and Jun |
| Joshua Trees | Mar and Apr |
| Yuccas | Mar and Apr |
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