Caroline and I made it to Joshua Tree National Park late one evening, just as the sun was setting. We’d driven hours to get there (we’d been in Phoenix the night before) and were exhausted from being in the van for so long. One of our motivations for going there though was that the scenery is just incredible for taking pictures. We arrived just in time to snap a few using the Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera and the Fujinon XF16mmF1.4 R WR
General Info for Joshua Tree National Park
This park is located
Visitor Centers
There are three Visitor Centers in the park and one Nature Center.
Joshua Tree Visitor Center
This one is located in the northwest corner of the park, near Yucca Valley.
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Phone: 760-366-1855
Address: 6554 Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree, CA 92256
The Oasis Visitor Center
This visitor center is located in Twentynine Palms.
The Cottonwood Visitor Center
This visitor center is located in the southern section of the park.
Black Rock Nature Center
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm except for Fridays.
Rules
Pets are not allowed on the trails. They must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet long.
Drones are not allowed.
Joshua Tree National Park Contact Info
760-367-5500
Park Website
Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
Visit the Cholla Cactus Garden
The garden is located about 12 miles south of the park’s north entrance. There’s a trail there which I’ve hiked before that is only a quarter mile long. We didn’t have the time for it on this excursion but it’s worth the trip. Wear shoes, not open toed sandals and be sure to stay on the path.
Explore the Jumbo Rocks area
There are some really stunning places in Joshua Tree, but one of our favorite places to hike and explore is the Jumbo Rocks area. Like the name suggests, there are some really incredible formations that almost seem to play tricks on your eyes. If you love to take photographs, this is a must-see and do part of the park.
Best Places to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park
After we took these shots darkness started to settle in and we found ourselves looking for a spot to camp. Unfortunately all of the campsites in the park were booked. Who knew it would be packed in the winter?! We certainly had no idea that it would be but it was Veterans Day weekend and lots of other people had the same idea we did. It wasn’t that big of a deal to drive out of the park (we actually ended up getting permission to stay in the parking lot of the Motel 6 in Twenty Nine Palms) but we had to get up super early to catch first light (4:15 am).
Don’t do what we did in this case. Book a campsite ahead of time.
Top Tips For Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
Carry a detailed, topographic with you as well as a compass if you are going hiking or camping in the backcountry.
In addition to carrying the proper navigational tools, also be sure to bring enough water with you.
If you plan on camping, be sure to get a campsite ahead of time.
Cell Phone Service and Wifi in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park Recap
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Joshua Tree National Park Recap
Have you been to Joshua Tree National Park before? If so, what did you think?
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