Joshua Tree National Park is a striking desert landscape where the high Mojave and lower Colorado Desert converge, characterized by *gnarled Joshua trees, dramatic rock formations, and clear night skies. Visitors come for scenic drives, rock climbing, bouldering, and desert hikes*; overnight camping is available at several campgrounds.
Joshua Tree NP
Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | California |
| Subregion | southern California |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | San Bernardino County |
| District | Joshua Tree NP |
| City | Joshua Tree |
| Postal Code | 92252 |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 33.8734 |
| Longitude | -115.901 |
| Maps |
5:32 PM LOCAL TIMEJoshua Tree National Park straddles the transition zone between the American Mojave and Colorado deserts in southeastern California, presenting contrasting landscapes of *spiky Joshua trees, enduring cinder cones, and large granite rock formations. The park's climate varies from cool, high-desert mornings to hot, low-desert afternoons; night temperatures often drop below freezing, making for exceptional stargazing. Popular recreation activities include boulder hopping, technical rock climbing on routes like Heart of Darkness, paved and unpaved scenic drives* — notably the Park Boulevard and Geology Tour Road — and walks through canyons and on open desert trails. Caveat emptor: facilities and water sources are sparse, so plan for backcountry conditions and overnight stays at designated campgrounds or backcountry permits.
Defines the key geographic and access relationships for Joshua Tree National Park.
Internal
Describes major internal landforms and zones critical for navigation and character.
Joshua Tree Basin
The central lowland area where most of Joshua Tree National Park’s iconic landscapes converge, with key access points and services.
Succulent Plains
Expansive lowlands beyond the basin featuring desert grasses and succulents, leading towards higher elevations and dry washes.
Desert Highlands
Rising to higher elevations with rocky slopes, washes, and sparse pinyon-juniper communities, offering different routes and views.
Security Road
The primary paved route crossing the park from north to south, connecting visitor centers, trailheads, and campgrounds.
Nearby
Lists significant nearby towns and regions closely associated with the park.
Joshua Tree
The small town providing lodging, dining, and supplies just west of the park’s main south and west entrances.
Twentynine Palms
A regional hub with hotels, services, and access to the park’s eastern entrance and nearby areas.
Indian Cove
An area with campground, ranger station, and trailheads leading into the northwest desert and rock formations.
Bordering
Identifies adjacent protected areas and lands which share ecosystems or serve as extensions of the park.
Bighorn Mountains
A rugged mountainous region providing higher elevation habitat and alpine scenery contiguous with the park’s northern borders.
Mojave Desert
A vast desert region characterized by harsh sands, rare Joshua trees, and lower-elevation landscapes connected to the park’s eastern and southern edges.
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