Joshua Tree National Park is a weird, wild, and wonderful place. The out-of-this-world trees and massive boulder fields make Joshua Tree National Park a unique and popular National Park. Thanks to its close proximity with major cities and other National Parks, Joshua Tree National Park is relatively easy to get to – with a little planning of course! This in-depth guide covers the closest airports to Joshua Tree, driving directions, and includes everything you need to know about how to get to Joshua Tree National Park.
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A Quick Look at the Closest Airports to Joshua Tree & How to Get to Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a large desert park located in southeastern California. The Park is famous for the endangered Joshua Trees, after which the park is named, as well as the many songs, albums, and artists inspired by this desert landscape. Joshua Tree is also home to some of the best bouldering and rock climbing routes in the Southwest.
It’s also remote. As this guide covers more in depth further on, most visitors to Joshua Tree will need to fly to one of the closest major airports to Joshua Tree, rent a car, and drive to the Park.
The closest airport to Joshua Tree National Park is Palm Springs International Airport.
>> Click here to book flights to Palm Springs International Airport
The closest major airports to Joshua Tree National Park are Los Angeles International Airport, Ontario International Airport, and Las Vegas Harry-Reid International Airport.
>> Click here to book flights to Los Angeles International Airport
These airports and other options are described in more detail below.
The nearest towns to Joshua Tree are Joshua Tree, California and Twentynine Palms, California.
Joshua Tree is located approximately 2 to 3 hours from Los Angeles, 3 hours from Las Vegas, and less than 1 hour form Palm Springs, making it a popular weekend and day trip destination.
Where is Joshua Tree National Park Located?
Joshua Tree National Park is a large desert park at over 795,000 acres – making it the 15th largest National Park in the United States! The Park is located in the southeastern corner of California. Joshua Tree lies at the boundary where two distinct deserts meet: the vast Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert.
The Park is conveniently located between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and is accessible from several major Interstate Highways. Joshua Tree makes a great day trip from Los Angeles, Orange County, and nearby vacation destination of Palm Springs, California.
Joshua Tree is also a 4 hour drive to Death Valley National Park, and is a must-see stop on any California road trip.
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Closest Cities to Joshua Tree National Park
The closest major cities to Joshua Tree National Park are:
| City | Distance to Joshua Tree Visitor Center in Joshua Tree, CA |
|---|---|
| Palm Springs, CA | 35 Miles / 45 Minutes |
| Los Angeles, CA | 127 Miles / 2 Hours |
| San Diego, CA | 148 Miles / 2 Hours 45 Minutes |
| Las Vegas, NV | 239 Miles / 3 Hours 45 Minutes |
The closest small and mid-sized towns to Joshua Tree National Park are:
| Town | Distance to Joshua Tree Visitor Center in Joshua Tree, CA | Services Available |
|---|---|---|
| Joshua Tree, CA | Visitor Center and Main Park entrance located here. | Lodging, Gas, Food & Great Vibes |
| Twentynine Palms, CA | 15 Miles / 20 Minutes. Additional Park Entrance located here. | Lodging, Gas & Food |
| Yucca Valley, CA | 8 Miles / 12 Minutes | Lodging, Gas & Food |
| Desert Hot Springs, CA | 27 Miles / 40 Minutes | Lodging, Gas, Food, Hot Springs resorts |
The closest towns to the heart of Joshua Tree National Park, where most visitors will want to spend their time, are Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, and Yucca Valley.
The main entrance to Joshua Tree National Park and main Visitor Center are located right in the town of Joshua Tree. There are no major hotel chains in Joshua Tree, but plenty of amazing vacation rentals, and several independent inns and motels.
The town of Twentynine Palms has several major hotel chains, including a Holiday Inn, Motel 6, and Fairfield Inn & Suites.
Nearby Yucca Valley is the largest town on the North side of Joshua Tree, and has plenty of chain hotels, restaurants, and major grocery stores like Walmart. Yucca Valley is the best place to stock up on supplies if you are camping or backpacking in Joshua Tree.
Closest Airport to Joshua Tree National Park
Unless you already live or are traveling in the Southwest, most visitors to Joshua Tree will need to fly into one of the closest airports to Joshua Tree, rent a vehicle, and drive to the Park. There are no shuttle buses or public transportation inside the National Park, so you will need your car (or a group tour) to visit most sites.
Thankfully, Joshua Tree National Park is conveniently located within a few hours drive of several major airports. The closest airport to Joshua Tree National Park is Palm Springs International Airport.
These are the closest airports to Joshua Tree National Park. Additional details, including rental car options, are included below.
| Airport | Distance to Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center in Joshua Tree, CA |
|---|---|
| Palm Springs International Airport | 1 Hour / 43 Miles |
| Ontario International Airport | 2 Hours / 112 Miles |
| John Wayne Airport – Santa Ana (Orange County, CA) | 2 Hours 10 Minutes / 120 Miles |
| San Diego International Airport | 2 Hours 45 Minutes / 150 Miles |
| Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | 3 Hours / 143 Miles |
| Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport | 3 Hours 15 Minutes / 194 Miles |
Keep in mind, that the closest airport to Joshua Tree, Palm Springs International, most likely won’t be the cheapest option. Larger international airports like LAX on this list might be further from Joshua Tree, but offer significantly cheaper flights and rental car options.
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Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Palm Springs International Airport is the closest airport to Joshua Tree National Park. Located in. the desert resort town of Palm Springs, this airport is convenient located for anyone who is exclusively visiting the eastern deserts of California.
Palms Springs International Airport is approximately 1 hours drive from the Joshua Tree Visitor center in Joshua Tree, California.
>> Click here to book your flight to Palm Springs.
If you’ve never experienced the groovy retro vibes (and desert luxury) of Palm Springs, consider spending a day or two here before traveling to Joshua Tree. Because of their close proximity, many visitors come to Joshua Tree as a day trip from Palm Springs.
Other nearby destinations like Desert Hot Springs, Mt San Jacinto State Park, the San Bernardino National Forest, Indio Valley, and the Coachella Music Festival can be easily accessed from this airport.
Palm Springs Airport is served by Air Canada, Alaska, Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue, Southwest, Sun Country, United and West Jet.
PSP offers rental car facilities, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, ACE, and Go Rental.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport is a major international airport located in Los Angeles, California. LAX is located approximately 143 miles, or 3 hours, from Joshua Tree National Park. LAX is conveniently located for anyone also visiting LA. The airport is only 12 miles from Santa Monica beach.
>> Click here to book your flight to Los Angeles
As someone who frequently flies in and out of LAX, I will admit, this airport is a mess. It is huge, horribly organized, difficult to get between terminals, traffic is monstrous, and the whole place is constantly under construction. BUT, when it comes to price and convenience, LAX is usually the best airport for visiting Joshua Tree National Park and Southern California.
LAX is served by virtually every major airline and many international carriers. LAX is a hub airport for for Alaska, America, Delta, United, and Virgin Airlines, LAX is also a focus city for Allegiant, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Southwest, Spirit, and Volaris airlines.
Los Angeles rental car services include, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Sixt, and Thrifty.
Planning a trip to Joshua Tree National Park? The downloadable Joshua Tree Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Joshua Tree trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time planning and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Ontario Airport is a large airport located in Ontario, California, an inland suburb about 1 hour east of Los Angeles. If you are driving directly to Joshua Tree or other points in eastern California, Ontario is a convenient and (sometimes) cheaper option than flying into Los Angeles.
If you aren’t planning on spending time in Los Angeles during your trip, flying into Ontario also lets you skip the horrendous LA traffic.
>> Click here to book your flight to Ontario.
Ontario is located approximately 45 minutes from nearby Los Angeles and Anaheim, California. ONT is located 2 hours from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center.
ONT is served by Alaska, American, Avianca, China Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, Jet Blue, Southwest, and United.
Ontario Airport offers rental car facilities from all major rental car services, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty.
John Wayne Airport, Orange County – Santa Ana (SNA)
John Wayne Airport is located in Orange County’s Santa Ana, California. John Wayne is a small but busy airport that serves as a convenient hub for visiting popular Orange County destinations like Disneyland, and the OC’s famous beach cities.
John Wayne Airport is located approximately 120 miles or 2 hours from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center.
>> Click here to book your flight to Orange County
Unless you are also visiting Disneyland or other Orange County destinations, the hassle (and expense) of flying into SNA over LAX probably isn’t worth it.
SNA is serviced by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, Southwest and Spirit Airlines.
For a smaller airport, John Wayne has a pretty robust rental car selection. Rental cars are available from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Despite San Diego’s size and fame, the San Diego Airport is relatively small and usually expensive to fly in and out of. However, if you plan on spending significant time in San Diego (maybe to visit the world famous San Diego zoo) then finding a good deal on flights into SAN may be your best option.
>> Click here to book your flight to San Diego
San Diego International Airport is approximately 15 miles, or 2 hours and 45 minutes from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center.
San Diego is served by Frontier, Spirit, Suncountry, and Southwest Airlines.
Rental Cars are available from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty.
Las Vegas – Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Las Vegas Airport aka Harry Reid International Airport, is the furthest airport from Joshua Tree National Park on this list. However, if you also plan on visiting the Grand Canyon, or any of Utah’s amazing “Mighty 5” National Parks, flying into or out of LAS is a convenient and very inexpensive airport.
Of course, you’ll have an opportunity to cruise the strip, try a hand of blackjack, or take part in Vegas’s famous nightlife – if you’re into that sort of thing. Once you get tired of the casinos and neon, check out nearby Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon. Both state parks are easily accessible from LAS.
>> Click here to book your flight to Las Vegas
Harry Reid International Airport is served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Breeze, Delta, Jet Blue, Southwest, Spirit, Suncountry, United, Virgin, Volaris, and West Jeet, as well as multiple international carriers.
Rental Cars are available from Alamo, National, Enterprise, Dollar, Sixt, Thrifty, Payless, Budget, Avis, and Hertz.
Always remember to practice Leave No Trace, stay on designated trails, and respect historic and native sites.
Joshua Tree National Park is the ancestral land of the Serrano, the Chemehuevi, and the Cahuilla people. These indigenous people lived, traveled, and cultivated the Mojave Desert for many generations. Artifacts and indigenous art can be found throughout the park. Never disturb, deface, or touch indigenous and historic sites.
Many people of indigenous ancestry continue to live near the Park today, including the Twenty Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.
Driving to Joshua Tree National Park
There is no public transportation to and inside Joshua Tree, so that means that virtually all visitors will be driving to Joshua Tree National Park.
This map, from Joshua Tree National Park, shows the Park’s approximate location and major highways for accessing the Park.
When driving to and around Joshua Tree, it’s essential to have an offline map available. DO NOT rely on cell phone service for directions! Cell phone service is unreliable to downright nonexistent on the way to Joshua Tree. Download or print your directions for offline use and carry a paper map.
The following are approximate drive times to Joshua Tree:
| Driving Distance to Joshua Tree Visitor Center | |
|---|---|
| Palm Springs, CA | 35 Miles / 45 Minutes |
| Los Angeles, CA | 127 Miles / 2 Hours |
| San Diego, CA | 148 Miles / 2 Hours 45 Minutes |
| Las Vegas, NV | 239 Miles / 3 Hours 45 Minutes |
| Death Valley National Park | 275 Miles / 4 Hours 45 Minutes |
Directions to Joshua Tree from Los Angeles
From Los Angeles, take Interstate 10 (“the 10” as we Californians will tell you) east for approximately 100 miles. Follow CA-62 East / 29 Palms Highway. After 30 minutes, you will arrive in the town of Joshua Tree. The Joshua Tree visitor center is located outside the Park on Twentynine Palms Highway. Turn right on Park boulevard which winds through a residential area before arriving at the Park entrance station, and the main road through the Park.
Directions to Joshua Tree from Palm Springs
From downtown Palm Springs, drive North on North Indian Canyon Drive. Follow North Indian Canyon Drive for approximately 20 miles before turning right onto CA-62 East / 29 Palms Highway. After 30 minutes, you will arrive in the town of Joshua Tree. The Joshua Tree visitor center is located outside the Park on Twentynine Palms Highway. Turn right on Park boulevard which winds through a residential area before arriving at the Park entrance station, and the main road through the Park.
Directions to Joshua Tree from Las Vegas
The most direct route from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree takes you through the stunning Mojave National Preserve. An area that is big on views and desert vibes, but short on gas stations and other services. Make sure to fuel up and download directions for offline use.
From “the Strip” and downtown Las Vegas, take Interstate 15 south towards California. Approximately 45 miles after entering California, take exit 286 for Nipton Road, and turn left onto Nipton Road. After 3 miles, turn right onto Ivanpah Road. After 3 miles, turn right on Morning Star Mine Road. Continue onto Kelso Cima road. After 20 miles, turn left onto Kelbaker Road for 30 miles, passing Interstate 40. Kelbaker Road deadends at National Trails Highway aka “Route 66”. Turn right and follow this iconic highway for 6 miles. Turn left on North Amboy Road and follow it for 40 miles.
As you approach the town of Twentynine Palms, turn left on Godwin Road, then right on CA-62 / Twentynine Palms Highway. The Joshua Tree visitor center is located outside the Park on Twentynine Palms Highway. Turn left on Park boulevard which winds through a residential area before arriving at the Park entrance station, and the main road through the Park.
Directions to Joshua Tree from Death Valley
Death Valley is one of the closest National Parks to Joshua Tree, and together they make a perfect duo for a winter desert road trip! You’ll need around 4-6 hours to drive between the two parks, depending on the route you take (and how many stops you make).
To reach Joshua Tree from Death Valley , take CA-190 towards Death Valley Junction (past Zabriske Point). Take a right and head south on CA-127 until reaching US I-15 in the roadside town of Baker, California. Take I-15 south to the town of Barstow before jumping on CA-247 South. CA-247 South ends at CA-62 or 29 Palms Highway in the town of Yucca Valley outside Joshua Tree. Take a left and follow signs for Joshua Tree National Park in the town of Joshua Tree and 29 Palms.
Getting Around Joshua Tree National Park
If you are planning a day trip to Joshua Tree, you will need your own vehicle. There are no shuttles or public transportation options to Joshua Tree National Park.
The major roads in and around Joshua Tree are paved and well maintained. Most visitors to Joshua Tree will be perfectly fine in a 2-wheel-drive sedan.
Most major trailheads and all the stops on this itinerary have a small parking lot. If parking is full, (usually after 9AM in Spring) you can park on the side of the road a short distance away. Be sure to obey all posted traffic signs, and arrive early to avoid the crowds!
If you want to explore some of Joshua Tree’s many off-road driving trails, make sure you are driving an off-road capable vehicle. Learn more about driving on Joshua Tree’s backcountry roads, here. A four-wheel or high-clearance vehicle is not required for any stops on this itinerary.
Check out this guide for more tips for planning a National Parks road trip. This guide includes important safety tips and suggestions for rental cars.
Entrances to Joshua Tree National Park
There are 3 entrances to Joshua Tree National Park.
The West Entrance is located on Park Boulevard in Joshua Tree, California. The Entrance is located 5 miles south of Highway 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway). From the Joshua Tree Visitor Center, continue on Park Boulevard to the West Entrance Station.
This is the most popular entrance station into Joshua Tree. During peak visitation seasons, the line can be an hour (or more) to enter the park from the West Entrance. Consider entering the Park through the North Entrance station, in Twentynine Palms, approximately 30 minutes away.
The North Entrance is located in Twentynine Palms, California. From Highway 62/Twentynine Palms Highway, follow Utah Trail Rd south to the North Entrance Station.
The South Entrance (or Cottonwood Springs entrance) is located at the southern end of the Park. This is the most convenient entrance for visitors traveling along Interstate 10 and visitors staying at the Cottonwood Springs campground. From Interstate 10, take exit 168 – Cottonwood Springs Road and follow the road North into the Park.
Map of Visitor Centers & Entrances to Joshua Tree National Park
Some areas of the Park, like the 49 Palms Oasis, Indian Cove, and Black Rock area are not accessible from other areas inside the Park. Consult a map, like the one above, before leaving on your trip and always carry an offline map for directions!
Gas & Services in Joshua Tree National Park
There are NO services located inside Joshua Tree National Park, including gas or food.
There is no food or gas, and few visitor services inside the park. Potable water may be available at Park campgrounds.
Make sure to plan ahead when visiting Joshua Tree and bring plenty of your own food, water, maps, hiking and camping gear, and firewood. Remember, there is no cell service inside the Park, so you will want to plan ahead!
Visitor Centers in Joshua Tree National Park
There are four Visitor Centers located in and near Joshua Tree National Park.
The Joshua Tree Visitor Center is located on Park Boulevard in Joshua Tree. There is a bookstore, water, toilets, and a great cafe and coffee shop at this Visitor Center, located a few minutes from the main Park entrance.
The Cottonwood Visitor Center is located inside the National Park next to the Cottonwood Campground, near the South Entrance. The Cottonwood Visitor Center is approximately 7 miles from Interstate 10. There is water, a bookstore, toilets, and a picnic area at this location.
The National Park Visitor Center (Joshua Tree East Visitor Center) is located in downtown Twentynine Palms on Highway 62/Twentynine Palms Highway. There are toilets, water, EV charging, and a bookstore at this brand new location. Note: The Visitor Center is NO LONGER located at the Oasis of Mara on National Park Drive.
The Black Rock Nature Center is located at the Black Rock Campground, in the northwest corner of the Park, outside Yucca Valley, California.
Planning a trip to Joshua Tree National Park? The downloadable Joshua Tree Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Joshua Tree trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time planning and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.
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