All You Need to Know About Visiting California’s Joshua Tree

California’s Joshua Tree National Park is full surprises. There is rock climbing, hiking and camping, along with opportunities to view local wildlife and even the occasional petroglyph. Check out these tips to make the most of your next trip to this desert hot spot.

While located deep within the desert, the weather is not always hot and dry. Temperatures can definitely soar during the daytime hours, but at night they can plummet, especially during the winter months, so pack appropriately and bring plenty of layers that can come on and off as the temperature changes.

The best times to visit are during the spring and fall when the climate is most temperate. Summers can easily reach dangerously hot temperatures and winters can get brutally cold and windy, so it’s best to stick to spring and fall — just keep in mind these are the peak seasons for the park and it will be more crowded.

The park has numerous campgrounds that each have their own unique personality, but the most stunning is Jumbo Rocks with its incredible rock formations. This site is great for rock climbing and exploring the beautiful landscape along with amazing photo ops.

Joshua Tree has its fair share of wildlife to watch out for. Don’t be surprised if a curious coyote walks through your campsite or if a friendly little kangaroo rat comes to check out your campfire at night.

Even if you are just planning a daytrip to drive through the park and do a little hiking or picnicking, go prepared. The desert is an unforgiving landscape and it is easy to fall victim to the harsh elements. Always carry an adequate supply of water, a jacket, sunscreen and a flashlight for emergencies.