Park Entrance Free January 14, 15, and 16

Along with other national parks across the country, Joshua Tree National Park will offer free admission from January 14 through 16 to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. While entrance fees are waived camping fees and other user fees will remain in effect during the Martin Luther King Holiday weekend.

"Dr. King led the fight to realize his dream of a nation free of discrimination, where every citizen was able to enjoy the inalienable rights promised to all Americans," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "Dr. King's story and those of so many others whose efforts changed our country are preserved in the national parks, places where history happened. I hope every American can take advantage of the upcoming fee free weekend and visit their parks to experience their history firsthand."

Your nearest national park can also help you keep that New Year's resolution, whether it is to get more exercise, spend quality time with family and friends, try a new sport, learn some history, expand your horizons, or enjoy the natural world. There's something for everyone at a national park, even in the middle of winter. Joshua Tree National Park offers some 270 miles of hiking trails and some of the world's best rock climbing, all within easy reach of southern California's cities and towns.

Visitors planning trips to the park this weekend are reminded that the Cottonwood Campground and Cottonwood Spring oasis remain closed due to flood damage. The Cottonwood Visitor Center is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Travelers should inquire at park visitor centers for current information.

The National Park Service will also waive admission fees on 14 other days in 2012: National Park Week (April 21 to 29), Get Outdoors Day (June 9), National Public Lands Day (September 29), and the weekend of Veterans Day (November 10 to 12).