• Sunrise at the Cholla Cactus Garden

    Joshua Tree

    National Park California

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  • Pinto Basin Road Renovation

    Pinto Basin Road is being renovated. On weekdays you may encounter travel delays of up to 30 minutes. Cholla Cactus Garden is closed on weekdays. Cottonwood Visitor Center hours are 9 to 4 on weekdays, 8 to 4 weekends. More »

  • Rattlesnake Canyon Will Remain Closed Through May

    To provide additional time to mitigate the vandalism, Rattlesnake Canyon will remain completely closed to the public for another 30 days. More »

Permits

Backcountry Permits
A permit is not required for day hiking in the backcountry. You are “permitted” to camp in the backcountry when you park and register at a backcountry registration board. There is no fee.
 
Bolting Permits
The rules that govern the placement of fixed anchors are complex. A permit may, or may not, be required depending on a number of factors. Please study the guidelines carefully as you are responsible for following them.
 

Filming Permits
Commercial filming or photography requires a filming permit. Permits are not required for visitors using cameras for personal use or for film or video news crews at breaking news events.

There are two applications for a filming permit: The short form is intended for less complex activities and a crew of ten or fewer people. The long form should be used for activities of greater complexity requiring a crew of more than ten.

 
Special Use Permits
A special-use permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large, and that require some degree of management from the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest.

Special-use permits are required for events such as: weddings, ceremonies, First Amendment activities, festivals, concerts, cultural programs, sporting events, and public spectator attractions. You may download a special-use application form. For questions about special-use permits, call 760-367-5545.

 

Scientific Research and Collecting Permits
A permit is required to engage research activities in the park. Fees are not charged for the permit, but an annual activity report must be submitted. Permit applications are completed online then reviewed by discipline specialists, who will contact the applicant for further information.

Did You Know?

Pinto Point

Humans have occupied the area encompassed by Joshua Tree National Park for at least 5,000 years. The first group known to inhabit the area was the Pinto Culture, followed by the Serrano, the Chemehuevi, and the Cahuilla. More...