News Release

Joshua Tree National Park Proposes a Wilderness Backcountry Permit Program

Date: August 12, 2022
Contact: Jennie Albrinck
Contact: Steven Ortega

Joshua Tree National Park Proposes a Wilderness Backcountry Permit Program  

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA—Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) managers are proposing a program that would require a permit for wilderness backcountry overnight use in specified zones in the park.  The proposed permit program would:   

• Require a permit for overnight wilderness backcountry use at JTNP. 
• Designate campsites along select high use trails. Criteria would be established to select a backcountry campsite.  
• Require permits to be obtained online through Recreation.gov, by phone, or in person at JTNP Headquarters Office. 
• Set the cost of the permit at a flat rate of $6 per permit. 
• Necessitate that users read and view, and acknowledge they have read and reviewed, JTNP backcountry education information and a backpacking educational video.    
• Create a mandatory check-in for permittees prior to starting their trip.  
  
  JTNP managers are asking the public to review the proposal and provide comments.  Public comments must be submitted no later than September 9, 2022.  To view the proposal in detail please visit:   
  
  https://parkplanning.nps.gov/JTNP_Backcountry_Permit_Program (Click on Document List) 
  
   A prepared backcountry visitor can have an even safer and more enjoyable experience, and would also improve safety and sustainable use of backcountry resources.