News Release

Joshua Tree National Park Is Modifying Operations To Implement Local Health Guidance

Date: March 31, 2020
Contact: Jennifer Albrinck, 760-367-5520
Contact: Hannah Schwalbe, 760-367-5555

Twentynine Palms, CA – Joshua Tree National Park is announcing additional modifications to operations in response to guidance from San Bernardino County Public Health Office.  The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective Wednesday, April 1, 2020, Joshua Tree National Park will be closed to all park visitors until further notice. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website https://www.nps.gov/jotr and social media channels.  

The NPS encourages people to take advantage of the many digital tools already available to explore Joshua Tree National Park, including photos and videos at www.nps.gov/jotr/photomultimedia/index.htm. Pre-recorded ranger programs will be available on social media later this week.

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Reimbursements for cancelled camping reservations or Keys Ranch programs have been automatically refunded. If questions arise concerning these refunds, please contact www.recreation.gov. Joshua Tree National Park Association’s Desert Institute has cancelled classes for the remainder of the spring season.