How Will COVID-19 Affect My Visit

 

Is the park open?

Entrance stations and roads are open. To see a full list of current closures, check out the park's Current Conditions page.

Can I spend the night in Joshua Tree?

Campgrounds are open. Visitors are encouraged to reserve a campsite before arriving to the park. Campsites are very popular during the busy spring season and book up early. First-come, first-serve sites are very limited. Additional camping options may be available in the nearby communities.

Wilderness backpacking is open but is only recommended for experienced backpackers. The desert may not be a friendly environment for first-time backpackers. To learn more about where wilderness backpacking and where wilderness camping is open, visit our Wilderness Backpacking page. Dispersed camping is not permitted along roads, in parking lots, or in any areas outside of the designated wilderness backpacking locations.

Should I wear a mask?

As the National Park Service monitors and responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, we work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health to use the latest science to guide our decision making. Consistent with CDC recommendations, regarding areas of substantial or high transmission, visitors to Joshua Tree, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask inside all park buildings as well as any crowded outdoor areas.

What recreational activities are available?

Hiking, rock climbing, sightseeing, and more are all possible. If visiting during the summer, please be prepared for extreme temperatures. See our safety guidance for more information.

Are roads open?

All roads are open unless otherwise noted on the park's Current Conditions page.

Are restrooms available?

Public restrooms are available throughout the park. The most common type of restroom in the park is a one-person vault toilet.

Are emergency services available?

Law enforcement services and search and rescue are operating.

Are visitor centers and museums open?

Visitor centers are open but may be under reduced capacity limits to allow visitors and park staff to better accomodate for social distancing.

Are ranger walks and other ranger-led programs available?

Ranger-led activities are available. To see a full list of activities available during your visit, check out the park calendar.

The Keys Ranch Tour is available on a limited basis. Tickets are required and can be reserved ahead of time on recreation.gov. To preserve its historic character, admission to the ranch is restricted to guided walking tours.

Are bookstores open?

Park bookstores are run by our nonprofit partner, the Joshua Tree National Park Association and they are open.

What other services and facilities are open?

See our Current Conditions page for up-to-date information about facility closures, road closures, and more.

Public Health Information

The health and wellbeing of visitors and park employees remains our top priority. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to provide safe and clean public areas and workspaces for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. Our operations are continually evaluated and adjusted as necessary to support public health and safety.

If you feel sick or may have been exposed to COVID-19 prior to arriving at Joshua Tree National Park, please stay home and call your medical provider. If you are traveling and not near home, stay where you are and call your medical provider.

For emergencies, please call 911. There is little to no cell service in the park, but an emergency phone is available at Hidden Valley Campground.

For more information on what to do if you are sick, please refer to the CDC’s webpage on COVID-19.