Reservations
PermitsPermit Office HoursPermit office hours are Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The permit office is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Permits may still be granted in advance for a Saturday or Sunday. No permits will be issued for the following dates:
Backcountry PermitsA permit is not required for day hiking in the backcountry. To backcountry camp, you must park and register at a backcountry registration board. There is no fee. Your registration is your permit. Bolting PermitsThe rules that govern the placement of fixed anchors for rock climbing are complex. A permit may or may not be required depending on a number of factors. You are responsible for following bolting guidelines and applying for a permit if applicable.
Business Permits and Commercial Use AuthorizationsOn January 1, 2023, Joshua Tree National Park is changing its CUA management fee structure to what is called market-price management fee. This fee will reflect the value of the business opportunity for commercial activities conducted in Joshua Tree National Park. It will be a tiered system of fee management based on gross receipts earned from CUA-authorized business here. Below is a table that details how these fees will be assessed:
All Road Based Company’s are required to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization prior to entering the park. There is a non-refundable fee of $300.00 to obtain a CUA. Road based Company’s need to complete the NPS Form 10-550 along with the following additional documentation.
Still Photography FeesA fee is required for most commercial photography. Fees are not required for visitors using cameras for personal use, or for film or video news crews at breaking news events. Commerical photographers should read through the below information.
Permits for photography are only granted in the following locations:
To apply for a still photography permit, please fill out fill out the 10-932 Long Form request. Guiding PermitsCommercial Use Authorizations are available for guided day hikes, backpacking trips, rock climbing, photography workshops, art workshops, and motorcycle tours. If you're leading a trip in Joshua Tree National Park, ensure your group is aware of park regulations and safety concerns. The following are Joshua Tree National Park approved services/activities authorized to operate in the park. You will need to submit NPS Form 10-550 and the following documentation if it pertains to your operation. Provide proof of Rock Climbing training certificate, Current liability insurance and automobile insurance, Current First Aid and CPR or equivalent training completion certificate, Leave No Trace training certificate, Wilderness Responder or equivalent training certificate.
Please read all documentation prior to submitting your application. Incomplete packages will not be accepted.
Other forms Scientific Research and Collecting PermitsA permit is required to carry out scientific research or related activities in the park. Fees are not charged for the permit, but researchers must submit an annual activity report. Scientific research permit applications are completed online and reviewed by discipline specialists, who will contact the applicant for further information. First Amendment PermitsFirst Amendment permits are issued at no charge. Joshua Tree National Park has three locations for this activity:
Scattering AshesScattering ashes is authorized with an approved permit. There is one location in Joshua Tree National Park where the park is permitted to allow this activity. The Special Park Uses Office will provide you with a map of this location once your permit has been approved.There is no charge to scatter ashes in the park. Please complete the NPS Form 10-930 Short Form. You can email your application to Jeannie_Wilson@nps.gov. Once your application is reviewed we will send you instructions on making your payment online. Joshua Tree National Park does not accept checks. Please note if a permit is not obtained for this activity you are subject to a citation fine up to $500.00 Special Use PermitsA 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. Weddings and Engagement PhotosJoshua Tree National Park is an amazing location to have your wedding or take engagement photos. A Special Park Use Permit is required for both of these activities. WeddingsAll weddings require a Special Park Use Permit regardless of size. The cost of the wedding application is $120.00 and is non-refundable. Additional cost can vary depending on the size of your wedding and location. If you are hiring a professional photographer or cater they are required to obtain a separate Special Use Permit. Indian Cove Amphitheater; No more than 100 people total and only 1 vehicle. You must shuttle your guest in and out of this location. Items that are permitted for a wedding Please complete the NPS Form 10-930 Short Form. You can email your application to Jeannie_Wilson@nps.gov. Engagement PhotosA Special Park Use Permit is required for all photos in the park. The cost for a permit is $120.00 and is non-refundable. Permits for filming/photography are only granted in the following locations:
The following items are strictly prohibited in Joshua Tree National Park and are not authorized for the use in photos Please complete the NPS Form 10-930 Short Form. You can email your application to Jeannie_Wilson@nps.gov. Commercial FilmingChanges to Commercial Filming Permits on Park LandOn January 22, 2021, the US District Court for the District of Columbia issued a decision in Price v. Barr determining the permit and fee requirements applying to commercial filming under 54 USC 100905, 43 CFR Part 5, and 36 CRF Part 5 are unconstitutional. The National Park Service is currently determining how this decision will be implemented. Joshua Tree National Park is issuing permits for large-scale commercial filming, but not small-scale filming. If you are unsure whether you are a large-scale commercial filmer or small-scale, please contact Jeannie_Wilson@nps.gov. Still PhotographyWhen is a permit needed?Price v. Barr had no impact on how the National Park Service regulates still photography, so there are no changes in how the National Park Service regulates that activity. Still photographers require a permit only when:
Are there other permit requirements?You may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary. What about photography workshops?If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. See the commercial use authorization page for more information. | ||||||||||||||||||
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Last updated: August 4, 2022