Summer Seasonal Closures and Restrictions

Joshua Tree on a warm summer day.

NPS/ Alessandra Puig-Santana

 

Joshua Tree National Park experiences extreme heat during summer months, which affects access to certain areas and operations. This page includes the most up-to-date information on campground and trail closures, changes to visitor center hours, and current fire restrictions. Please check this page before visiting.

 

 

Current Campground Status

Due to low demand, some campgrounds close from June 1 untill August 28:

• Full closure of Belle and White Tank
• Partial Campground Closures
  • Indian Cove (sites 40 – 101)
  • Black Rock (sites 21 - 87)
  • Cottonwood (loop B)

Select a campground to view real-time availability and alerts.

 

Visitor Center Summer Hours

Some visitor centers operate on reduced hours during the summer.

• Black Rock Nature Center
  Open: Thursday–Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm
  Closed: Monday–Wednesday

• Joshua Tree Visitor Center (Joshua Tree) – Open daily, 7:30 am to 5 pm

• Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center (29 Palms) – Open daily, 8 am to 5 pm

• Cottonwood Visitor Center – Open daily, 8:30 am to 4 pm

• Indian Cove Ranger Station - Closed

 

Trail Closures

For visitor safety, certain trails may close seasonally due to high heat and wildlife usuage.

• 49 Palms Oasis Trail – Closed annually from June 1 – September 30

This trail is closed to prevent heat-related incidents, which are common due to its challenging terrain and lack of shade.

 

Area Closures

During the summer months, extreme fire conditions are common.

• If conditions warrant, the Covington Flats Road and surrounding area will be closed during the weekend of July 4 to prevent human caused wildfires.

 

Fire Restrictions

Summer brings high wildfire risk. Park-wide fire restrictions in effect June 15 - October 1.

• No campfires or open flames
• No smoking within 10 feet of vegetation
• No charcoal fires, BBQs, or grills; self-contained gasstoves or grills allowed
• Restrictions apply to all areas of the park, including backcountry

Fire restrictions go into effect in late spring and remain until October 1st.

 

Stay Updated

Park conditions can change quickly during summer. Stay informed:

• Check alerts on NPS app

• View our Visiting in Summer page

• Follow @JoshuaTreeNPS for real-time updates