Joshua Tree is a national park in Southeastern California. The national park has a rugged rock formation, stark desert landscapes, and bristled trees. Joshua Tree is over 790,000 sq. acres massive desert. The park has inspired many artists with the beautiful landscape.
There are many stories about how the tree got its name. One story says that the name was given by Mormon pioneers as they crossed the desert in the mid-1800s. They saw the shape of the tree which reminded the story where Joshua reaches up his hands to the sky to pray. Then some Mormons named the yucca palm as Joshua Tree.
Best Time To Visit Joshua Tree During Winter
Winter is one of the best times to visit Joshua Tree is from December through February with cool temperatures and a clear sky. During winter daytime temperatures reach between 60°F and 70°F temperatures drop at night, with an average temperature of around 30°F.
Things to Do in Joshua Tree in Winter:
- You can explore the old mining trails
- Go for hiking in Barker Dam, Ryan Mountain
- You can see the rock formations like Skull Rock, Heart Rock, and Arch Rock,
Expenses to Visit Joshua Tree
The entry fee
- 7-days pass for a non-commercial vehicle costs $30.
- $25 for 7 days pass for motorcycle
- $15 per person for a 7-day pass.
- The annual pass cost $55 which is valid for 12 months. It covers the entry fee to Joshua Tree for the pass holder and the accompanying people, non-commercial vehicle.
The park has several campgrounds. Some of the campground has only limited number of site, so its first-come, first-served, but there are few that take reservations.
First-Come, First-Serve Camping:
- Belle: It is an 18 site campground with pit toilets, fire grates, and a table. It costs $15 per night.
- Hidden Valley: It is an 18 site campground with pit toilets, fire grates, and a table. It costs $15 per night.
- White Tank: It is an 18 site campground with pit toilets, fire grates and table. It costs $15 per night.
Reservation Camping
- Blank Rock: It is a 99 site campground with flush toilets, fire grates, water, dump station, and table. It costs $25 per night.
- Cottonwood: It is a 62 site campground with flush toilets, fire grates, water, dump station, and table. It costs $25 per night.
- India Cove: It is a 101 site campground with pit toilets, fire grates, and a table. It costs $25 per night.
- Jumbo Rocks: It is a 124 site campground with pit toilets, fire grates, and a table. It costs $20 per night.
- Ryan: It is a 31 site campground with pit toilets, fire grates, and a table. It costs $20 per night.