Hidden Branches of Joshua Tree

Logistics

Getting There

There are two ways to get to Joshua Tree. The more straightforward is from LA. Go east on I-10, merge onto CA-62E (there’s a small sign for Joshua Tree National Park). After 28 miles, hang a right onto Park Blvd., which turns into Quail Springs Road. upon entering the park.

The other way to get there is from the east, through Las Vegas. Here you will take US-95S to I-40W. After 17 miles, take the Mountain Springs Road. exit, then turn left onto Mountain Springs Rd., which turns into National Trails Highway. Stay on this road for 46 miles, turn left onto Amboy Road; follow it for another 46 miles, turn left onto Utah Trail, right onto National Park Drive, and you’re there.

Sending Season

Joshua Tree is a premier winter climbing destination. Think So Cal desert —- warmmmmm! December through February still require cold-weather gear, like down parkas and firewood. Temps range from the 40s to the 60s in the day and tend to get down to the teens at night. Spring and fall are good as well. You can get away with climbing until May sometimes (in the shade), but after that, your rubber begins to peel and your skin melts until about October.

Fees

Like all National Parks, you must pay. J-Tree requires a $15-per-car entrance fee, good for one week. If you’ll be staying for more than two weeks, go with the J-Tree-only annual pass ($30). Better yet, if national parks are your thing, get the national parks annual pass for $50, allowing you to visit J-Tree, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, and all the national parks, for a whole year.

The main climbers’ campgrounds are Hidden Valley (45 sites) and Jumbo Rocks (125 sites). These two are $5 a night, on a first-come, first-serve basis, and have a two-car, three-tent, six-person limit. Other campsites range from $5 to $10. Some allow groups, but need reservations, which can be made up to five months in advance by calling (800) 365-2267.

Camping is limited to two weeks at a time in the park between October and May.

The Bureau of Land Management does allow free “dry camping” in designated areas, but they’re not real close to the climbing. Call (760) 251-4800 if you’re interested. There are hotels and motels in town, as well.

Gear Shop

The main entrance for the campground is from the west, through the town of Joshua Tree. If you come in this way, you’ll pass the climbing shop, Nomad Ventures ([760] 366-4684), at the turn onto Park Boulevard. The folks there are friendly and helpful. Also in this center, find the new Joshua Tree Visitors Center, where you can get info and passes.

Food and Spirits

The booming town of Joshua Tree has a Stater Bros. grocery store (58060 29 Palms Hwy), and Joshua Tree Health Foods (61693 29 Palms Hwy). Royal Siam has super-tasty Thai food (61599 29 Palms Hwy). Crossroads Café is the climber hangout. It has a nice, casual ambiance and killer sandwiches, salads, and burgers, plus a sizable beer selection. They also do breakfast, and have coffee and smoothies (61715 29 Palms Hwy).