Joshua Tree National Park Remains Open During Federal Government Shutdown

While the federal government shutdown has brought some changes to operations, Joshua Tree National Park remains open with limited services and staffing. For those planning a visit, here’s a quick look at what’s open and what to expect inside the park. When your park day winds down, Twentynine Palms is ready to welcome you with great restaurants, shops, attractions, and a great lineup of upcoming events, and an exciting lineup of upcoming events, from the weekly 29 Palms Farmers Market at Freedom Plaza to the multi-day Pioneer Days celebration and the Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours.

 

Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Centers

Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Centers remain open, including the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms. Located at 6533 Freedom Way in downtown Twentynine Palms, this park visitor center is just minutes away from the park’s north entrance on Utah Trail and is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Staffed by the Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA), you’ll find a great team of knowledgeable and welcoming staff ready to help you make the most of your visit! In addition to stopping by in person, you can reach JTNPA staff at this visitor center location by phone at (760) 800-2901. 

The Joshua Tree Visitor Center (near the west entrance on Park Blvd) and the Cottonwood Visitor Center (in the park’s southern region) are open. The Black Rock Visitor Center is temporarily closed until October 16.

 

Updates on Park Programs & Services

Park rangers are continuing to staff entrance booths to welcome visitors and provide essential park information. While entrance fees are not being collected at this time—both at the gates and on online at Recreation.gov—guests can still count on helpful guidance as they begin their visit. Ranger-led programs, such as the daily Ranger Stroll at Cap Rock and the guided Keys Ranch Tours, are temporarily paused. Law enforcement and maintenance teams will remain active in the park during this time.

 

Plan Ahead and Enjoy the Best of Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park continues to offer incredible experiences for visitors, from scenic drives to breathtaking hikes and star-filled night skies. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives through the park’s iconic landscapes, explore favorite hikes like Split Rock, Arch Rock, Ryan Mountain, Hidden Valley, and Barker Dam, and take in world-class stargazing from designated stargazing areas.

After a day exploring Joshua Tree National Park, return to Twentynine Palms to enjoy great local restaurants, boutique shops, and must-see attractions. With an exciting lineup of upcoming events celebrating art, music, and community, there’s always something new to discover in Twentynine Palms—your perfect home base for desert adventure!

To help make the most of your visit:

  • Start your park experience at the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center in Freedom Plaza (6533 Freedom Way, Twentynine Palms). Here you’ll find the latest updates, maps, museum exhibits, and knowledgeable Joshua Tree National Park staff ready to assist!
  • Recreate responsibly. Please follow Leave No Trace principles — pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and stay on designated trails and roads — to help protect the park during this period of limited staffing!
  • Consider making a donation to the Joshua Tree National Park Association in lieu of paying the park entry fee. Donations directly support park programs and resources and can be made at the Visitor Centers or online at joshuatree.org/donate.
  • Download the official NPS Mobile App before entering the park and save information for offline use: NPS Mobile App.

 

Temporary Closures (Unrelated to the Shutdown)

Several temporary area closures remain in effect due to recent local incidents and weather impacts, unrelated to the federal government’s shutdown. For the latest updates, visit the Joshua Tree National Park Alerts and Current Conditions page.

  • Black Rock Area: The Black Rock Visitor Center, Black Rock Art Gallery, Black Rock Campground, and surrounding trails are closed following a recent fire near the campground. As of October 12, the fire had reached 72 acres and was 80% contained. Current plans call for reopening on Thursday, October 16.
  • Trail Closures: Due to rainstorm impacts, the 49 Palms Oasis Trail will remain closed until November 7, and the Oasis of Mara Nature Trail remains closed until further notice.