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. And 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, from the weekly 29 Palms Farmers Market at Freedom Plaza to the Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours kicking off this weekend!

 

Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Centers

The Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms remains open. Located at 6533 Freedom Way in downtown Twentynine Palms, this park visitor center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with knowledgeable and welcoming staff from the Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA) 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 on Park Blvd in the Village of Joshua Tree is also open and staffed by JTNPA, while the Cottonwood and Black Rock Visitor Centers are closed at this time.

 

Park Programs & Services

Park rangers are currently 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 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.

 

Visitor Tips 

To help you make the most of your visit, we recommend:

  • 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 JTNPA 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.
  • Stay informed with ongoing local updates from Z107.7 News.