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Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

For my 100th blog post, I’m tackling one of my favorite National Parks, Joshua Tree. Visiting Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular things to do in California. The park is known for its incredible rock formations, twisting Joshua trees, and winding hiking trails, but Joshua Tree isn’t just for rock climbers and hikers. Joshua Tree is easily one of the most beautiful National Parks in the United States and there are plenty of unique things to do in Joshua Tree National Park that are accessible to people with disabilities.

Part of what I love so much about Joshua Tree is that it’s very easy to just drive through the park and pull over at many of the biggest attractions. One doesn’t need to hike the many trails to see the good stuff. Though, there are a few wheelchair-accessible, easy trails most anyone can enjoy. I’ve taken elderly family members with mobility issues here on day trips from Los Angeles and it’s always tremendous fun.

In this post I’ll go through how to get to Joshua Tree, where to stay, and all the fun Joshua Tree activities and sites.

Where Is Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is a massive protected area in southern California. It's known for its rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes. Named for the region’s bristled Joshua trees, the park straddles the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert.

Joshua Tree National Park is conveniently located within a few hours' drive of several major metropolitan areas, making it an ideal road trip destination. If you find yourself in Los Angeles, it’s a great time to make an epic LA to Joshua Tree road trip. Not in LA? That’s okay. There are several other cities that are a driveable distance from the park.

The park is located approximately:

140 miles east of Los Angeles,
175 miles northeast of San Diego,
215 miles southwest of Las Vegas, Nevada, and
38 miles east of Palm Springs

First, Get Your National Parks Interagency Pass

Did you know, if you’re permanently disabled you can get free access to all National Parks? This is helpful if you’re disabled and looking for free things to do in Joshua Tree and beyond. The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series is available free of charge for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities.

The Interagency Access Pass can be issued to persons of any age who have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that severely limits one or more major life activities.

Along with a valid photo ID such as a US passport, driver’s license, or state-issued ID, applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability with one of the following:

A statement by a licensed physician (Statement must include that the individual has a PERMANENT disability, that it limits one or more aspects of their daily life and the nature of those limitations.)
A document issued by a federal agency such as the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income, or, Supplemental Security Income
A document issued by a state agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency.

Get a Pass in Person

The National Park Service allows you to get an Interagency Access Pass in person at a federal recreation site. Please be aware that passes are not available at all national park sites. Review the Places to Get Interagency Passes to find a location.

Get a Pass Online

You can also get an Interagency Access Pass online through the USGS Online Store or, through the mail using an application form (Note: While the pass itself is free, there is a shipping and processing cost to get a pass online or through the mail).

The Best Time To Visit Joshua Tree National Park

The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is from March to May and October to November. Though the park is open year-round, temperatures are most comfortable in the spring and fall, with an average high of about 85 degrees. Being the desert, temperatures in the summer are frequently well over 100 degrees. In the winter you can expect snow in several places within the park, making it too cold for tent camping. It's important to note that temperatures vary depending on elevation and where you are in the park. Always dress in layers.

How To Get To Joshua Tree NP

The closest airport to Joshua Tree is Palm Springs International Airport. From there it’s approximately 38 miles to the park’s entrance. Alternatively, you could drive in from Los Angeles, which takes a little over 2 hours.

Where To Stay In Joshua Tree N.P.

If you’re looking to stay overnight in the Joshua Tree area, I have a few suggestions for disabled-friendly accommodations.

Best Campgrounds in Joshua Tree:

Jumbo Rocks Campground

Accessibility
Jumbo Rocks is the largest campground in the park. It’s composed of several campground loops. Currently, space, #122, is specifically designated as accessible. The site is level, vehicle-accessible with firm and stable ground. However, electricity is not available at the site. When making campground reservations at recreation.gov, please be sure to request accessible site #122, if desired.

Restrooms
The site is close to an accessible restroom. Be aware, help up the 1-2” to the bathroom level will be required by wheelchair users or other users of other wheeled devices. Routes in and around the facility are firm, stable, and level.

Black Rock Campground

In my opinion, Black Rock Campground is the best campground in Joshua Tree. It’s great for bird watching and it’s filled with those iconic Joshua trees. The downside, it’s a little far from the rest of the park, BUT it is close to the rest of civilization. It's actually the closest campground to the major population centers to the west. The small town of Yucca Valley is just five miles away.

Accessibility

Black Rock Campground is composed of several rows of campsites. Currently, one space, #61, is specifically designated as accessible. The site is level, vehicle-accessible with firm and stable ground. Big pro, water is available at the site. Slight negative, it may require assistance as the faucet exceeds 5 lbs of pressure to turn on. Electricity is not available at the site.

Restroom
The site is several campsites away from an accessible restroom along the roadway. Help up 1-2” to the bathroom level will be required by users of wheelchairs or other wheeled devices. Routes in and around the facility are firm, stable, and level.

Glamping Joshua Tree

Autocamp Joshua Tree

AutoCamp Joshua Tree has free bikes, an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, and a terrace. This 3-star glamping accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The property even offers evening entertainment and a tour desk. Certain rooms also offer a kitchen with a fridge, a microwave, and a stovetop. Bonus for those allergic to wheat, guests here can enjoy a gluten-free breakfast. At AutoCamp Joshua Tree there’s also a restaurant serving American cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan options are available. The accommodation also has a playground for kids.

The property is wheelchair accessible.

Downtown Joshua Tree - Area Hotels/ Motels

High Desert Motel Joshua Tree

Featuring a seasonal outdoor pool, this Joshua Tree motel is 3 blocks from the Joshua Tree National Park Visitors Center and a 10-minute drive to the entrance of the park. All rooms offer cable TV and free parking is available at the property. Each room features a microwave and refrigerator and a private bathroom. Tea and coffee-making facilities are provided in all rooms. A 24-hour reception welcomes guests to the Motel. Barbecue facilities and laundry facilities are offered onsite.

The High Desert Motel features wheelchair-accessible rooms, Raised toilets, and toilets with grab rails.

El Rancho Dolores at JT National Park

This motel in Twentynine Palms is 6 miles from the US Marine Base Air Ground Combat Center. The motel features an outdoor seasonal pool and guest rooms with free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms at El Rancho Dolores Motel are equipped with satellite TV and HBO. Rooms are furnished with a microwave and a refrigerator. The motel also offers a 24-hour front desk. Free parking is possible at the motel. Dolores Motel El Rancho is 4 miles from the east entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.

El Rancho Dolores features wheelchair-accessible rooms, Auditory guidance, tactile signs, Braille signs, bathroom emergency cords, lowered sinks, raised toilets, and toilets with grab rails.

Other Overnight Options

If you’re looking for chic hotel options, your best bet is to stay in nearby Palm Springs where there are plenty of 4 and 5 start accessible hotel options. I also recommend checking out Airbnb for some truly unique and beautiful desert homes.

Joshua Tree Things To Do

If you’re looking for what to do in Joshua Tree California, I’ve got you covered. From things inside the park to attractions in the immediate area, this guide has it all. And best of all, most of these attractions are wheelchair-friendly.

An important note when trying to find locations in Joshua Tree, Google Maps will be of little help. I’ve done my best to give detailed descriptions of where to find these Joshua Tree attractions, but you can and should pick up your Joshua Tree maps at the visitor’s center.

Cottonwood Visitor Center

To get here take exit 168 on I-10, and head 6 miles north. The Cottonwood Visitor Center is located near the south entrance. It is the gateway to numerous hiking experiences including the Cottonwood Springs area, a unique grove of palm trees and cottonwood trees. Guests can purchase park passes here at the visitor center as well as obtain information on trail conditions, camping availability, info on what to do in Joshua Tree, and more. While you can make camping reservations here, I would highly recommend making your camping arrangements prior to your visit.

Accessibility: The visitor center building is wheelchair-accessible from the parking area. There are also wheelchair-accessible restrooms.

Address: Pinto Basin Road Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

2. Cholla Cactus Garden

No list of what to see in Joshua Tree would be complete without a stop at the Cholla Cactus Garden. Located along the Pinto Basin Road near the transition zone between the Colorado and Mohave Deserts, the Cholla Cactus Garden offers accessible parking just outside the garden with level access to a quarter-mile hard-packed dirt trail around chollas of varying sizes. There’s a one-inch lip going up to the boardwalk sections of the trail, but most visitors should be able to manage with some assistance. The garden includes a quarter-mile trail to explore the area. Even if you are unable to complete the trail, you can still admire the many chollas from the main path.

Word of warning, don’t get too close to the chollas as they are also known as “the jumping cactus.” Their joints break easily, and the slightest brush against a plant can result in a very painful injury.

3. Skull Rock

One of the most iconic things to do in Joshua Tree California, the Skull Rock is a must-see. Located along Park Boulevard just east of Jumbo Rocks Campground, Skull Rock was formed over many millennia by water drops that have slowly eroded two large holes into the rock that resemble a skull. Skull Rock can be reached by the Skull Rock Nature Trail just a short walk from the parking area.

Accessibility: There is a 1.7-mile nature hike around Skull Rock, but it is not necessary to hike to see the rock. The formation is immediately off the road and easy to see.

4. Keys View

The most popular viewpoint is Joshua Tree is Keys View. From here you can see panoramic views of major landmarks like the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, the Salton Sea, the Santa Rosa Mountains, and more. On a clear day, you can even see Mexico! Make sure you pick a clear day to get the most out of your trip. This is also a great spot to view the sunset over the park.

Accessibility: The area is wheelchair accessible but it also offers a small trail for even more views. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Location: To get here, head north from the intersection of Park Drive and Keys View Road in the northern part of the park. It’s a 20-minute drive up the 5185-foot mountain to the viewpoint.

5. Arch Rock Trail

One of the most popular trails in the park, Arch Rock Trail is famous for its arched rock that looks something like it fell out of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disneyland.

The Arch Rock Trailhead can be found in the Twin Tanks Parking Lot. The trail is in the shape of a lollipop. At first, it heads in a straight line for .6-miles from the parking lot to the east, where it then becomes a short loop. Hikers can take the loop in either direction, but it is recommended to hike in a counterclockwise direction because it’s easier to spot the arch from that direction. The loop is a short .2-miles and leads hikers back to the straightaway trail to the parking lot.

Accessibility: The popular namesake arch rock is roughly .1-mile into the loop section and is a favorite place for photographers. Heads up, the first part of the trail is quite sandy, whereas the loop section is quite rocky. This is not a good hiking trail for people with mobility issues, but I’m including it so you can be aware of the inhospitable conditions.

The Arch Rock Trail contains various terrain types, including deep sand, hard-pack dirt, and uneven rocky surfaces. The trail is relatively flat and has a 100 feet total elevation change. The trail widens to 4 feet across in some areas but is as narrow as 1-2 feet in certain areas. A section of the trail on the loop is very rocky. This means the trail is not accessible for people using wheelchairs.

Location: Twin Tanks Parking Lot.

6. Barker Dam

Barker Dam Nature Trail is a relatively flat, 1.1-mile loop through the Mohave Desert. This trail will take you by monzogranite rock formations and boulders, Joshua trees, a wide range of plant life, the Barker Dam, and a rock art site. This area can be a hotspot for wildlife sightings, especially when the dam has water, a much-coveted desert resource.

Barker Dam Trail begins on flat, compact dirt, but slowly begins to incline and transitions into granite boulders you will need to step on or over. Some boulders have steps, other small boulders do not. The trail continues to a viewpoint of Barker Dam on top of a flat, granite boulder. From there, it transitions into a tight squeeze between or around boulders, down more granite steps, and into a sandy wash. The trail's average width is three feet with an average grade of 1% and a max grade of 3%.

Accessibility: This trail is easy and takes about a half hour to hike, but it is not accessible for people using wheelchairs.

7. Wildlife Viewing

It’s an absolute must that you take the time to appreciate nature and look for some of the great wildlife in Joshua Tree. The desert is filled with gray foxes, coyotes, lizards, cottontail rabbits, Jackrabbits, big-horn sheep, endangered tortoises, squirrels, chipmunks, golden eagles, hawks, quails, hummingbirds, and bats. There are also rattlesnakes, scorpions, tarantulas, and mountain lions in the park so be careful where you tread.

If you camp in the park you’re likely to see some of the more common animals that hang around the campgrounds. These include rabbits, ground squirrels, and chipmunks. You might also hear bats chirping or coyotes howling at night.

Your best chance to see bighorn sheep and other more reclusive wildlife (like foxes) is to venture into the Wonderland of Rocks on the Boy Scout Trail or the Willow Hole Trail. More on those later.

8. Watch the Rock Climbers

Rock Climbing is a very popular activity in Joshua Tree N P. You’ll find many climbers will spend a few weeks here each winter when the weather is mild. And why not? After all, there are over 8000 established rock-climbing routes in the park! Watching the climbers can be super entertaining as they scale those dangerous cliffs.

Location: There are tons of climbing areas in the park so you are likely to see people climbing or bouldering almost anywhere. Bouldering, for those who don’t know, is climbing on small rocks that aren’t very high off the ground without using a rope.

Some popular places to see climbers are:

Quail Springs picnic area
Intersection Rock
the cliffs around the Hidden Valley Campground
the Hall of Horrors climbing area pull-out.

9. Boy Scout Trail And Other Trails

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Joshua Tree. I’ve covered a few hikes already that have some major sites attached to them, but. here are a few additional hikes you may be interested in.

The Boy Scout Trail - this hike is one of the longer and more popular hikes in Joshua Tree. The full trail is 7.8 miles. If you do not have a permit for the Boy Scout Trail Zone, you are allowed to backpack through the zone, but you can not camp in the zone. It offers sweeping landscape vistas and views of the Wonderland of Rocks, an area filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and boulder piles. Hiking the full trail takes a whopping 6 hours! Word of warning, do not attempt this hike on hot days. I would also not attempt this hike if you have mobility issues.

Other Joshua Tree hikes include:

Cap Rock Nature Trail - There’s accessible parking at Cap Rock, with curb-cut access out to the hard-packed dirt trail that winds around massive boulders scattered throughout the desert. The .3-mile loop is mostly level, although there is a washout near the end, and at one point the trail narrows to 30 inches. Still, you can always double back if it’s impassable, and the views of the desert and the Joshua Trees are excellent from any vantage point. There are also some accessible picnic tables in a level dirt area near Cap Rock and an accessible vault toilet near the parking lot.

Oasis of Mara Trail - This trail is near Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms. This trail is paved and suitable for all wheelchairs.

Lower Keys View Overlook - This trail is located near accessible parking spots. The trail is paved and suitable for all wheelchairs. Heads up, views may be limited by signage and naturally growing vegetation.

Cottonwood Springs Oasis - A number of hikes begin at Cottonwood Spring. A short, easy walk down Cottonwood Wash leads past a second oasis to dry falls. In wet years, the falls can become a scene of rushing water and red-spotted toads. Bighorn sheep often come up to the wash for water in the early hours. An old teamster road drops down past the falls to the lower wash. A short hike leads through palo verde and desert willow trees to the remains of Moorten’s Mill. The hike is easy, but not wheelchair accessible.

Hidden Valley Nature Trail - This one-mile loop trail is in the Hidden Valley Picnic area at the west end of the park. Along the trail, you’ll discover a rock-enclosed valley that was once rumored to have been used by cattle rustlers. The trail takes about 1 hour with a 100-foot elevation. It’s rated easy, but it is not wheelchair accessible.

10. Visit an Abandoned Mine

Desert Queen Mine is one of the easiest abandoned mines in the park to visit. If you’re interested in mining history or creepy old abandoned sites, then this hike is for you. This is a 3-mile hike with a 180-foot elevation gain.

The Desert Queen Mine was a very profitable gold mine back in the day and continued to operate into the 1960s. The first part of the trail was originally part of the old mine road. If you walk this trail you can explore all around the old mine.

There are also a ton of artifacts scattered along the trail, which are very cool to walk around. Just be respectful and please leave any rusty artifacts you find where they lay.

Accessibility: Sadly, this trail is not wheelchair accessible. But it’s one of the easier hikes in the park, so it may be ok for some with mobility issues.

Location: Located in the northeast part of the park, the Desert Queen Mine is a moderate hike with very little elevation gain. To get to the Desert Queen Mine Trailhead, turn off Park Boulevard onto Desert Queen Mine Road and park at the end of this road. Note that the trailhead parking lot can fill quickly as the Pine City Trail also starts here.

11. Visit Pioneertown

Looking for hidden gems in Joshua Tree? Pioneertown is one of my favorites. This Western-style town was built as a movie set in 1946. Today it’s home to a great BBQ spot slash concert venue, Pappy & Harriets, that’s one of my favorite places to eat in Joshua Tree. Pioneertown also has a quaint hotel and tons of great photo ops.

Pioneertown was founded by a group of Hollywood investors, including actors Gene Autry and Roy Rodgers. Pioneertown features 1880s-style false-front facades including frontier stables, saloons, and jails. More than 50 films and television shows were filmed here in the 1940s and ‘50s. While location shooting and businesses here have dwindled, you can still see mock gunfights on Mane Street.

I highly recommend a stop at the aforementioned Pappy & Harriets. They serve up awesome ribs, classic Santa Maria barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Accessibility: The restaurant and concert venue is wheelchair accessible. Check out Pappy & Harriet’s website for a schedule of shows. You can see acts like The Pretenders, L7, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and more.

Location: From Joshua Tree, take CA-62 West. In Yucca Valley, turn right on Pioneertown Rd.

12. Visit Downtown Joshua Tree

Looking for more Joshua Tree things to do outside the park? There are plenty of kitsch sites, great restaurants, and cool coffee shops. here are a few of my favorites:

Joshua Tree Coffee Company -

Joshua Tree Coffee roasts premium organic coffee for people seeking to experience a piece of the eclectic desert culture. They specialize in sourcing only the most exceptional organic beans and roasting them in the extremes of the Mojave Desert. So ditch the Starbucks and drink local.

Accessibility: Their coffee shops are wheelchair accessible.

Location: 61739 29 Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 91522

Beauty Bubble Salon -

It doesn’t get more quirky than a hair products museum/ salon. Jeff Hafler began collecting hair and beauty artifacts and memorabilia back in 1991 when he was still in beauty school. The collection now contains thousands of pieces of “hair-aphernalia” and can be seen at his salon and museum in Joshua Tree, California. The collection has been recognized worldwide as one of the foremost hair and beauty museums in America.

The salon is open Sundays through Thursday by appointment ONLY. Appointments can be made by calling 760-366-9000.

Accessibility: The salon and museum is wheelchair accessible.

Location: 61855 29 Palms Hwy Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Joshua Tree Saloon -

This barbecue joint in downtown Joshua Tree feeds both locals and visitors alike. They have a large outdoor patio, an impressive beer selection, and a nice assortment of smoked meat. They also frequently have live music.

Accessibility: Joshua Tree Saloon offers accessible parking and a wheelchair-accessible venue.

Location: 61835 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

World Famous Crochet Museum -

If quirky art is your thing, be sure to check out this curated exhibition space and gallery. Shari Elf is a self-described singer-songwriter, fashion designer, raw food chef, life coach, and creator who turns trash into art. She runs the Art Queen Gallery and the World Famous Crochet Museum.

The centerpiece of Art Queen and one of the quirkiest Joshua Tree attractions is the World Famous Crochet Museum. It all started when Elf received a crocheted poodle as a goofy gift from a friend. But the collection has grown to a surprising amount of crocheted animals, dolls, food items, and other objects.

Accessibility: Due to the tight spaces it may be difficult to maneuver a wheelchair.

Location: 61855 CA-62, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Enjoy Joshua Tree National Park

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of unique things to do in Joshua Tree. If you know of anything I’ve missed, let me know in the comments below. I’d love to add it to my accessible travel guide.

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