Listen here:
Joshua Tree National Park asked for public comment regarding changes to back country permitting in July, and has received 28 responses to the proposals. Superintendent David Smith and park management have said that they are currently reviewing and responding to these public comments as they finalize their decision about the changes.
Joshua Tree National Park managers say that the recent increase in wilderness backcountry use and outdated regulations is having negative impacts on resources and causing safety issues for visitors. If the program is instituted, visitors would be required to obtain a $6 permit in advance of their visit online or at the Joshua Tree Headquarters Office, and require all backcountry backpackers to complete an informational program and check-in with park staff.
- Obtaining a permit would be made through recreation.gov or in person at Park Headquarters; 74485 National Park Dr., 29 Palms, CA 92277
- The permit fee is $6 per permit. Each permit is valid for 1-12 people.
- Reservations up to 6 months in advance would be allowed in all areas of the park.
- Permittees would be required to view and acknowledge they have read and reviewed JTNP backcountry education information and a backpacking educational video.
- New backcountry zones would be established.
- Permittees camping along Boy Scout Trail would be required to camp in a designated campsite.
- For at-large camping zones, permittees must be at least 1 mile from any backcountry trailhead, at least ½ mile from any road, and at least 200 feet from any trail.
- Parking for wilderness backpacking would only be allowed at backcountry trailheads.
The Goals of the Proposed Backcountry Permit Program are:
- Improve the visitor experience and better protect cultural, natural, and wilderness resources.
- Collect visitor use statistics from the recreation.gov system to inform future park planning and decision making.
- Improve public education resulting in increased visitor safety and improved sustainable use of backcountry resources.
