March and April are traditionally the busiest times of the year at Joshua Tree National Park. However, a typical spring day—especially weekends and the week before Easter—includes limited parking, full campgrounds, and a line to get into the park. Visitors planning to see the park during this time of year can plan out their visit and still experience the wilderness and wonder that the park offers to three million visitors a year. Reporter Hilary Sloan offers a few ways to be prepared for the busy season…
Be flexible with your plans. The best hike may be the one at which you find parking. While visitors can park along many roadsides, there are some areas where roadside parking is prohibited. Do not park on vegetation or create a new parking spot. Never drive over a curb to make a new parking space. Avoid the Joshua Tree entrance to the park during busy times; waits to get in can be up to two hours. Drive to the Twentynine Palms or Cottonwood entrances. Avoid visiting popular areas between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Campgrounds are almost always full in the spring. Book your campsite in advance at recreation.gov, or stay at a private campground or on BLM land outside the park.
