Tourist season is upon us and despite the COVID-19 shutdown—and maybe even because of it—locals can expect an influx of visitors to the Morongo Basin and particularly Joshua Tree National Park. Reporter Heather Clisby has tips on dealing with the crowds…
Unlike most other national parks, winter is one of the busiest times for Joshua Tree National Park. And with many coastal residents tired of isolating at home, we can expect crowded conditions here in town and in the park. That means limited parking, full campgrounds, and long lines at park entrances.
To avoid these headaches, visit the park Monday through Thursday. Buy a digital pass in advance at recreation.gov to streamline your park entry. Also, try to avoid entering the park between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and avoid leaving at sunset.
Park rangers note that the most crowded days in the park will be Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the days around them, and other holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January18), and President’s Day, February 15, as well as every weekend in the spring.
As car traffic becomes a problem, be flexible and consider changing your hiking plans to include wherever you find parking. Do not drive over a curb to create a new parking space.
Reservations can be made for one of the 350 campsites in the park at receation.gov, or check out private campsites adjacent to the park.
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/camping-outside-of-the-park.htm
