The recent surge of tourists to Joshua Tree National Park has been a boon to local businesses, but has also put a strain on area resources as visitors overwhelm park roadways and compete for a limited number of campsites. Two new efforts aim to provide some relief. Reporter Mike Lipsitz brings news of free shuttle service and expanded campgrounds…
Beginning this week visitors to Joshua Tree National Park will have the option to leave the car behind and visit the park on the shuttle. A joint effort between the Park Service and Morongo Basin Transit Authority, the shuttles makes their maiden runs this Thursday, February 1. Shuttles will leave every two hours from the visitor centers in Joshua Tree and at the Oasis of Mara in Twentynine Palms. Both will stop at six popular park destinations. The shuttles are free, but visitors must have a park pass to board. More information at jtnproadrunner.org. Another measure aimed to reduce visitor frustration goes into effect February 7 with the addition of nearly 200 additional campsites at Jumbo Rocks and at Cottonwood to online reservations. Sites can be reserved up to six months in advance at recreation.gov.
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK ROLLS OUT NEW SHUTTLE SERVICE
