Hiking
Photography © Paul Martinez
Things to Know Before your visit
Pets in the Park
Pets are not permitted on any trails within Joshua Tree National Park, except for the paved Oasis of Mara Trail. This policy protects both wildlife and pets by preventing harmful interactions and minimizing environmental impact. The presence of domestic animals can disrupt native species, introduce disease and alter wildlife behavior; while the fragile desert ecosystem is easily damaged. Additionally, many trails pose risks to pets, including extreme heat, rough terrain and encounters with dangerous wildlife like rattlesnakes. To maintain the park’s natural balance and ensure visitor safety, pets are only permitted in campgrounds, picnic areas, unpaved roads and the Oasis of Mara Trail when leashed.
Use Caution with Crowdsourced Hiking Apps
Many visitors rely on third-party hiking apps and blogs with crowd-sourced information, but these can often be misleading, incomplete and sometimes even dangerous. While these resources can be useful for inspiration, they frequently contain inaccuracies that can put hikers at risk.
Key Issues
Inaccurate Difficulty Ratings: Many trails are rated by users with varying skill levels, meaning an “easy” hike for one person may be extremely challenging for another. Joshua Tree’s terrain includes steep inclines, exposed rock faces, and unpredictable conditions that may not be properly reflected in user reviews.
Unofficial and Hazardous Routes: Many routes labeled as “trails” are not designated or maintained by the National Park Service. These often involve rock scrambling, exposure to high cliffs, or traversing remote backcountry areas where navigation skills, maps and proper preparation are essential.
Safety Risks & Search and Rescue (SAR) Incidents: Every year, search and rescue teams respond to hikers who have followed misleading online routes, become lost, or underestimated the difficulty of terrain. Many of these incidents occur due to reliance on inaccurate maps or inadequate preparation for desert conditions, including extreme heat, dehydration and lack of cell service.
How to Hike Safely in Joshua Tree
Use Official Park Resources: For the most reliable and up-to-date information, refer to the trail details on the Joshua Tree National Park website or the official park map.
Download the Free NPS App: The National Park Service (NPS) app provides official, GPS-enabled maps of designated trails, available for offline use in areas without cell service.
Prepare for Backcountry Travel: If you plan to explore beyond designated trails, ensure you have a physical map, a compass, and advanced navigation skills. Do not rely solely on phone apps, as batteries drain quickly in extreme temperatures.
Your safety should be your #1 priority. Stick to marked trails, research hikes thoroughly and always carry plenty of water; especially in this unforgiving desert environment.
Plan Ahead and Stay Safe
Before heading out, always share your hiking plan and estimated return time with a trusted friend or family member. Make sure to check in when you return to avoid unnecessary emergency responses.
In case of an emergency, dial:
909-383-5651 or
911
Safety Tips for Hiking in Joshua Tree
Inform someone about your route and when you expect to return.
Carry sufficient food and water, even for short hikes.
Drink only when thirsty—do not force fluids.
Eat frequently, especially salty snacks, to replenish lost salts.
Take breaks in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion.
Plan your hike to avoid the heat, especially between 10 AM and 5 PM during summer.
For more safety tips, visit the park's official safety guide.
10 Summer Hiking Essentials
Water – Bring both plain water and electrolyte replacements.
Food – Include salty snacks; eat twice your usual amount to maintain energy.
First Aid Kit – Stock with band-aids, ace wraps, antiseptics, and moleskin.
Map – Even with marked trails, a map is a useful tool for navigation.
Pack – Use a backpack to carry these essential items.
Flashlight & Spare Batteries – For hiking during cooler evening hours.
Spray Bottle – Fill with water for personal cooling.
Sun Protection – A hat is essential to shield you from the sun.
Whistle or Signal Mirror – For emergencies to attract help.
Waterproof Clothing – A poncho or jacket, if hiking during monsoon season (mid-July to early September).