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The sky turns hues of pink and purple over a field of Joshua trees.
NPS / Emily Hassell

Information

Annual Summer Closures and Restrictions in Effect

The 49 Palms trail along with some campgrounds, facilities, and areas have adjusted availability during the summer. For the full list of changes, please visit our Summer Closures page.

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Caution

Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure

Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closed past the Oasis.

Caution

Inaccurate Third-Party Apps

Some third-party hiking apps are providing inaccurate trail and safety information to users. Please use the official NPS app for accurate information.

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National ParkHorse camping availableHorse trailsHorses provided

Joshua Tree National Park

CA · Twentynine Palms

Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself!

Riding guide

Horses provided

Highlights

Joshua Tree National Park blends stark Mojave Desert beauty with open expanses, rocky outcrops, and iconic Joshua trees…

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 250-300 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. Stock use is permitted on designated trails and in approved backcountry areas, offering riders a quieter, more remote way to experience the park beyond the busiest hiking zones. Conditions can be dry, exposed, and demanding, especially in warmer months, so thoughtful preparation is essential.

Rideable terrain

250-300 miles

Trailer parking

Black Rock Canyon Equestrian Campground This is one of the most popular and developed horse areas in the park. Why riders use it • Large parking areas designed for truck and horse trailer rigs • Horse campsites with corrals • Direct access to multiple stock-permitted trails • Good trailer maneuvering space Trails from here connect to the northwestern trail system, including access toward Covington Flats. Covington Horse Camp This is the park’s main horse camp facility and often the preferred staging location. Features • Campsites with horse corrals • Large trailer parking spaces • Direct access to backcountry trails • Very quiet desert setting Many riders stage multi-day rides from here. Geology Tour Road Area Another location where equestrians sometimes stage. Features • Dirt road access suitable for trailers • Access to desert routes and washes • Less developed infrastructure Better for riders comfortable with primitive staging areas. Important Things Riders Should Know • Horses are not allowed on paved roads or near major visitor areas. • Summer temperatures can exceed 110°F, making riding dangerous during the day. • Water for horses is extremely limited inside the park. • Many riders bring all water with them.

Horse regulations

Designated Routes & Areas Horses and other pack animals are permitted on: • Dirt roads open to vehicles • Designated equestrian trails • Washes and open backcountry areas Stock is not permitted on hiking-only nature trails, paved roads (except to cross), or in developed picnic areas. Cross-country travel is allowed in certain backcountry zones, but riders must avoid sensitive desert vegetation and cultural sites. Day Use No permit is required for day riding with your own horse. Overnight Use & Horse Camping Joshua Tree has a designated equestrian campground: Black Rock Equestrian Campground • Corrals provided • Trailer-friendly sites • Reservations required • Seasonal availability Backcountry camping with stock is permitted with a free backcountry registration (self-registration system). Riders must camp at least one mile from roads and 500 feet from trails. Grazing & Feed • Grazing is prohibited. • Only certified weed-free feed is allowed. • Feed must not be scattered on the ground. • Pack out unused forage and manure. Water & Desert Conditions Water is extremely limited in the park. Natural sources are unreliable or absent. Riders must bring sufficient water for both themselves and their horses. Group Size & Control Stock must be under control at all times. Group size limits apply for backcountry camping and may vary by area.

Getting here

Use 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, California as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Black Rock Canyon Equestrian Campground This is one of the most popular and developed horse areas in the park. Why riders use it • Large parking areas designed for truck and horse trailer rigs • Horse campsites with corrals • Direct access to multiple stock-permitted trails • Good trailer maneuvering space Trails from here connect to the northwestern trail system, including access toward Covington Flats. Covington Horse Camp This is the park’s main horse camp facility and often the preferred staging location. Features • Campsites with horse corrals • Large trailer parking spaces • Direct access to backcountry trails • Very quiet desert setting Many riders stage multi-day rides from here. Geology Tour Road Area Another location where equestrians sometimes stage. Features • Dirt road access suitable for trailers • Access to desert routes and washes • Less developed infrastructure Better for riders comfortable with primitive staging areas. Important Things Riders Should Know • Horses are not allowed on paved roads or near major visitor areas. • Summer temperatures can exceed 110°F, making riding dangerous during the day. • Water for horses is extremely limited inside the park. • Many riders bring all water with them.

Planning your visit

Must Know Before You Ride • This is fragile desert terrain. Soils and vegetation are easily damaged, and erosion happens quickly. Ride lightly and stay within designated routes. • Trail improvements are ongoing. In areas where construction is complete, riders must remain on clearly established trails. Where construction has not yet occurred, follow existing designated trail footprints and avoid creating new paths. • Most trails are designed for single-file travel. Ride abreast only where the corridor allows. Be alert for riders approaching from the opposite direction and identify safe passing areas. • Horses may not be tethered or allowed to rest within 200 feet of any natural or manmade water source. • Water is extremely limited throughout the park. There are no reliable natural water sources for stock. Plan to carry sufficient water for both rider and horse. • Grazing is prohibited. Use certified weed-free feed and pack out all unused forage and manure. • Heat exposure can be severe, even outside peak summer. Shade is minimal on many routes, and footing often includes sand and rock. • Services and cell coverage are limited. Arrive self-sufficient with a clear route plan.

Where to stay

Joshua Tree National Park Association is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. This entry indicates both guided ride support and horse-camping potential, making Joshua Tree National Park one of the more flexible federal options for riders building a fuller travel plan. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Twentynine Palms before heading deeper into federal-land access points.

Entrance fees & passes

Trails

No trails synced for this park yet.

Campgrounds

Points of interest

Things to do

Visitor centers

Webcams

Hours of operation

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Visitation increases as temperatures moderate in the fall, peaks during the spring wildflower season, and diminishes during the heat of summer. Some areas of the park are designated for day use only. Visitor centers keep separate hours; please see descriptions.

Mon

All Day

Tue

All Day

Wed

All Day

Thu

All Day

Fri

All Day

Sat

All Day

Sun

All Day

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingClimbingRock ClimbingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorse Camping (see also camping)Horseback RidingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Weather

Days are typically clear with less than 25% humidity. Temperatures are most comfortable in the spring and fall, with an average highs around 85°F (29°C) and average lows around 50°F (10°C) respectively. Winter brings cooler days, around 60°F (15°C), and freezing nights. It occasionally snows at higher elevations. Summers are hot, over 100°F (38°C) during the day and not cooling much below 75°F (24°C) at night.

Contact

Voice7603675500
Fax7603676392
Emailjotr_info@nps.gov

Photos

Stay near this park

No horse-friendly stays listed near Joshua Tree National Park yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.

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Directions

From I-10, take exit 117 for CA Hwy 62 toward 29 Palms/Yucca Valley. This will allow you to access the West Entrance, the North Entrance, Black Rock, and Indian Cove. Take exit 168 off I-10 to come in at the park's South Entrance.

Get directionsOfficial directions

Source: nps.gov