RT Park Boulevard

Scenic desert drive winding past iconic rock formations, Joshua tree groves, and trailheads, offering access to many of the park's most popular features.

General Information

Hours:

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Best experienced during daylight hours for sightseeing and photography

Fees:

Private vehicle: $30 (valid for 7 days)
Motorcycle: $25
Individual (on foot or bicycle): $15
Annual Joshua Tree Pass: $55
America the Beautiful Pass: $80

Pet Policy:

Pets are allowed within 100 feet of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds
Not permitted on trails or in the backcountry

Closest cities with hotels:

Joshua Tree (5 mi)
Twentynine Palms (10 mi)

Seasons:

Spring and Fall

Trailhead:

Park Boulevard Scenic Drive

Website:

nps.gov

How to Get There

From Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center (5 mi): Head south on Park Boulevard from downtown Joshua Tree, enter the park via the West Entrance, and continue along Park Boulevard to explore major sites like Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and Ryan Mountain.

Overview

The Park Boulevard scenic drive is the heart of Joshua Tree National Park, connecting visitors to many of its most iconic landscapes and trailheads. Stretching between the West and North Entrances, this paved road winds through surreal monzogranite formations, dense Joshua tree forests, and desert valleys. Along the route, travelers can stop at highlights such as Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, Skull Rock, and Ryan Mountain. Short detours lead to Keys View and Barker Dam, offering panoramic vistas and opportunities for hiking and photography. The road is suitable for all vehicles and includes numerous pullouts and picnic areas for leisurely exploration.

Best enjoyed in spring and fall, Park Boulevard offers mild temperatures and vibrant desert scenery. Visitors are encouraged to start early to avoid crowds and capture the soft morning light on the rocks and trees. While pets are restricted to within 100 feet of the road, the drive itself is pet-friendly and ideal for sightseeing with leashed companions. Whether you're on a quick tour or planning a full day of adventure, Park Boulevard provides a comprehensive introduction to the natural beauty and geological wonders of Joshua Tree National Park.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Park Boulevard, which are released under the