Last Updated: November 17, 2025
If you’re craving vast desert landscapes, surreal rock formations, and iconic twisted Joshua trees, you’re probably wondering: How far is Joshua Tree National Park from Los Angeles? The good news is that Joshua Tree is one of the closest and most accessible national parks from Southern California—making it perfect for day trips, quick escapes, or scenic transitions between major Southwest destinations.
Whether you’re exploring on your own or considering a Los Angeles to Las Vegas One-Day Tour via Joshua Tree National Park, this guide breaks down the distance, fastest routes, and the best ways to make the most of your journey.
🗺️ Quick Answer: Distance & Drive Time
Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California, about 130–150 miles from downtown Los Angeles depending on your chosen entrance.
| LA Starting Point | Park Entrance | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown LA | West Entrance (Joshua Tree Town) | ~130 miles | 2–2.5 hours |
| Santa Monica | West Entrance | ~150 miles | 2.5–3 hours |
| Orange County | South Entrance (Cottonwood) | ~150 miles | 2.5–3 hours |
| San Fernando Valley | West Entrance | ~120 miles | 2–2.5 hours |
Joshua Tree is one of the easiest national parks to reach from Los Angeles—close enough for a spontaneous adventure, yet far enough to feel like a completely different world.
🚗 Best Driving Routes to Joshua Tree From Los Angeles
1. Fastest Route (Most Direct)
I-10 East → CA-62 → Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms
- ~2–2.5 hours
- Best for first-time visitors using the West Entrance
2. Scenic Route (Minimal Freeway Time)
I-210 → CA-10 → CA-62
- ~2.5 hours
- Passes mountain foothills and smaller desert towns
3. Best Route If Heading Toward Las Vegas
I-10 → I-15 → Cima Road / Nipton area
- Ideal for combining Joshua Tree with Las Vegas
- Perfect for travelers joining a Los Angeles to Las Vegas One-Day Tour via Joshua Tree National Park
🌄 Why Visit Joshua Tree From Los Angeles?
Joshua Tree National Park offers a completely unique mix of desert ecosystems—where the Mojave Desert meets the Colorado Desert. The result? A landscape filled with massive boulders, Cholla cactus gardens, twisting Joshua trees, and endless golden horizons.
What Travelers Love About Joshua Tree:
- Easy access from LA
- Short scenic drives between major viewpoints
- Iconic photography locations
- World-class stargazing
- Massive granite formations perfect for climbing and exploring
It’s one of the most peaceful and surreal places you can reach in under 3 hours from Los Angeles.
⭐ Must-See Stops in Joshua Tree National Park
1. Hidden Valley Nature Trail
A short, beautiful loop trail surrounded by giant rock walls—ideal for first-time visitors.
2. Keys View
One of the best overlooks in Southern California with panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, San Jacinto Mountains, and even Mexico on clear days.
3. Cholla Cactus Garden
An entire field of glowing Cholla cacti—magical at sunrise.
4. Skull Rock
A natural rock formation shaped like a skull—easy to reach and great for photos.
5. Barker Dam
A scenic hike combining desert landscapes, wildlife viewing, and historical sites.
🚐 The Most Convenient Way to Visit Joshua Tree
For travelers who want to visit both Las Vegas and Joshua Tree, the Los Angeles to Las Vegas One-Day Tour via Joshua Tree National Park offers a seamless and scenic way to travel between the cities—while experiencing the highlights of the park along the way.
Why This Tour Is So Convenient
- No backtracking between LA, Joshua Tree, and Vegas
- Perfect for travelers on tight schedules
- Comfortable, climate-controlled vans
- Expert guides who explain park history, geology, and desert ecology
- Scenic photo stops at Joshua Tree’s best viewpoints
- Skip planning, navigation, and timing concerns
You get a full Joshua Tree experience and arrive in Las Vegas the same day—without the hassle of driving.
🧭 Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Wildflowers, mild temps | Popular season |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Quiet trails, dramatic sunsets | Very hot mid-day |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Comfortable weather | Slightly busier |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cool temps, great stargazing | Cold nights |
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and sightseeing.
🎒 What to Bring
- 2 liters of water per person
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Sturdy shoes
- Snacks / light lunch
- Camera or smartphone
- Offline maps (cell service is weak)
- Layers for changing temps
💬 FAQs
Q: Can you visit Joshua Tree and return to Los Angeles the same day?
A: Yes! Millions of locals use it as a day trip—it’s only 2–3 hours away.
Q: Is Joshua Tree good for families?
A: Absolutely. Many short trails and roadside stops are perfect for all ages.
Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: No. Drive-in access is available year-round.
Q: Is the park open at night?
A: Yes—Joshua Tree is one of the best stargazing locations in the U.S.
✨ Final Thoughts
So, how far is Joshua Tree National Park from Los Angeles? Just 2–3 hours, depending on your route—making it one of the most accessible national parks for Southern Californians.
Whether you self-drive through the desert or choose the convenience of a Los Angeles to Las Vegas One-Day Tour via Joshua Tree National Park, the journey delivers unforgettable landscapes, iconic photo stops, and a peaceful escape from the city.
Joshua Tree is close, stunning, and incredibly easy to explore—making it a must-see destination for any Los Angeles traveler.