How to Backpack in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a massive park near Twenty Nine Palms, California. The park allows backpacking, either on its hiking trails or cross-country. According to the National Park Service, backpacking at Joshua Tree can be challenging simply because there are virtually no sources of water outside of two campgrounds and the ranger stations. The park has elevations that vary from 3,000 feet to nearly 6,000 feet. Some of the trails are steep and rocky, while others have lower elevation gains and smooth surfaces.

Things You'll Need

  • Backpack
  • Water
  • Food
  • Hiking boots
  • Suitable clothing
  • Bed roll
  • Backpacking stove
  • GPS or topographic map
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Pick an area or series of trails that you can comfortably hike in several days. If you stick to the hiking trails or go cross-country around the two campgrounds that have water, Black Rock and Cottonwood, you will not need to carry as much water. The park service suggests that you carry a gallon of water per day, and although it creates a heavy load in your backpack, you may need it.

    • 2

      Check the weather forecast. Summer is a brutal time of year because of the extreme heat in this part of California. The Joshua trees do not cast much shade and public authorities discourage people from backpacking in hot desert climates in the summer months. Winter temperatures can reach freezing or lower and it snows in the park at least once a year. Spring and fall are ideal times to backpack in the park since temperatures are moderate and the weather more stable.

    • 3

      Register on one of the backpacking boards once you get to your destination. You will have to note the car license plate to make sure it doesn't get towed. Before you leave your home, make sure you tell a friend or family member where you are going, how long you intend to be gone and when you plan to return. Giving someone your license plate number will also help the Park Service in case you run into difficulties.

    • 4

      Pack your backpack with sufficient food and water to last long enough for your trip. Make sure you bring a backpacking stove if you plan to cook anything. No fires are allowed in the Joshua Tree National Monument outside of fire rings at the campgrounds and visitors cannot use any dead wood found in the park for fires.

    • 5

      Mark your starting position on your GPS or topographic map to keep track of where you are, how far you have gone and what is ahead of you. The map or GPS unit will help you pace your hiking so that you can reach a campground or place to spend the night. The park service allows backpackers to stay anywhere in the park but campsites have to be at least 500 feet from the road. The Park Service strongly cautions campers about sleeping in washes since sudden storms can create flash floods, endangering campers.