Joshua Tree National Park Remains Open During Shutdown: What to Know
All Photography © Paul Martinez
Joshua Tree, Calif. — Joshua Tree National Park remains open during the federal government shutdown, though visitors will notice changes to normal operations. Trails, roads, and campgrounds are accessible, and the park’s striking landscapes—from granite boulders to the namesake Joshua trees—are still open to explore. But services are pared back: entrance fees are not being collected, ranger-led programs are paused, and Black Rock Nature Center will remain closed.
For those planning a trip, the message is straightforward: the park itself is unchanged, but the experience requires more self-reliance. With fewer staff on duty, visitors are encouraged to come prepared with water, maps, and a commitment to Leave No Trace principles to help protect one of California’s most fragile desert ecosystems.
Visitor Centers
Not every visitor center is open, but several are staffed by the Joshua Tree National Park Association, the nonprofit partner that supports education and interpretation in the park:
Yucca Valley JTNPA Park Store: An easy stop if you’re arriving from the west before entering town.
Joshua Tree Visitor Center (Village of Joshua Tree): Convenient if you’re heading into the West Entrance, though this location often sees the heaviest foot traffic.
Black Rock Visitor Center: Closed until further notice.
Twentynine Palms Visitor Center: Open daily and typically the fastest choice for visitors arriving from the east, with shorter lines and less congestion.
Cottonwood Visitor Center (southern entrance): Open and staffed by JTNPA.
Services and Programs
Entrance booths remain staffed, but no entrance fees are being collected at this time, either in person or through Recreation.gov. Ranger-led programs, including the Cap Rock Ranger Stroll and guided tours of Keys Ranch, are paused until further notice. Law enforcement and maintenance are still active to support visitor safety and protect park resources.
How to Visit Responsibly
The desert is beautiful but fragile. With limited staffing, it is even more important for visitors to act with care:
Pack out trash, stay on marked trails, and respect wildlife.
Download the NPS Mobile App in advance and save maps for offline use, as cell reception is unreliable.
Consider a donation to the Joshua Tree National Park Association in place of the usual entrance fee. Contributions directly support programs and resources that benefit the park.
Community Connection
Joshua Tree’s gateway communities—from Yucca Valley to Twentynine Palms—depend on the park and its visitors for economic well-being. Supporting local shops, restaurants, and markets not only enriches your visit but also strengthens the communities that help steward the desert.