Travel Budget for Joshua Tree National Park Visit Joshua Tree National Park on a Budget or Travel in Style

Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States of America
North America / United States of America / The West / California /
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This Joshua Tree National Park travel cost guide breaks down the typical expenses you can expect when visiting Joshua Tree National Park, making it easier to plan a fun and affordable trip. Our Joshua Tree National Park trip cost calculator includes average spending data from thousands of travelers, including hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, entertainment, and transportation. Joshua Tree National Park is an adventurous national park known for its unique vegetation and large boulders, so don't miss out because you didn't plan the right budget. This guide will help you plan the best trip to Joshua Tree National Park and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty.

How much does it cost to travel to Joshua Tree National Park?

A typical traveler spends $177 per day on a trip to Joshua Tree National Park. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Joshua Tree National Park based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $60 on meals
  • $47 on local transportation
  • $175 on hotels

A one-week trip to Joshua Tree National Park for two people costs, on average, $2,478. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $177
  • One Week Per person
    $1,239
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,478
  • One Month Per person
    $5,310
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,478
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,956
  • One Month For a couple
    $10,620
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Joshua Tree National Park cost?

A one week trip to Joshua Tree National Park usually costs around $1,239 for one person and $2,478 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Joshua Tree National Park on average costs around $2,478 for one person and $4,956 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Joshua Tree National Park will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Joshua Tree National Park on average costs around $5,310 for one person and $10,620 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.


Is Joshua Tree National Park expensive to visit?

In Joshua Tree National Park, budget travelers spend $78 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $177 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $339 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great national park that brings in a diverse crowd of visitors, each with unique travel styles and spending behaviors. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.

While Joshua Tree National Park can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as enjoying the free hiking trails and finding more rustic accommodation.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Joshua Tree National Park is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Cocoa Beach or Woodstock.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Joshua Tree National Park?

The average Joshua Tree National Park trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Joshua Tree National Park travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Joshua Tree National Park cost?

Joshua Tree National Park on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$38 $87 $167
Local Transportation1 $20 $47 $89
Food2 $26 $60 $114
Entertainment1 $12 $27 $52
Alcohol2 $1-3 $2-7 $5-14

Accommodation Budget in Joshua Tree National Park

Hotel prices in Joshua Tree National Park can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $ up to around $. From $ for budget options to $ for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Joshua Tree National Park for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $175. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $87 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $87
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $175

Hotels in Joshua Tree National Park

Looking for a hotel in Joshua Tree National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a great destination for families, and you'll want to find an apartment or larger accommodation when traveling with kids.

By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.


Transportation Budget in Joshua Tree National Park

Unfortunately, Joshua Tree National Park does not provide a solid public transit network. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Sadly, the national park isn't particularly pedestrian-friendly. You need a car to truly explore the park.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (poor)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (poor)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $47 per person, per day, on local transportation in Joshua Tree National Park. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Joshua Tree National Park is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $47

Joshua Tree National Park is best and most easily reached by car but the Morongo Basin Transit Authority does serve the national park from Palm Springs. Palm Springs International Airport is just 45 minutes away from the park for those coming from afar. The closest large cities from which to drive to Joshua Tree are Los Angeles and San Diego.

There are four entrances to the park: the Black Rock entrance from Yucca Valley, the North Entrance from Twentynine Palms, the Cottonwood Entrance from Interstate 10, and the West Entrance, which is the most popular way to enter the park as it provides a direct route to Hidden Valley and other attractions.

The road to the trailhead of the Fortynine Palms Oasis and Indian Cove campground are accessible from Twentynine Palms, but neither roads connect with the rest of the park.

Transportation Tips

Ensure that your hotel has easy parking arrangements if you're planning to drive.



Flights to Joshua Tree National Park
How much does it cost to go to Joshua Tree National Park? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Joshua Tree National Park
The price of renting a car in Joshua Tree National Park will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


Food Budget in Joshua Tree National Park

In Joshua Tree National Park, you won't find a wide variety of dining options, and the quality leaves much to be desired. It's better to reserve your funds for activities that are more engaging. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Joshua Tree National Park can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Joshua Tree National Park is $60 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $60

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Joshua Tree National Park is around $60 ($60) per person, with previous travelers spending from $26 to $114. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Joshua Tree National Park are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $6 to $18
  • Lunch: $9 to $24
  • Dinner: $18 to $42
  • Coffee: $5
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $9

While most campers may prepare food at their campsites, there are a handful of inexpensive to moderately priced restaurants available on the Twentynine Palms Highway.

Crossroads Cafe is well-known for their breakfast offerings, chicken cilantro soup and banana bread at fair prices. For vegetarian and vegan fare, many rave about The Natural Sisters Cafe's curried rice wraps, killer bee smoothies and chop salads.

Get more bang for your buck at Joshua Hookah Lounge, an inexpensive choice for lunch. Diners can stop in for hookah with their Middle Eastern fare featuring hummus, falafel and gyros. Pie for the People serves New York style (read: thin crust, large slices) pizza and exceptional, but inexpensive cannoli. Meanwhile, an eclectic fusion of Indian cuisine and pizza is served at Sam's Pizza, featuring their coconut korma and curry pizza.

Diners love Royal Siam Cuisine Thai Restaurant's spicy coconut milk soup and their lunch specials which hover around $8 and are served Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Those who aren't feeling particularly adventurous to try local fare can find standard fast food eateries like Burger King, Panda Express, and other burger joints on Twentynine Palms Highway or along the 10 freeway, south of the park.

Food & Dining Tips

If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.

Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.

By making a picnic, you can save money and take in the views. Locate a nearby grocery store or market, pick up some fresh food, and find a charming park or scenic location for your meal.

Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.

If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Joshua Tree National Park

Tourists can't resist Joshua Tree National Park, especially for its well-known hiking, budget-friendly accommodations, family-friendly activities, and romance.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Joshua Tree National Park typically cost an average of $27 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $27

Some of the most popular sights can be seen on hikes throughout the park. With more than 25 marked trails, Joshua Tree National Park offers nature hikes suitable for all levels.

While the iconic Skull Rock is visible from the road, the real highlight lies in the surrounding rock formations to climb. This short, easy hike explores boulder piles and loops back to the entrance.

Hike an easy, kid-friendly, mile-long loop to Hidden Valley, enclosed by rocks and rumored to have been a place where cattle rustlers hid their stolen cattle here.

The half-mile Indian Cove loop can be completed in just 30-45 minutes while you explore native plants and animal life. Wear close toed shoes for the quarter-mile loop through the Cholla Cactus Garden. It may be prickly, but is an incredible place to see thousands of densely packed Cholla cacti on an easy nature walk.

Arch Rock is a signature rock formation easily accessed by a half-mile hike from the White Tank Campground. Fortynine Palms Oasis, while not connected to the rest of the park, is a favorite trail for many who visit Joshua Tree. The moderate, three-mile rugged hiking trail offers a 300-foot elevation gain in both directions, stunning views of barrel cacti, rocks and especially the fan palm oasis at the end. Other famous rock formations can be seen at Jumbo Rocks, Barker Dam and of course, Wonderland of Rocks.

The hike to Ryan Mountain is one of the most popular hikes of the park. Despite its seemingly short 3-mile length and estimated 1.5-2.5 hours it takes to complete, it is one of the most strenuous hikes, as you will gain about 1,000 feet in elevation as you make your way to the summit of Ryan Mountain. The most challenging and longest hike is the California Riding and Hiking Trail, which covers 35 miles and takes between 2-3 days to hike. It's a one-way hike starting from Black Rock Canyon and passes through a variety of Mojave Desert landscapes.

It's easy to find things to do in Joshua Tree, as the park and surrounding areas offer so many different activities.

Campers are in for a unique experience as many of Joshua Tree's campsites are in between rock formations in the heart of the high desert. Campsites are first come first serve, but visitors may search for their own campsite and pay by the night if they wish to take a chance. Your best bet is coming early to search on Friday as sites fill up quickly during high seasons.

Joshua Tree offers eight campgrounds: Belle, Black Rock, Cottonwood, Hidden Valley, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, Ryan and White Tank, all of which require permit fees between $15-20 per site, per night and must be paid within an hour of choosing a campsite. Note: Only Black Rock and Cottonwood have water and flush toilets.

Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance at www.recreation.gov or (877)444-6777. Campers: don't worry about forgetting camping gear or running short on supplies; a 24-hour Walmart is available just outside the park on the northwest side on Twentynine Palms Highway.

Those who aren't ready to rough it can find a multitude of accommodations on Twentynine Palms Highway or in other areas around the park. For example, check out these epic Airbnbs in Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree Inn is a well-located, kitschy place full of character for a great value and the High Desert Motel offers basic, clean rooms convenient to the park entrance and visitors center. Mid-level accommodations include the corporate Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, Best Western Hotel and Suites and the Fairfield Inn and Suites, which offer free breakfast and more creature comforts consistent with standardized hotel brands. Those seeking sophistication can stay at the Sagewater Spa, which offers a luxurious, quiet getaway on the west side of the park.

Horseback riding is a wonderful way to explore the park, which has more than 200 miles of equestrian trails, allowing riders to travel through canyons, open lands and dry washes. Campsites which allow horses and stock animals (limited to mules) are Black Rock Horse Camp and Ryan Horse Camp, which require reservations and a fee of between $15-20 per night.

The Geology Motor Tour is also available for those who want to see the park but may be limited in time or mobility. The tour covers 18 miles of the park's landscapes with 16 stops along the way.

Joshua Tree National Park is world-famous for its monzogranite climbing and bouldering with more than 400 climbing formations and 8,000 climbing routes for all levels and styles: crack, slab and steep-facing. Climbing guides and maps can be found at the visitors centers and climbing guide services can be found online or at local climbing stores.

The opportunity to stargaze in Joshua Tree might just change your mind about the night sky, as most urban areas produce too much light and pollution to see stars. One of the best viewing points is Pinto Basin, though it is located further in the center of the park. Stargazing hikes and activities vary by the season; check the visitors center for upcoming events and daily hikes and constellation guides.

Festivals & Events
Shakti Fest is an annual all-ages five-day yoga, sacred music and personal growth festival each May.

Joshua Tree Music Festival is a biannual family-friendly music festival that takes places in autumn and spring. The spring festival feature and eclectic mix of electro-funk, dance, groove and world music, while the fall lineup features artists of folkadelic, new grass and world beat genres.

Joshua Tree National Park was named of the best places to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower, which takes place between mid-July and late-August.

Sightseeing Tips

Hiking:
The hiking scene in Joshua Tree National Park is truly remarkable. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

A nice way to explore destinations in Joshua Tree National Park is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Rappelling Experience for $255 details
  • From San Diego: Joshua Tree National Park Private Tour for $949 details

Recommended Activities

Nightlife Budget in Joshua Tree National Park

The nightlife in Joshua Tree National Park is pretty much non-existent. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $4.93 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Joshua Tree National Park per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $4.93
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.


Travel cost data last updated: Apr 28, 2026

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Joshua Tree National Park

  • Prices generally surge and the national park fills up during the peak season in summer. To enjoy some savings and a less crowded atmosphere, aim to visit during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Traveling slower can help save you money while letting you enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you pack your days with activities, the costs can add up. However, taking it easy often results in a more enjoyable trip with lower expenses.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Public transportation is quite scarce in Joshua Tree National Park. It may be beneficial to rent a car or arrange a form of transport in advance, like a tour. Keep in mind that this could impact your budget in other ways.
  • Joshua Tree National Park isn't exactly teeming with hostels, so if you were hoping to find a low-cost dorm, you might want to rethink that. Finding a budget hotel or renting an apartment could be your best bet.
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Traveling in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park Joshua Tree National Park, California

California's high desert has a unique landscape and has become synonymous with Joshua Tree, located in southeastern California. Joshua Tree National Park gained its namesake from its spiky, evergreen, and unusually shaped trees native to the Mojave Desert area, which only grow in arid soils on plains, slopes and mesas. Legend has it that Mormons in the 19th century came across the trees and thought they resembled Joshua from the Bible, with outstretched arms, beckoning them to the promised land. Well, they do kind of look like people.

The best times to visit are in early spring, between March and April and in late fall between October and November, when temperatures are mild during the day and cool in the evening.

While the park is open year-round, you'll experience fewer crowds in summer and winter due to extreme temperatures. During these seasons, average daytime highs exceed over 100 degrees in summer and average nighttime lows dip below 40 degrees in the winter.

Entry to the park for one vehicle is $20 for seven days and an annual pass is $30. Fees can be paid at the visitors centers or at the entrances to the park. If booths are unattended when you enter or the lines to pay are too long, you can also pay on your way out of the park. Be sure to visit any of the four visitor centers for maps, current conditions and any temporary closures in the park.

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Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Joshua Tree National Park, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.

Joshua Tree National Park on a Shoestring Budget?

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $78 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Joshua Tree National Park often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $177 per person, per day.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $339 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the national park, prepare for a luxury price tag.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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