One of the most unique national parks in the United States, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit park in southern California. Located not far from Los Angeles, it’s the ideal destination for a weekend trip or on a longer road trip through Southwestern USA.
But is it worthwhile visiting Joshua Tree with a dog? Just how dog-friendly is Joshua Tree National Park? I share my experiences…
Is It Worthwhile Visiting Joshua Tree with a Dog?
I’ll be upfront: there are a lot of restrictions on where pets can go at Joshua Tree National Park. In particular, pets are not allowed on any unpaved hiking trails or in the backcountry in the national park.
However, I still think it’s worthwhile to visit Joshua Tree National Park with your dog, in particular if you’re on a road trip around the American Southwest, like we were. There’s still plenty to see with your dog, including the park’s famous trees and natural vistas.
Rules for Visiting Joshua Tree with a Dog
In addition to the specific rules listed above for Joshua Tree, the standard rules for pets in all national parks in the US also apply. Keep these rules in mind:
- No pets on unpaved hiking trails or in the backcountry
- Pets must be kept on a leash at all times, no longer than six feet long
- Pets must not be left unattended, including in vehicles while you hike
- No pets in park buildings
- Pick up after your dog
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing at Joshua Tree
So, if you can’t go on most hiking trails in Joshua Tree National Park with your pet or explore the backcountry, what dog-friendly things are there to do? These are my top picks based on my visit with my dog…
#1 Drive Along Park Boulevard
The main road that passes through Joshua Tree National Park is Park Boulevard. The boulevard links the west entrance to the park, near the town of Joshua Tree, and the north entrance, in Twentynine Palms, both on Highway 62. It’s about 35 miles long.
Driving along Park Boulevard is a great dog-friendly sightseeing option at Joshua Tree. Along the way you can see many of the highlights of the park, including Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, Ryan Mountain, Skull Rock and, of course, groves of the famous Joshua Trees.
In Joshua Tree, leashed dogs (use a leash no longer than six feet) are allowed within 100 feet (30.5m) of roads, picnic areas and campgrounds. When I visited with my dog, we stopped multiple times along the boulevard at picnic areas and other pull-offs. It was great to venture slightly off the road and take plenty of photos, including some with my pup.
#2 Detour to Keys View
While driving along Park Boulevard, we made sure to take the turn-off to Keys View. This impressive viewpoint is a worthwhile 20 minute detour off the main drive.
The viewpoint sits on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, with spectacular views of the Coachella Valley below. It also offers a birds-eye view of the infamous San Andreas Fault passing through the valley. Even if you’re not a geology nerd you’ll be impressed!
There is a short paved walk to the lookout point from the parking lot. Dogs are welcome to join you on the walk and at the viewpoint.
#3 Continue Along the Pinto Basin Road
Rather than just driving along Park Boulevard through Joshua Tree, a longer drive is to start at the west entrance along Park Boulevard then turn onto the Pinto Basin Road, exiting from the south entrance of the park onto Route 10. This route takes about 90 minutes to drive non-stop, but allow plenty of more time for stops.
We drove this route as we were road tripping to Arizona after our day in Joshua Tree National park. While I didn’t find this section of the drive through the lower elevation Colorado Desert as impressive as the earlier drive through the Joshua Trees, the desert scenery is still fascinating.
One of the highlights along the drive is stopping at the Cholla Cactus Garden, where there is a quarter-mile walk through a stand of teddybear cholla. However, this garden is strictly off limits to dogs – have you seen the length of some of the cactus spines?
I still recommend stopping at the garden, unless you’re traveling solo. My husband and I took turns visiting the garden, while the other looked after our dog in the parking lot. Never leave your dog unattended in your vehicle, especially on hot desert days.
#4 Hike the Oasis of Mara Trail
In addition to the short paved trail at Keys View, the only other dog-friendly hiking trail within Joshua Tree National park is the similarly paved Oasis of Mara Trail.
This easy half-mile long paved trail is located at the Joshua Tree National Park Headquarters in Twentynine Palms. Unfortunately, we skipped visiting this spot as we exited the national park from the southern entrance.
A unique spot in the park, the oasis contains a large stand of honey mesquite and is the best spot to view California fan palm in the park. There are interpretive signs located along the path.
Just be wary of hot pavements during the middle of the day. Consider completing this walk with your dog during the cooler morning or evening hours when the weather is warmer.
#5 Walk Along Unpaved Roads
One alternative option for hiking with your pet in Joshua Tree are the many unpaved roads located within the park. Leashed pets are allowed on any roads that vehicles can drive along.
A list of the unpaved roads and their distances can be found on this page. Note that some of the roads are only accessible to 4-wheel drive vehicles, sometimes only high-clearance vehicles. One of the most popular dirt roads is the Geology Tour Road, which is partially accessible to regular vehicles.
Remember to keep an eye out for other vehicles and that pets are not allowed further than 100 feet (30.5m) off the edges of the road, plus need to stay leashed at all times.
Are There Any Kennels at Joshua Tree?
There are no official kennels associated with Joshua Tree National Park, but there are kennels located in the surrounding towns. Check for options in Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley nearby. There are also kennels not far away in Palm Springs.
Keeping Your Dog Safe at Joshua Tree
Its a harsh natural environment at Joshua Tree National Park, so make sure you stay alert and keep your pet safe.
For starters, temperatures can rise quite high during the day in summer in the high desert. Consider visiting the park with your dog outside of the hot summer months. We visited in late October and found the conditions ideal. Alternatively, the best time to visit is early morning or during the evening.
Always bring plenty of water, both for yourself and your pet. I usually carry a collapsible water bowl for my dog in my bag, that I fill up from my own water bottle. If you have a drink, also offer water to your pet.
Other dangers in the park include cacti spikes, rattlesnakes, coyotes and mountain lions. Keep your dog close by on a leash and follow the rules to stay out of the backcountry.
Driving to Joshua Tree National Park
The west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park and the town of Joshua Tree is about 125 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles. The drive takes two to three hours, depending on the time of day and traffic. With good traffic, it’s close enough for a day trip, but it’s better to spend a weekend in the area.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation at Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park is home to eight campgrounds open to the public, with dogs allowed at each of these campgrounds.
Most of the campgrounds accept reservations, which are a must if you plant to camp during the cooler “spring” season from November to May, or on holidays or weekends year-round. Other campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with some closing over the summer.
Facilities vary, with only Black Rock and Cottonwood Campgrounds having water and flush toilets. The other campgrounds do not have water – so bring your own or use the water refill stations.
There’s also a wide variety of accommodation outside of the park, from basic campgrounds through to gorgeous Airbnbs and luxury resorts. We stayed the night in Palm Springs, an easy 45 minute drive from the west entrance, with lots of pet-friendly hotels.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.