Joshua Tree National Park
Extreme Heat Watch issued March 16 at 2:43AM PDT until March 20 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures of 106 to 114 possible. * WHERE...Coachella Valley, San Diego County Deserts, and San Gorgonio Pass near Banning. * WHEN...From Thursday morning through Friday evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events.
Extreme Heat Watch issued March 16 at 1:28AM PDT until March 20 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
* WHAT...High temperatures in the Colorado River Valley and the lower elevations of Death Valley will top out in the 100 to 108 range. Temperatures in the lower elevations of San Bernardino County will top out in the 95 to 105 range with temperatures in the higher elevations topping out in the 90s. * WHERE...Cadiz Basin, Death Valley National Park, Eastern Mojave Desert, Morongo Basin, and Western Mojave Desert. * WHEN...From Wednesday morning through Friday evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events.
Extreme Heat Watch issued March 16 at 12:04AM MST until March 22 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
* WHERE...Portions of southwest Arizona and southeast and southern California. * WHEN...From Wednesday morning through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Afternoon high temperatures between 103 and 109 degrees.
Overview
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24/7 year-round where two distinct desert ecosystems meet—the Mojave and Colorado deserts. The park is currently operating with full services following earlier 2025 challenges. In early 2025, there was a Eureka Fire in the Covington Flats area (May 30-June 5) that caused temporary closures. The west entrance underwent significant construction throughout 2025, with temporary closures in April (4 days) and August 25-29 for new entrance station paving work—this project has now been completed. There was also a government lapse in appropriations (shutdown) in October 2025, but the park remained open with limited services and law enforcement/maintenance staff on duty. Currently, all three visitor centers (Joshua Tree, Oasis, and Cottonwood) are operating with standard hours: Joshua Tree and Oasis 8am-5pm daily, Cottonwood 9am-3pm. Entry fee is $30 per vehicle (valid 7 days), or use your America the Beautiful pass. Winter (including December) is peak season—expect crowds between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Pack layers for cold, windy conditions; temperatures can drop significantly at night despite sunny days. The park is an International Dark Sky Park, making it exceptional for stargazing. All roads are currently open with no active closures. Water is extremely limited in the park—bring plenty and plan accordingly.
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