Joshua Tree National Park
Extreme Heat Warning issued October 9 at 2:59AM PDT until October 9 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 105. * WHERE...Coachella Valley, San Diego County Deserts, and San Gorgonio Pass near Banning. * WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events.
Wind Advisory issued October 8 at 11:18PM MST until October 11 at 5:00PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
* WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...In Arizona, Central La Paz, Gila River Valley, Kofa, Parker Valley, and Southeast Yuma County. In California, Chuckwalla Mountains, Chuckwalla Valley, Imperial County Southeast, and Palo Verde Valley. * WHEN...From 2 AM MST /2 AM PDT/ to 5 PM MST /5 PM PDT/ Sunday. * IMPACTS...Difficult driving conditions, especially for larger vehicles traveling along roads with crosswinds. Light, unsecured objects may become airborne.
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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