Entrances to Joshua Tree National Park
The Two Main Entrances
Joshua Tree National Park has 2 main entrances: The West Entrance in Joshua Tree which can have long lines during busy times of year. The North Entrance in Twentynine Palms which is a lot less busy and is great for accessing Arch Rock, Skull Rock and The Cholla Cactus Garden.
There is also the South Entrance near Cottonwood along Interstate 10
Two Lesser Known Entrances into Joshua Tree National Park
Indian Cove + Black Rock Canyon are 2 lesser known entrances to the park but their roads do not connect to the other main roads that traverse the park.
Indian Cove
Indian Cove in Joshua Tree National Park
You can access this area of the park via Indian Cove Road (in Twentynine Palms). Here you’ll see lots of amazing boulders - Indian Cove is known for world-class rock climbing. There are hiking trails and the campgrounds here include large group campgrounds.
The main hike in the Indian Cove area of Joshua Tree National Park is the Indian Cove Nature Trail, a short (only about 0.6 miles), easy loop that highlights local plants, wildlife, and Indigenous history with interpretive signs about desert plants, and animals. It also features distinctive rock formations and a dry wash section.
Boy Scout Trail is longer desert hike can be done as an out‑and‑back or linked into longer routes.
Rattlesnake Canyon is also in Indian Cove, but it is primarily climbing/scrambling lines rather than a maintained hiking trail. This is not a formal “park trail”.
The Indian Cove entrance to the park does not connect to the other major roads that traverse the park if traveling by car.
Indian Cove Campground Panorama
Black Rock Canyon
Black Rock Canyon
The entrance to Black Rock Canyon closer to Yucca Valley. Here you’ll find beautiful hiking trails with expansive views and Joshua Trees along the paths and throughout the campground. Hikes include: West side Loop, Panorama Loop, Warren Peak (steady climb to a summit), Hi‑View Nature Trail, Burnt Hill/Short Loop, California Riding & Hiking Trail
The Black Rock area of Joshua Tree National Park is not connected by roads to other areas of the park.
Black Rock Canyon Hikes + Campground Entrance