Joshua Tree National Landmark

About Joshua Tree National Landmark

Located just west of St. George, Utah, this unique area was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1966 because the Joshua tree forest was considered to be the best example of this natural community at the northern extreme of its range in the Mojave Desert. Although wildfires in 2006 have left their mark on the landscape, Joshua trees and other native vegetation provide important habitat for numerous wildlife species, including desert bighorn sheep, kit fox, and desert tortoise—a rare and protected species. If you see a desert tortoise, enjoy it from a distance to avoid disturbing it, and never touch or remove them.Although there are no restrooms, signs, or developed trails, the site is open for exploring and offers excellent opportunities for photography, nature watching, and quiet reflection. Dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14 nights, but visitors should come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles.This remote desert landmark offers a peaceful escape and a chance to experience one of Utah’s most distinctive desert ecosystems up close. Directions for a scenic loop route:Drive west out of St. George and through Santa Clara on Sunset Blvd/Old Hwy 91 for approximately 11 miles to the Gunlock turnoff intersection.Stay left on Old Hwy 91 for another 2 miles, then turn left (south) onto Bulldog Pass/Apex Mine Road.Proceed for 3.2 miles onto Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic Byway. *though the Byway is a maintained dirt/gravel road, it can be rough in sections for low passenger vehicles.The Byway traverses 18.9 miles through the Beaver Dam Mountains by way of Bulldog Pass and Bulldog Canyon, and delivers remarkable views of the rugged Beaver Dam Mountains and Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness. At its southern end, the Byway passes through the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area (NCA) as well as the Woodbury Desert Study Area until it reconnects to Old Hwy 91 near the Arizona border.

How to Get There

Travel from St. George, Utah:Travel southwards on I-15, take Arizona Exit 8 and turn right (north) onto Old Hwy 91 heading towards Beaver Dam (Arizona). Drive north on Old Hwy 91 for approximately 9.5 miles then turn right (east) onto Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic Byway and follow this maintained dirt/gravel road for approximately 2.5 miles.Drive west out of St. George and through Santa Clara on Sunset Blvd/Old Hwy 91 for approximately 11 miles to the Gunlock turnoff intersection. Stay left on Old Hwy 91 for another 15 miles, then turn left (east) onto Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic Byway and follow this maintained dirt/gravel road for approximately 2.5 miles.

Plan Your Visit to Joshua Tree National Landmark

Heading to Joshua Tree National Landmark? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)