Park Entrance Fees Overview
Joshua Tree National Park charges entrance fees to help fund park maintenance, operations, resource protection, and visitor services. Multiple pass options are available to accommodate different visitor needs and travel patterns. Your entrance fee supports conservation efforts that keep Joshua Tree beautiful for future generations.
Vehicle Pass - $30
The standard entrance fee provides 7-day access to the entire park for one private vehicle. This is the most economical option for most visitors, as it covers all occupants regardless of how many people are in the vehicle. The pass is non-transferable and covers only the specific vehicle listed at the time of purchase. You can re-enter the park multiple times during the 7-day validity period without additional charges.
Best for: Families, groups, and road trippers planning to spend several days exploring the park.
Motorcycle Pass - $25
Motorcycles and motorized two-wheelers receive a discounted 7-day pass recognizing their reduced environmental impact. This pass covers the rider and one passenger. The lower price encourages alternative transportation and reflects the minimal resource consumption of motorcycles compared to full-size vehicles. Non-motorized bicycles may enter free of charge.
Best for: Motorcycle enthusiasts seeking scenic park roads and a lower entry cost.
Individual/Pedestrian Pass - $15
Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized visitors pay $15 per person for 7-day access. This option is ideal for visitors arriving via public transportation, hiking in from adjacent areas, or arriving by other non-motorized means. This pass is transferable and applies to one person only. Children under 15 receive free admission when using this pass type.
Best for: Solo travelers, hikers, and budget-conscious visitors using alternative transportation.
Joshua Tree Annual Pass - $55
The annual pass specific to Joshua Tree provides unlimited vehicle access for one calendar year (January 1 through December 31). This pass is excellent for frequent visitors planning multiple trips throughout the year. At approximately $1.50 per visit over a year with monthly trips, the annual pass quickly pays for itself. The pass is transferable and can be used by anyone presenting it at entrance stations.
Pays for itself after: Just 2 visits (costs $60 in vehicle pass fees)
Best for: Local residents, frequent visitors, and those planning return trips throughout the year.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass - $80
The America the Beautiful Pass is the ultimate value for national park enthusiasts. This single pass grants vehicle access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all U.S. national parks, national forests, national grasslands, national wildlife refuges, and other participating federal recreation areas. The pass is valid for one calendar year and covers the driver and all passengers in a single vehicle.
Why the America the Beautiful Pass is a Great Value
If you plan to visit just 3 national parks in a year, the America the Beautiful Pass ($80) pays for itself:
- Joshua Tree: $30
- Zion National Park: $35
- Grand Canyon: $35
- Total for 3 parks: $100 in vehicle passes
Save $20+ with an America the Beautiful Pass, plus gain access to 2,000+ additional recreation sites throughout the country.
Best for: Multi-park road trips, serious outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone visiting 3 or more federal recreation sites annually.
Free Entrance Days in 2025
The National Park Service designates several free entrance days annually when all fees are waived. These are excellent opportunities to visit Joshua Tree at no cost, though they attract significantly higher visitation. Plan to arrive very early and be prepared for crowded parking areas and facilities.
| Holiday/Celebration | 2025 Date |
|---|---|
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 20 |
| Presidents' Day | February 17 |
| First Day of National Park Week | April 19 |
| Great American Outdoors Day | June 28 |
| National Public Lands Day | September 27 |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
Tip: Check the official NPS website for the most current free entrance day schedule, as dates can change and additional days may be announced.
Special Passes & Discounts
Senior Pass ($80 lifetime or $20 per visit) - Available for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older. The lifetime pass provides unlimited access to all national parks and federal recreation sites.
Military Pass (Free) - Active-duty service members and their families receive free annual passes to all national parks with valid military ID.
Access Pass (Free) - Visitors with disabilities receive free lifetime passes to all national parks and federal recreation sites.
4th Grade Pass (Free) - All fourth-graders and homeschooled children receive a free annual pass as part of the Every Kid Outdoors program.
Where to Pay & Purchase Passes
Park Entrance Stations: Staffed gates accept cash and credit/debit cards. Located at:
- West Entrance (Joshua Tree town): Main entrance with full services
- South Entrance (Pinto Basin Road): Secondary entrance with fee collection
- North Entrance (Highway 62): Secondary entrance with fee collection
Self-Pay Iron Rangers: Unmanned fee stations at some entrances accept exact cash payments only.
Online: Purchase passes in advance at recreation.gov or nps.gov. Print your pass before arriving or receive it digitally on your phone.
By Mail or Phone: Contact the park visitor center for information about purchasing passes by mail or over the phone.
Fee Payment Policies
- Entrance fees must be paid at the time of entry; no exceptions
- Passes are non-refundable and non-exchangeable
- Vehicle passes are specific to the vehicle's license plate
- Children under 15 are free with an accompanying paying adult
- Non-motorized bicycles enter free of charge
- Re-entry during the pass validity period is unlimited and free