✨ 2026 Season

Joshua Tree Permit 2026

Joshua Tree keeps it simple. Day visits, Hidden Valley, and Skull Rock need no permit at all. Overnight backpacking needs a $6 Recreation.gov permit, and most zones never sell out.

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How Joshua Tree Permits Work

Backpacking Permit

$6 on Recreation.gov

Booking Window

Up to 6 months ahead, same-day usually fine

Covers

1-12 people, up to 14 nights

🏜️ Where to Camp

Boy Scout Zone

The one capped zone: 14 designated sites along the Boy Scout Trail. Book ahead for weekends in spring and fall.

All Other Zones

No cap on permits. Pick a zone, camp at least a mile from the road, and enjoy some of the darkest skies in California.

After Tougher California Permits?

Joshua Tree is the easy one. If Half Dome, Mt. Whitney, or the JMT is also on your list, let us watch those for you.

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