Joshua Tree National Park Expects to Be Extremely Crowded in Spring 2021

Already the park’s busiest time of the year, the 2021 spring season in Joshua Tree National Park is expected to be even busier than usual, as more people continue to look to national parks for their annual spring holiday. In a press release, the National Park Service shared its concerns about this, based on recent visitation trends.

In any given year, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular national parks to visit in spring. From March through April, the park’s spring wildflowers, warm days and cool nights attract large numbers of visitors every day, including both day visitors and campers.

Combined with hordes of spring breakers looking for a getaway in nature, this regularly causes overcrowding issues in Joshua Tree—and that’s just in normal, non-pandemic years.

Spring 2021 in Joshua Tree National Park Will Be Extremely Busy

Last year, in 2020, visitation in Joshua Tree National Park from June through October was up 11%. That’s telling, considering this is the park’s off season, which has (very) hot weather. In November of 2020, visitation was up a significant 20%. These data were compared with visitation statistics from 2018.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Joshua Tree National Park this spring, you might want to reconsider. Taking into account the anticipated spike in visitor number this upcoming March and April, the park, despite being a large area with few facilities, may not be the safest place to be.

Additionally, huge numbers of visitors will certainly also affect how much you can actually enjoy the park’s unique natural resources. In short, spring in Joshua Tree is anticipated to be exceptionally crowded and, therefore, less enjoyable this year.

If you do decide to visit Joshua Tree in the spring this year, however, the National Park Service offers a few tips to prepare and make the most of your trip.

How to Prepare for a Trip to Joshua Tree in Spring 2021

1. Plan mid-week trips: The park gets extremely crowded on spring weekends and holidays. Plan your trip between Monday and Thursday.
2. Buy a digital park pass: If you don’t have an America the Beautiful Pass, purchase your park pass online on www.recreation.gov. You’ll be able to enter the park much more quickly and smoothly.
3. Get there before 10 a.m.: The busiest times at Joshua Tree entrances are between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., as well as right after sunset. Arrive as early in the morning as you can to avoid long lines at entrances and to find a parking space at your intended hiking trail.

Additionally, there are a number of other things to keep in mind and consider when visiting Joshua Tree National Park in the spring of 2021.

• Spring is wildflower season in Joshua Tree National Park. Remember to enjoy these beautiful flowers respectfully and responsibly. Always stay on trails, only take photos.
• There are 350 reservable campsites in the park, all of which can be booked via www.recreation.gov. This year, if there are no reservation sites left, there most likely won’t be any first-come, first-served sites either. Check out campgrounds outside the park in that case.
• If you are lucky enough to grab a campsite, consider planning your hiking trips from there. Many Joshua Tree trails run through, past or near campgrounds. Try to avoid driving to other areas. All Joshua Tree campgrounds are in spectacular scenery anyway. There’ll be plenty to discover around your campground.
• Be flexible and don’t have a set plan. During the 2021 spring in Joshua Tree, the only hike you may be able to do is the one where there’s a parking spot left (or hikes near your campsite).
• During periods of extreme visitation, Joshua Tree National Park could become a drive-through park. When parking lots are completely full, rangers will turn visitors away from popular areas. Again, arrive early and visit mid-week.
• The National Park Service has implemented a mask mandate in all its facilities, busy areas, crowded trails and other places where people tend to or might gather. Bring several masks, so you could regularly change them, and wear them when and where necessary. Keep your social distance.