oasis visitor center

100countries_or_bust

If you have never been to Joshua Tree before, make the stop at Oasis Visitor Center. We were glad we took the advice of Palm Desert visitor's center and started at the north end of the park. We found the staff at the Oasis very helpful. They clearly love the park and are able to provide good advice.You can buy a big bottle of water for $1. No price gauging here - they want people to be hydrated. There are NO food facilities in the park. Bring a lunch or pack some snacks. Make sure your gas tank is close to full.

RikiUSA

Important stop to make just 5 minutes before entering Joshua Tree National Park. The visitor center has 2 rooms - don't miss the back room inside the main entrance. A short educational video about Joshua Tree plays continuously and is incredibly informative. In the visitor center, I drifted away from my husband and found him sitting on one of the rows of benches watching the video. No one else entered after I sat down and watched the video with him. Many visitors may miss this back room and the brief video. Visitor Center staff were excellent and provided information and maps. The visitor center had neat (and necessary) hats and many souvenirs. Check out the small snack store next door, occupying the other one-half of the Visitor Center Building. After you have your supplies, the Joshua Tree National Park entrance is just 5 minutes away on Park Drive. At the gate, the National Park Rangers are equally helpful and so friendly. Tell the ranger if you may be eligible for a free admission or a discount pass, for example U.S active duty military, etc.

DeborahandAndy

We stopped because of the cold weather. Helpful maps, info, restrooms- next door is a small cafe- soups, sandwiches, salads, cookies.

BillT910

Very knowledgeable and personable staff which are a credit to the Park Service. Try the Joshua Tree Park Rock Cafe which is co located with the bister centre. The food was excellent with the option for packed lunches. Excellent coffee

michelleg592

I was expecting this visitor center to be located right inside the park... but it wasn't. Still, the staff were very professional and helpful.

Craig-World-Travelle

We stopped by Oasis Visitors Center to get recommendations on places to visit in the park and best places to watch sunset. The ranger was very happy to answer all our questions and make recommendations.They also have nice exhibits of the animals and geology of the park. They have a larger store for selling books, supplies and souvenirs than at Cottonwood. Nice place to stop if entering the park from 29 Palms. If you collect National Park stamps, each of the four visitor centers have different stamps.

Steve1362

The Oasis Visitor Center is the main visitor center for Joshua Tree NP and is located in the town of Twentynine Palms along Park Blvd just south of Hwy 62 on the way to the park’s north entrance. This is an excellent place to stop and orient oneself to the park and have any questions answered by a Ranger. In addition to the usual bookstore, gift shop, restrooms, exhibits and an excellent introductory film (different than the one at the Joshua Tree VC), this is also the starting point for the easy, paved 0.5mi (0.8k) loop trail to the park’s most accessible California Fan Palm oasis and is well worth the short time it takes to visit as most visitors are unlikely to have an opportunity to see one of the other oases with Cottonwood Springs closed indefinitely due to heavy metal contamination from an old mine. Out the back of the visitor center is a shaded picnic area where one can enjoy their picnic lunch or something from the café next door or takeout from one of the other restaurants in Twentynine Palms.

epox

At the corner of Highway 62 and Park Blvd, stop by the Joshua Tree Visitor Center as you head to the West entrance to the park. Rangers are very helpful, you can buy gifts and books/maps about the local flora, fauna and geology.Tip: the cafe right next to it has good food, including some vegetarian options. You can even buy a lunch box -- perfect if you plan to stay in the park for several hours.

travelingrm

My husband and I have been to this Park several times. On this trip we had our grandsons...two new Jr Rangers! stop at this visitor center or one of the other ones and get the booklet to complete the requirement for the badge. The park rangers are so friendly to children and knowledgable to adults. Plan ahead and reserve a space on the Keyes Rqnch tour...you will thank me for this tip! Ask about the locations of the blooming desert flowers. Hike the paths near Jumbo Rocks. Enjoy the beauty that this national park provides. We always stay in Desert Hot springs because we love the warm waters there. It makes the trips to Joshua Tree a bit longer than staying in Twenty nine palms, but we think the ride is pleasant when you can soak in the hot pools after hiking.

Jordan1971

He'll talk your ear off. We stopped in just looking for a map and to join the park membership. Ranger Dave was talking away and the other person had just started working and did not know any information or how to work the register. This turned what should have been a pleasant little stop into an unnecessary long wait. So, beware of Ranger Dave. Our visit was annoying but I still recommend stopping in for information before heading into the park. Also I recommend becoming a member of Joshua Tree. It is well worth it. It is such a good cause and your help is needed.

5Carrolls

The information center has all the useful information needed to really understand and appreciate Joshua Tree NP. We were just driving through from AZ to LA, and stopped at the north end visitor center to pick up a Jr. Ranger packet for our 2 girls (8 and 6). It was filled with fun activities (history, geology, flora/fauna, animals, rock formations, etc.). We made stops throughout the park to complete the activities. We spent about 5 hours between the north end and the southern entrance as we stopped for a 1/2hr hike and an hour hike, along with minor pit stops. My girls LOVED the skull rock at the Jumbo Rocks and the 3 mile hike (they liked scrambling around on the "petite" monoliths). We also did the Hidden Valley hike and drove to the Keys View overlook. My family can't wait to return so we can camp and try rock climbing.

JaniceWriterAuthor

Excellant, Friendly & knowledgeable staff .. Had everything we needed to get us started on an unforgetable 3 days at Joshua Tree

KiwiSwitzerland

Excellent service, very informative and a great start to the park. Definitely a must. View the film!

birdy_58

When traveling, I always make the point to stop at the visitor center to have all important information: what to do, what to see, safety measures, warnings, etc.Very informative staff who gave us excellent pointers on where to go, and what to not miss.

CAW_12

This visitor center is always filled with interesting and useful information. You can find out about almost anything of interest and about almost any place in the area. It has nice museum type displays, helpful staff, and even live music outside sometimes! Also a yearly art show in the spring which is quite nice.