It's recommended to rent a car to fully explore Joshua Tree's desert landscape. The closest airport is Palm Springs International Airport, located about 40 miles away from the park. A one-way ride takes about 45 minutes with average costs of $80-$100 by taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Cholla Cactus Garden or Barker Dam. For those with less time, skip rock climbing or Integratron. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for changes in temperature throughout the day.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the closest airport to Joshua Tree National Park, located approximately 40 miles northwest of the park in Palm Springs, California. The airport is served by several major airlines like American, Delta, and Alaska Airlines and offers direct flights to major cities in the United States including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Seattle.