Cottonwood Visitor Center
Gateway to Cottonwood Spring trails in Joshua Tree NP. Offers park info, gift shop, and passport stamps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the intense desert heat.
Cottonwood Visitor Center
Best Time
Escape the intense desert heat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to Cottonwood Spring trails in Joshua Tree NP. Offers park info, gift shop, and passport stamps.
"A required stop for park passes and maps, with friendly staff and a great gift shop."
Bring ample water! 💧
Dehydration is a serious risk. Carry more water than you think you'll need for hikes and drives.
Collect park stamps! 🧳
A fun activity for all ages. Grab your passport and get those unique park stamps.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cottonwood Spring Trails
South end of Joshua Tree National Park
Explore scenic desert landscapes and oasis trails. Perfect for a refreshing hike.
Passport Stamps
Inside the Visitor Center
Collect unique park stamps for your passport. A fun souvenir for all ages!
Park Information & Maps
Inside the Visitor Center
Get essential park maps and advice from friendly rangers. Navigate Joshua Tree with ease.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hydration is Key
Park Entry & Passes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring ample water! 💧
Dehydration is a serious risk. Carry more water than you think you'll need for hikes and drives.
Collect park stamps! 🧳
A fun activity for all ages. Grab your passport and get those unique park stamps.
Consider a Lifetime Pass 💰
If you visit national parks often, the Senior Lifetime Pass is a great value.
Check trail conditions 🥾
Some trails are for 4x4 vehicles. High clearance is recommended for challenging routes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring ample water! 💧
Dehydration is a serious risk. Carry more water than you think you'll need for hikes and drives.
Collect park stamps! 🧳
A fun activity for all ages. Grab your passport and get those unique park stamps.
Consider a Lifetime Pass 💰
If you visit national parks often, the Senior Lifetime Pass is a great value.
Check trail conditions 🥾
Some trails are for 4x4 vehicles. High clearance is recommended for challenging routes.
Stargazing potential ✨
Bring a chair and binoculars for incredible night sky views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Cottonwood Visitor Center a clean and well-organized stop, with friendly staff providing helpful park maps and information. The gift shop is noted for its support of the park. While not always requiring an entry pass itself, it's a key point for accessing Joshua Tree National Park.
"Nice small visitor center. We dis not need to show anything driving in on this side but when we drove out the west center we dis need to show our national park pass. Do not know if this is always the vase. Friendly people go in if you want a map of Joshua Tree park."
Jeroen Janki
"Passport stamps were visibly available when you enter the visitor center : a turtle stamp / palm tree stamp/ Joshua tree stamp / kid rangers stamp available. I was told they don’t have a secret stamp as of July 2025. But they are planning to have it. Can someone let me know if/when have it. Thanks.
*Photos show more stamps that I collected at other visitors center. (Yucca valley / 29 palms/ Joshua tree national park visitor center as well as black rock nature center)"
T. Tillery
"This is a required stop if you are visiting the park as you will need passes.
Passes are sold per vehicle.
Best bargain is the 62+ Senior Lifetime pass for all of the parks - at this writing it’s $80.
Inside you can find a nice assortment of tchachkis and t-shirts that help support the park.
As you get past the visitors center and follow the road there are many trails to visit.
Most are for 4x4 vehicles and a high clearance is recommended for some of the more challenging trails.
As this is also a good place to star gaze, bring a chair, jacket and some binoculars or a telescope.
Don’t forget water - any trails in a vehicle can take longer than expected- BE PREPARED! Food and snacks are also recommended."
Scott P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yes, you can enter from the south entrance near Cottonwood Springs Road and drive through to exit at Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree. Many prefer this south-to-north route.
Yes, there are free camping sites on BLM land just outside the Cottonwood Visitor Center, especially off Box Canyon Road. 
The Cottonwood Visitor Center is located at the southern end of Joshua Tree National Park. Access is typically via I-10 and then Cottonwood Springs Road.
The General Patton Memorial Museum is about 15 minutes away from the Cottonwood Visitor Center and charges an entrance fee.
Roads are generally in good condition, but some trails accessible from here are for 4x4 vehicles and require high clearance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the visitor center itself may not always require a pass, you will need a valid Joshua Tree National Park pass to enter the park. Passes are sold per vehicle.
Park entrance fees are per vehicle. Consider purchasing a national park pass if you plan to visit multiple parks throughout the year.
Yes, the 62+ Senior Lifetime pass is available for $80 and grants access to all national parks.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Joshua Tree National Park website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, park passes are sold per vehicle at the visitor center, which helps support the park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can get park maps, information from rangers, collect passport stamps, and browse the gift shop. It's also a starting point for trails. +1
Yes, Cottonwood Spring is a gateway to several trails, including those leading to an oasis. Some trails are best suited for 4x4 vehicles.
The area around Cottonwood Spring is known for its oasis, which can attract various desert wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds and other desert creatures.
Absolutely! The desert offers dark skies perfect for stargazing. Bring a chair and binoculars for the best experience.
Yes, there are nice bathrooms available at the Cottonwood Visitor Center.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The gift shop offers a nice assortment of tchotchkes and t-shirts that help support the park.
While the visitor center has a gift shop, it's recommended to bring your own food and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking or spending extended time in the park.
The eastbound rest stop just after driving past the visitor center is a good place to refill water.
📸 📸 Photography
The oasis at Cottonwood Spring, the desert landscapes, and the night sky for stargazing offer excellent photography opportunities.
Always be aware of your surroundings and wildlife. Stay on marked trails and carry plenty of water.
Yes, you can take photos of the passport stamps, but collecting them is a fun activity in itself!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When exploring the trails near Cottonwood Spring, opt for shorter, well-maintained paths that are manageable for little legs. The Cottonwood Spring oasis itself can be a fascinating spot for kids to discover desert plant life. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider a stroller or carrier for very young children if planning on longer excursions.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
If you're on a tight schedule, focus on the accessible trails near the visitor center, like the short hike to the Cottonwood Spring oasis. You can also use this as a staging area for a south-to-north drive through the park, making it a seamless part of your larger road trip itinerary.
🏕️ Campers & Boondockers
+1While these sites are free, they come with the responsibility of Leave No Trace principles. Ensure you pack out everything you pack in, and be mindful of fire restrictions. The visitor center can provide general guidance on park regulations, but it's essential to be self-sufficient and prepared for desert camping conditions, including bringing ample water and managing waste properly.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Joshua Tree National Park from the South
From the Cottonwood Visitor Center, you can access the Cottonwood Spring oasis, a rare desert water source that supports a variety of plant and animal life. Several hiking trails originate here, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging treks. It's important to note that some of these trails are best suited for 4x4 vehicles or require high clearance, so plan accordingly based on your vehicle and hiking experience.
When entering from the south, remember that water is paramount. The desert climate is arid, and temperatures can soar. Always carry more water than you anticipate needing, and be aware of the signs of dehydration. The visitor center provides maps and essential information to help you plan your route and stay safe within the park.
Passport Stamps and Park Souvenirs
While there might not always be a 'secret' stamp, the available designs are a fun way to engage with the park's identity. Many visitors enjoy comparing their stamp collections from different visitor centers across the national park system.
Beyond the stamps, the visitor center also boasts a well-equipped gift shop. Here, you can find a variety of souvenirs, including t-shirts and other 'tchotchkes,' all of which contribute to supporting the park's conservation efforts. It's a great place to pick up a memento or a practical item for your desert adventures.
Preparing for Your Desert Adventure
Beyond water, packing food and snacks is highly recommended, as dining options within the park are limited. Comfortable hiking shoes are essential for exploring the trails, and dressing in layers is wise, as desert temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night. A jacket is advisable for cooler evenings, especially if you plan on stargazing.
For those interested in the night sky, bringing binoculars or a telescope can enhance the stargazing experience. If you plan on exploring more rugged trails, ensure your vehicle is suitable, as some routes are designated for 4x4 vehicles and require high clearance. Always inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time.
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