A photo of an backcountry campsite.

Wilderness Backpacking Permit System

Joshua Tree National Park » Wilderness Backpacking Permit System » Document List

Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) is proposing to implement a permit program for visitors conducting overnight trips in JTNP's Wilderness Backcountry areas. JTNP is requesting public review and comment on the implementation of this program.

The Goals of the permit program are:
> Improve the visitor experience and protect cultural, natural, and wilderness resources that visitors come here to enjoy.
> Collect visitor use statistics from the recreation.gov system to inform future park planning and decision making.
> Improved public education resulting in increased visitor safety and improved sustainable use of backcountry resources.

Proposed Permit Program would:
> Require a permit for overnight Wilderness backcountry use at JTNP.
>Campsites will be designated along select high use trails, in non-designated areas, criteria would be established to select a backcountry campsite. 
> Permits can be obtained:  1) Online through Recreation.gov; 2) By Phone; and 3) In person at Joshua Tree Headquarters Office.
>The cost of the permit would be a flat rate of $6 per permit and only a credit or debit card is accepted.   A single permit would allow for a range in group size of 1 to 12 visitors.

Pre-Trip Requirements:  
> Before receiving a permit, users would be required to view and acknowledge they have read and reviewed JTNP backcountry education information and a backpacking educational video.   
> Permittees will be required to check-in prior to hiking out either over the phone or in person at JTNP Headquarters Office (74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA  92277).    

Contact Information

Nathan Rhyne - Revenue and Fee Manager
jotr_planning@nps.gov