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San Diego to Joshua Tree: the drive
The drive from San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park covers 144 miles (231 km) and takes about 2 hr 30 min without stops, mostly on I-15, CA-62 and I-10.
It's an easy drive that leaves plenty of time to explore along the way. Allow about 3 hr 15 min with breaks.
We found 1 worthwhile stop within about 25 miles of the route, including Cabazon Dinosaurs.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-15 | 49 |
| CA-62 | 27 |
| I-10 | 21 |
| Winchester Road | 13 |
| CA-163 | 11 |
Best time to go: October to April. There is little shade and no water inside the park.
Best stops between San Diego and Joshua Tree
- 1
Cabazon Dinosaurs
Giant roadside dinosaurs off I-10 near Palm Springs, built in the 1960s and made famous by Pee-wee's Big Adventure.
Photo: CityMorgue · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay in Joshua Tree / Twentynine Palms
Twisted Joshua trees, giant boulder piles and some of the darkest night skies near Southern California. Joshua Tree / Twentynine Palms is the closest town with lodging. Rooms near national parks sell out in peak season, so book early.
Map not loading? See places to stay near Joshua Tree / Twentynine Palms →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN) and pick up a car there. Booking a round trip from the same airport is usually much cheaper than a one-way rental. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.
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Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from San Diego to Joshua Tree:
San Diego to Joshua Tree road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park?
About 2 hr 30 min without stops for 144 miles via I-15, CA-62 and I-10. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 3 hr 15 min.
What is the halfway point between San Diego and Joshua Tree?
Menifee, CA is about halfway, roughly 72 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from San Diego to Joshua Tree in one day?
Yes. At 2 hr 30 min of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.
What are the best stops between San Diego and Joshua Tree?
Top stops include Cabazon Dinosaurs. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from San Diego to Joshua Tree?
About $19 one way in a car that gets 28 mpg with gas at $3.60 a gallon. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own car and prices.
When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree?
October to April. There is little shade and no water inside the park.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
