Explore Joshua Tree National Park for Free: Plan Your Visit Around Free Park Days
January 1, 2026
Joshua Tree in 2026 may just be the best time to plan your desert reset. With designated fee-free days under the National Park Service (NPS), you can experience the dramatic rock formations, wide desert sky, and quiet trails of Joshua Tree National Park without paying the standard entrance fee.
2026 Fee-Free Days: When to Go
According to the 2026 schedule, U.S. citizens and residents get free admission to most NPS parks — including parks like Joshua Tree — on the following days:
Feb 16: President’s Day
May 25: Memorial Day
Jun 14: Flag Day / National Park Service holiday
Jul 3–5: Independence Day Weekend
Aug 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
Sep 17: Constitution Day
Oct 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday
Nov 11: Veterans Day
Why 2026 Is a Great Year to Visit
- Cost-Effective Adventure — For U.S. visitors, a fee-free day can turn a spontaneous desert trip into a budget-friendly escape.
- Reset-Friendly Timing — Combine park access with a stay at Reset Hotel for a thoughtful, nature-driven getaway.
- Less Crowded Than Summer — With cooler weather and the off-season mood, fee-free days before or after peak summer heat offer a more peaceful desert experience.
What to Know Before You Go
- Even on fee-free days, some costs may still apply — for example, campground fees or reservation/timed-entry fees (if any). Always check the official park site for updates.
- Beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for US citizens and residents only. Non-residents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.
- Passes such as the “America the Beautiful Pass” remain valid for access during normal days.
Reset Hotel + Joshua Tree: Your 2026 Desert Getaway
Pair your fee-free park day with a stay at Reset Hotel for the full desert escape:
- Minimalist-modern rooms that offer calm, comfort, and clarity
- Easy access to Joshua Tree National Park, with the flexibility to arrive early and beat the crowds
- A base to rest, reflect, or stargaze under desert skies
Whether you’re hiking among rock formations, watching the sun set behind Joshua trees, or simply pausing to breathe — 2026 brings a simple path to experience Joshua Tree with fewer barriers.