Pinto Basin Road ~ Joshua Tree National Park

Pinto Basin Road is main touring route through the south central portion of Joshua Tree National Park. There are a couple of campgrounds that are conveniently located near the intersection of Park Road and from there, Pinto Basin offers nothing but pure Mojave Desert adventure as far as the eyes can see. Pinto Basin Road runs 36 miles to the south entrance of the National Park and camping options are also available at the end of the line. The reason why camping options are highlighted will become evident upon arrival. The Pinto Basin offers so much to see and do that it is best to plan a week long excursion!

The hiking trails along Pinto Basin Road go to unique geological areas, native heritage sites, old abandoned mines and majestic nature viewing areas. There are also some challenging 4x4 trails along this road that go deep into the low desert terrain. There are a few well marked roadside points of interest to keep an eye out for too, such as the Cholla Gardens and Ocotillo Patch. The signature eroded boulder mountains of Joshua Tree National Park surround this large basin, so landscape artists will find plenty of subject matter to study in this area.  

The cool weather seasons are best for visiting any destination in the Mojave Desert, because the scorching hot summer temperatures are something that is best avoided. Staying hydrated is the key in this arid environment, so be sure to pack water even for a short hike in cool weather. As far as the weather is concerned, there are many more bright sunny days in this park than gray dreary skies.

For a real adventurist, the inclement weather conditions in the desert truly are something to marvel over, but one has to be aware of flash flood areas. During the change of seasons, thick Pacific fog banks have been known to roll through this region and experiencing a slow moving solid wall of blinding fog in this odd landscape will provide lucid memories to ponder over for a lifetime. No matter whether it is sunny or gray, Pinto Basin Road is one of the best scenic drives in the entire west. The outdoor adventures are literally endless when touring this long road!