Joshua Tree National Park loop from Twenty Nine Palms

This cycling loop starts and ends in Twentynine Palms. You can find parking in the town before heading into Joshua Tree National Park. Specific parking details within Twentynine Palms would depend on your chosen starting point.

Yes, an entrance fee applies to enter Joshua Tree National Park. This fee covers access to the park for a set period. You do not need a separate cycling permit beyond the standard park entrance fee.

The best time to cycle this route is typically during the cooler months, from fall through spring (October to April). Summers can be extremely hot, making cycling challenging and requiring significant hydration. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and potential wildflower blooms.

In Joshua Tree National Park, dogs are generally permitted on paved roads, in developed campgrounds, and within 100 feet of roads and picnic areas. However, they are not allowed on unpaved trails or backcountry areas. Since this route primarily uses park roads, your dog could accompany you on paved sections, but always keep them on a leash and be mindful of hot pavement and desert wildlife.

This loop is rated as difficult for touring bicycles. It covers approximately 78 km with an elevation gain of about 887 meters. You'll encounter significant climbs and descents, including sections with a 5% grade. Some unpaved sections, like Queen Valley Road, can be washboarded, requiring gravel tires for comfort.

The estimated duration for this touring bicycle loop is around 5 hours and 9 minutes of moving time. However, this can vary significantly based on your fitness level, the number of stops you make for sightseeing, and weather conditions.

The route primarily follows paved roads within Joshua Tree National Park, but also includes some unpaved fire roads. Expect a mix of uphill and downhill sections, with varying road surfaces. While some unpaved sections are generally packed and ridable, gravel tires are recommended for comfort on potentially washboarded areas.

This loop offers stunning desert scenery and several notable landmarks. You'll pass by the Joshua Tree National Park Entrance Station, ride along Bighorn Pass Road, and can visit iconic formations like Skull Rock. The route provides immersive views of the park's unique Joshua trees and rock formations.

Water resources are very limited within Joshua Tree National Park. It is crucial to carry plenty of water, especially given the route's length and potential heat. There are no cafes or shops directly on the route once you are inside the park, so plan to be self-sufficient with all your supplies.

Yes, while primarily utilizing park roads, the route does briefly intersect or run concurrently with sections of other paths. Notably, it includes portions of Bighorn Pass Road and Queen Valley Road, which are popular for exploring the park's interior.

Given its 'difficult' rating, significant distance (78 km), and considerable elevation gain (887 m), this route is generally not recommended for families with young children or beginner cyclists. It requires a good level of fitness and experience with touring bicycles, especially considering the varied terrain and limited amenities.