Last Updated on March 25, 2023 by Igor Karni
Joshua Tree National Park is a national park located in California, USA. The park covers 1235 square miles (3199 square km) and includes parts of the higher Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert. On the southwest edge, it also includes the Little San Bernardino Mountains.
If you are interested in visiting Joshua Tree National Park by electric bike, this article will answer all your questions!
Are e-bikes allowed in Joshua Tree National Park?
There is currently no e-bike specific information about Joshua Tree National Park. However, Joshua Tree National Park is managed by the National Park Service (NPS), and e-bikes are allowed where traditional bicycles are permitted in all units of the National Park System.
Per the federal USA and California state laws, e-bikes (which are classified as motorized bicycles) must have:
- A maximum motor output that does not exceed 750W
- A maximum speed that does not exceed 20 mph (32 km/h)
- A motor that only provides assistance when the rider is pedalling
View the link here to learn more about the USA’s electric bicycle laws!
Read also: Best specialized electric bicycle insurance companies in the USA. And, Rules & regulations for e-bikes and speed e-bikes in the USA.
How is Joshua Tree National Park organized, is it bicycle-friendly?
Though there are options for cycling in the park, bicyclists are not permitted to ride on hiking trails, and are restricted to roads that are open to vehicles. Additionally, there are no bike lanes in the park, and riders should be aware that most paved roads do not have a shoulder. If you choose to ride on paved roads, be sure to exercise extreme caution, wear reflective clothing, be aware of RVs and large trucks, and watch for bumps, potholes, and wildlife.
If you are looking to avoid heavy road traffic, it is recommended to cycle on the park’s backcountry roads, as they experience less congestion. Backcountry roads in the park include Berdoo Canyon Road, Black Eagle Mine Road, Covington Flat, Geology Tour Road, Old Dale Road, Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Roads, and Queen Valley Roads.
Where to stay during the trip?
If camping is something you’d like to do while in Joshua Tree National Park, here are the options you can choose from! Firstly, campgrounds that require reservations include Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rock, and Ryan Campground (note that this campground also has three sites for bicyclists). Next, campgrounds that are first-come-first-serve, options are Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle Campgrounds. For all campgrounds, prices per night range between $15 – $25 USD. Learn more about the park’s camping options here!
If you prefer staying at a hotel, here are some top-rated options located in and near the park: Safari Motor Inn – Joshua Tree, High Desert Motel Joshua Tree National Park, The Castle House Estate, Best Western Joshua Tree Hotel & Suites, Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Joshua Tree National Park, Travelodge Inn & Suites by Wyndham Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree, Oasis Inn & Suites Joshua Tree, and Pioneertown Motel. For more hotel recommendations, visit Booking.com, Expedia, or Trip Advisor!
Where can I eat? Or should I take my food with me?
You can certainly take your food with you on your e-cycling trip, especially if you are planning on taking long or challenging routes and need to keep your energy up. However, there are also several cafes and restaurants to get food from!
For quick bites, coffee, tea, and other snacks, visit The Natural Sisters Café, Pie for the People!, Boo’s Organic Oven, Joshua Tree Coffee Company, Larry’s and Milt’s Western Café, and Crossroads Café.
For sit-down restaurant options, choose from Joshua Tree Saloon, Country Kitchen, Sam’s Indian Food & Pizza, Royal SIAM Cuisine Thai Restaurant, Castanedas Mexican Food, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Panda Chinese Restaurant, and Steak N Shake.
What gear should I take on the trip?
Make sure you have all the necessary safety and biking gear with you before going on your e-bike trip!
The NPS recommends bringing at least one gallon of water per person per day on bike trips in Joshua Tree National Park, and two for extended or uphill trips. Other gear that you should bring with you includes a helmet, an extra battery pack, your e-bike charger, backpack, water, food, bike appropriate reflective clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, front and rear lights, a first aid kit, and a bike repair kit and pump.
If you are planning to camp, don’t forget to bring your tent and sleeping bag, extra water, dishware, cutlery, extra food, your booking information (if applicable), and a valid ID.
Read also: What to take with you an an e-biking trip? And, Can an e-bike pull a trailer?
Where can I charge my e-bike?
There are currently no maps that show e-bike specific charging stations in Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can check Chargehub to learn where the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are located in the park. Cyclists can also ask for permission to charge their e-bikes at hotels, cafes, restaurants, and campgrounds!
What kind of e-bike do I need to ride in Joshua Tree National Park?
If you are planning on taking primarily paved and flat roads in Joshua Tree National Park, a city cruiser or commuter e-bike is suitable. However, if you are planning to explore uphill and backcountry routes, we recommend choosing a hybrid or electric mountain bike (eMTB) to safely conquer the more challenging landscapes!
Read also: How to select your first electric mountain bike? And, How much does a good eMTB e-bike cost?
Where can I rent an e-bike in Joshua Tree National Park, or should I take one with me?
There are a few companies you can rent an e-bike from in Joshua Tree National Park! We’ll feature these later in the article.
You can also decide to bring your e-bike with you, just make sure it adheres to the specifications per the USA and California laws!
What else can I do while on an e-bike trip in Joshua Tree National Park?
There is plenty to do and see while visiting Joshua Tree National Park!
Choose from a plethora of natural landscapes, including popular trails, lookout points, and formations. Some of these include (but are not limited to): Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Keys View, Skull Rock, Ryan Mountain Trail, Cottonwood Spring, Cholla Cactus Garden Trail, Indian Cove Road, Lost Palms Oasis Trail, Arch Rock, Coachella Valley Preserve, and Wonderland of Rocks.
For museums, arts and culture, and entertainment, visit Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, General Patton Memorial, World Famous Crochet Museum, Hi-Desert Nature Museum, Joshua Tree Art Gallery, 29 Palms Art Gallery, Desert Christ Park, Glass Outhouse Art Gallery, Old Schoolhouse Museum, J T & S Railroad Museum, Keys Ranch, Barker Dam, and Wall Street Mill.
Other activities to do in the park aside from cycling include hiking, bouldering, rock climbing, birdwatching, and horseback riding!
Read also: Check out USA best travel destinations by electric bike.
What is the best time of year to visit Joshua Tree National Park on an e-bike?
According to experts, the best time of year to visit Joshua Tree National Park is in spring between March through May, and fall between October through November. This is because temperatures are most pleasant during these times, and these months also see the least amount of precipitation, making for ideal cycling conditions.
Visitors should also be aware that temperatures vary depending on where you are in the park. For example, snow may occur at higher elevations during the wintertime.
In March, April, and May, average temperatures range from 72 – 89 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 31 degrees Celsius); in October and November, average temperatures range between 69 – 83 Fahrenheit (20 to 28 degrees Celsius).
We recommend avoiding going during the summertime, as temperatures can get uncomfortably hot, often ranging between 98 – 103 degrees Fahrenheit during daytime (36 to 39 degrees Celsius).
Read also: Best known electric bicycle brands in the USA. And, Best e-bike financing options in the USA.
Resources to help plan your trip
If you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip to Joshua Tree National Park, view the NPS’ webpage here!
For further information about routes in the park, visit this page where you can access detailed maps.
E-bike rental companies include Joshua Tree E-Bike Rentals, where you can rent in hourly, half-day, full-day, 2-day, 3-day, and weekly increments, and Pedego – La Quinta, where hourly or daily options are available.
If you are interested in learning more about the food options in the park, check out Trip Advisor’s list here!
And lastly, for more recommendations on things to do while visiting Joshua Tree National Park, view PlanetWare’s list here and Google Travel’s list here!
Here is a quick video trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Do not miss it:
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
