Pinto Basin Road

One mile after exiting Interstate 10 is the entrance sign welcoming you to Joshua Tree National Park's South Entrance.

The Cottonwood Spring area is on the right. This is the only developed area along the entire road. There is a visitor center and Cottonwood Campground. The Cottonwood Spring Trail also leads from a parking area 1.2 miles down this side road, to a rare desert oasis complete with palm trees.

The road begins to pass through Smoke Tree Wash, and continues to do so for the next half mile or so. In this area of few landmarks, it is worth noting.

Two unpaved roads, Old Dale Road and Black Eagle Road, head off straight and to the right. Pinto Basin Road veers to the left.

The road enters Porcupine Wash for the next 0.4 miles.

The road enters another wash, this one whimsically named Fried Liver Wash. This is longer than the others, and the road remains in it for the next two miles.

There is a small parking area along the road. A patch of ocotillo exists here, bizarre looking plants shown to the right.

A parking area is on the left for the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail. This short and easy trail winds through an area of dense cholla cactus.

The White Tank Campground is on the right.

The Belle Campground is on the right.

The road ends at Park Boulevard. A right turn leads to the North Entrance in 4.6 miles, and the town of Twentynine Palms beyond. A left turn leads to the West Entrance in 21 miles, and on to the town of Joshua Tree.