Pinto Basin Road

Pinto Basin Road leaves Park Boulevard 4.6 miles from the North Entrance and heads south 36 miles to the South Entrance. Interstate 10 is only one mile from this entrance, but nothing else is. Our coverage starts from the southern end near I-10.

Mile 0 – South Entrance

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

Mile 5.9 – Cottonwood Spring area

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.

Mile 10.3 – Smoke Tree Wash

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.

Mile 12.7 – Old Dale & Black Eagle Road

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

Mile 14.4 – Porcupine Wash

The road enters Porcupine Wash for the next 0.4 miles.

Mile 20.5 – Fried Liver Wash

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.

Mile 24.4 – Ocotillo Patch

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

Mile 25.9 – Cholla Garden Nature Trail

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.

Mile 33.2 – White Tank Campground

The White Tank Campground is on the right.

Mile 34.6 – Belle Campground

The Belle Campground is on the right.

Mile 35.9 – Park Boulevard

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.