Explore Responsibly

What does it mean to Explore Responsibly?

Responsible visitation to public lands is all about respect. Respect for the plants and animals who live here, respect for other visitors and their experiences, and respect for yourself by ensuring you make it home safe and sound. The decisions we make can have lasting impacts, both positive and negative, on the places we love.

To Explore Responsibly is to adventure with the understanding that a responsible outdoor ethic is just as important to carry around as water. Sometimes it means skipping the perfect photo opportunity in order to protect the park.

 

Respect the Resource

We are visitors to this special place. Small acts, like picking a wildflower or scratching initials in a tree, by individuals are magnified if thousands of other visitors think, "It won't matter if I do it, I'm only one person."

 

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  Backpacking

  Backpacking can be a great way to get out into the park for those who are prepared.

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  Enjoy the outdoors responsibly

  Leave No Trace

  Practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace.

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  Keep Wildlife Wild

  You can help protect Joshua Tree's wildlife by following a few simple guidelines.

 

Respect Other Visitors

The desert is a special place to many people. Some visitors come to Joshua Tree to disconnect and loud music, bright lights at night, and seeing others disregarding park rules can be disturbing.

 

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  Dogs

  Activities with pets are very limited in Joshua Tree. Learn how to make the most out of your visit and keep your furry friend safe.

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  Sleep Under the Stars

  Camping

  Sleep under the stars at one of Joshua Tree's nine developed campgrounds.

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  Half the Park is After Dark

  Experience Dark Night Skies

  Can't see the Milky Way from where you live? You're not alone. Joshua Tree offers outstanding stargazing.

 

Respect Yourself

The most important part of any adventure is making it home safely. Winging it can be fun, however it can also lead to disappointment and disaster if things go wrong. Plan ahead, be prepared, and have fun!

 

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  Safety

  A safe visit is a fun visit. Get important safety information here.

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  Things to Do

  There's so much to do! Get information on nature walks, backpacking trips, stargazing, photography, wildflower viewing, and more.

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  Explore Our Vast Desert Wilderness

  Hiking

  Joshua Tree has about 300 miles of hiking trails for you to explore. Which one is calling to you?

 

Why does it matter?

Each year more and more people come to experience the wonder of Joshua Tree National Park and the decisions they make during their visit can have lasting impacts. Small actions can be magnified when thousands of other make the same choice.

How do I join in?

We know you love Joshua Tree and we want to see how you choose to Explore Responsibly when you visit. Post your photos of how you enjoy the park while helping us protect it for future generations.

Make the choice. Share your photos. Use the tag #ExploreResponsibly.

 

When hiking where there is no trail, spreading out (instead of being single file) prevents social trails from forming.

NPS/Hannah Schwalbe