OverviewPinto Mountain is in Joshua Tree National Park and towers above the flat Pinto Basin. On a clear day, the views should be great from the summit of the Pinto Basin and surrounding mountains.
The Pinto Basin is a large flat-floored valley with large mountain ranges around it. The Pinto Basin is in the Colorado Desert region of Joshua Tree National Park (the lower desert region) where the vegetation includes creosote bush, ocotillo, and cholla cactus.
Pinto Peak |
Getting ThereFrom Indio, California drive east 23 miles on Interstate 10 to the Mecca-Twenty Nine Palms exit. Turn left (north) at the end of the exit onto Cottonwood Springs Road. Take Cottonwood Springs Road for 7 miles until you reach the entrance station. You can pay your entrance fee at the station. From the Cottonwood entrance station, you continue north on Pinto Basin Road for 14 miles until you reach a large parking area on the right side of the road. Park here.
Red TapeTo enter Joshua Tree National Park you are to pay a $10 entrance fee per vehicle. You can pay it at any of the entrance stations.
When To ClimbIt's best to climb from November to April. The summer temperatures can be over 100 degrees F.
CampingA total of nine campgrounds are available in the Joshua Tree National Park. Backcountry camping is allowed with a permit except in day use only areas. Water and flush toilets are available only in Black Rock Canyon and Cottonwood; the rest offer chemical toilets. All provide fireplaces and tables. Collecting wood inside the park is prohibited. None have showers.
For the campgrounds within the park that take reservation, online reservations can be made at:
Camping Reservations for Joshua Tree National Park
Mountain ConditionsHere's a link to the official Joshua Tree National Park website:
Joshua Tree National Park Official Site
All of the contact numbers are listed on the site.
External Links Images
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Joshua Tree National Park
