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Joshua Tree National Park Reopening With Limitations

A cactus is pictured in Joshua Tree National Park in this undated photo.
Laura McVicker
A cactus is pictured in Joshua Tree National Park in this undated photo.

Joshua Tree National Park is slowly reopening after a lengthy closure to slow spread of the coronavirus.

The park announced this week that it is using a phased approach.

Park entrances, roads, parking lots, trails, individual campsites and most restrooms are open.

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Visitor centers and group campsites remain closed and all campsite reservations made through the recreation.gov are canceled.

RELATED: California Relaxes Some Criteria For Reopening

The park says all campsites are first-come, first-served until Sept. 4, and campers must pay as normal at each campground.

All programs remain canceled and along with all permits for special use activities through May 31.

Recent years have seen a big increase in the popularity of Joshua Tree, which straddles the Mojave and Colorado deserts 140 miles (225 kilometers) east of Los Angeles.

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Spring and fall are best times to visit. The rapidly approaching summer will bring scorching heat, intense sunlight and the need to drink at least one gallon (4 liters) of water a day.