Getting to Joshua Tree National Park

[rgevans871]

I'm currently in Pahrump, Nev. What's the best way to get to Joshua Tree National Park campground on the south edge of the park near the General Patton Museum. I'm towing a 32' 5th wheel. I'm a little concerned about taking the route down through the Mohave National Preserve because I'm not sure of the condition of the N/S road though Cima and Kelso and the likely hood of being out of cell phone service over a good part of that route. I'm driving a '99' truck with 140,000 miles on it. Of course it's a Ford, so I'm not likely to have a problem. I'd appreciate some input here.

Ron.

[Chickadee]

Ron: Frm. Pahrump, take Nev. 372/Calif. 178 SW to Shoshone then 127 S. to Baker and I-15 SW to Barstow. At Barstow, take 247 S. to Lucerne Valley and follow E & SE over to 62 then jog E. on 62 to Joshua Tree and then cut S. on park road. We did this in the reverse w. our 40' MH towing car, and it was a GREAT route, good roads and no big grades. Enjoy.

Steve & Lynette

[RStafford]

Hi Ron,
We we’re there a couple weeks ago. We came all the way thru Mojave on 127 (Kelbaker Rd)and the roads were OK. A few rough spots but nothing too bad. Kelso Depot near the middle of the park is a good and easy place to stop for lunch also.

[LindaH]

You should have no concerns about driving through the Mohave Preserve...the road is good, although as mentioned, a bit rough in a few places. We've driven this road a couple of time towing our 32' fifth wheel.

If you go this way, be sure to stop and check out the Visitor's Center at Kelso, which is housed in the old railroad station.