Hays to Joshua Tree, California (National Park): Road Trip Guide & Distance

982.9 miles 1581.9 km · straight line
1179.5 miles estimated 1898.3 km · driving distance
23h 44min estimated drive time
$114 - $140 estimated fuel cost
~2h 29min flight time
255° WSW bearing direction

How far is Hays from Joshua Tree, California (National Park)?

The distance from Hays to Joshua Tree, California (National Park) is 982.9 miles (1581.9 km) as the crow flies. Joshua Tree, California (National Park) is located WSW of Hays. By car, the driving distance is approximately 1179.5 miles, taking about 23h 44min. A direct flight would take roughly 2h 29min. Both are located in United States — Hays in Kansas and Joshua Tree, California (National Park) in California.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. For a trip of this distance, flying is significantly faster. However, driving offers the flexibility to explore stops along the way.

Coordinates come from public place data for Hays and Joshua Tree, California (National Park). The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Hays to Joshua Tree, California (National Park)

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 23h 44min $114 - $140 Flexible stops
Fly ~2h 29min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~28h 29min $94–$177* Budget
Train ~30h 51min $142–$413* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Hays & Joshua Tree, California (National Park)

Quick Facts

Hays
38.88°N, 99.33°W
America/Chicago
616m elevation
Joshua Tree, California (National Park)
33.87°N, 115.90°W
America/Los_Angeles
792m elevation
Explore more routes from Joshua Tree, California (National Park)

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 328 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 82 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 25.3 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients