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

85.9 miles 138.3 km · straight line
107.4 miles estimated 172.9 km · driving distance
2h 10min estimated drive time
$10 - $13 estimated fuel cost
~40min flight time · usually no direct flights
274° W bearing direction

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

The distance from Joshua Tree, California (National Park) to Riverside is 85.9 miles (138.3 km) as the crow flies. Riverside is located W of Joshua Tree, California (National Park). By car, the driving distance is approximately 107.4 miles, taking about 2h 10min. A direct flight would take roughly 40min. Both are located in United States.

This is a quick and easy drive, perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. You can easily make the round trip in a single day. 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. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Joshua Tree, California (National Park) and Riverside. 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 Joshua Tree, California (National Park) to Riverside

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 2h 10min $10 - $13 Flexible stops
Bus ~2h 36min $9–$16* Budget
Train ~2h 4min $13–$38* Comfort

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

Quick Facts

Joshua Tree, California (National Park)
33.87°N, 115.90°W
America/Los_Angeles
792m elevation
Riverside
33.95°N, 117.40°W
America/Los_Angeles
256m elevation
Explore more routes from Riverside

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 29 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 7 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 289.8 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients